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Tobacco Minor Sting Operation

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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The Coalition, Inc. has partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department to prevent and reduce the harmful use of tobacco products in rural areas like East Texas, where tobacco-related health problems are more prevalent.

The Angelina County Sheriff’s Department targeted area businesses that sell tobacco. The age limit to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is 21, per the guidelines from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Out of the 49 attempts in January and February, 11 citations were issued to businesses that sold tobacco products to minors. The Coalition and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department commend the following businesses for protecting the youth of Angelina County from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine.

  • Gas N Go #1; 401 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Vape N Smoke; 912 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Walgreens #05792; 102 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • HEB Food Store #617; 111 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Brookshire Brothers #5; 906 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Family Dollar #26064; 419 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Lufkin Smoke & Daiquiri Shop; 205 N. Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Zaks Food Mart #1; 1910 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • JR Food Mart; 1114 E Denman Ave., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • On the Road #101; 1001 E Denman Ave., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Dollar General Store #692; 1522 S. Chestnut St., Lufkin TX 75901
  • Texas Star; 1203 S. Chestnut St., Lufkin TX 75901
  • Zaks Food Mart #4; 1203 S Chestnut St., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Kwick Korner Food Mart; 203 S Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Smoke Chap; 508 S Timberland Dr Ste 102, Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Zaks Food Mart #5; 612 S Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Pilot Travel Center #1023; 1920 E Denman Ave., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Love’s Travel Stop #290; 1003 S Medford Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Big’s 3823; 909 S Medford Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Family Dollar #21899; 730 S Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • New Beginningz; 917 Atkinson Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Big’s 3850; 3019 S John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, TX 75904
  • On the Road #11; 3503 S. Chestnut St., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Vape N More Medford; 4206 S. Medford Dr. Ste B, Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Jim Ann’s; 1911 S. 1st St., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Vape Nation; 4001 S. Medford Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Small Town Smoke and Vape; 103 N. Brentwood Dr. Ste 150, Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Snappy Food Mart Crown Colony; 101 Champions Dr. Ste B, Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Fairview Mini Mart; 2979 FM 2108, Lufkin, TX 75901
  • The Elevated Humidor; 122 S. 1st St., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Snappy Food Mart Diboll; 1580 N. Temple Dr., Diboll, TX 75941
  • Charge Up 65; 701 S. Temple Dr., Diboll, TX 75941
  • Brookshire Brothers #35; 221 N. Temple Dr., Diboll, TX 75941
  • Diboll Food Mart; 500 N. Temple Dr., Diboll, TX 75941
  • Vape N Smoke #2; 600 N. Temple Dr., Diboll, TX 75941

The eleven businesses that sold tobacco products to minors received a toolkit to assist store leadership in training employees on the importance of checking IDs and not selling to minors. The businesses that failed the compliance checks include:

  • Snappy Food Mart Lufkin; 804 N Timberland Dr., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Vapor World; 8412 E Denman Ave., Lufkin, TX 75901
  • Brookshire Brothers #1; 301 S Chestnut St., Lufkin TX 75901
  • 365 Smoke and Vape #8; 2002 S. 1st St., Lufkin TX 75901
  • Brookshire Brothers #118; 2106 S. 1st St., Lufkin TX 75901
  • Murphy USA #7653; 2500 Daniel McCall Dr. Ste B, Lufkin TX 75901
  • Mango Island Smoke Shop; 101 Champions Dr. Ste B, Lufkin TX 75901
  • On The Road #103; 41110 S. 1st St., Lufkin TX 75901
  • Diboll Depot; 1605 N. Temple Dr., Diboll TX 75941
  • Dollar General Store #1695; 225 N. Temple Dr., Diboll TX 75941
  • Charge Up 66; 605 N. Temple Dr., Diboll TX 75941

For additional information, please contact The Coalition at (936) 634-9308. 

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 tobacco compliance checks, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Still Planting by the Calendar?

By
Cary Sims
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If you garden long enough in East Texas, you’ll learn one thing the hard way:

The calendar will lie to you.

Right now, outdoor conditions feel just about perfect. Warm afternoons, mild mornings, and soil that ‘looks’ ready to go. And that’s exactly when a lot of gardeners make decisions based on habit instead of paying attention to what’s actually happening in the soil.

We’ve all heard the rules—plant this crop by this date, wait until after the last frost, get your garden in by a certain weekend. Those guidelines aren’t wrong, but they’re not precise either.

Because seeds and transplants don’t read calendars. They respond to conditions.

Soil temperature matters more than air temperature. We can have a string of 85-degree afternoons and still have soil that hasn’t fully warmed, especially in heavier or wetter ground. Seeds sit. Roots stall. Growth slows down, and suddenly you’re behind even though you thought you were early.

Moisture matters just as much. Working and planting into soil that’s too wet might feel productive in the moment, but it creates compaction, poor root development, and problems that last the rest of the season. On the other hand, planting into dry soil without a plan for irrigation can leave seeds struggling to ever get started.

Even timing within the day matters. Transplanting wilted plants in the heat of an afternoon versus well-watered transplants in early morning or late evening can make the difference between a plant that takes off and one that spends a week just trying to recover.

The same principle applies beyond the garden. Newly planted or sprigged pastures may be greening up, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to graze. Lawns may be green and have been mown, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready for fertilizer. In every case, reacting to appearance instead of conditions leads to problems later.

The best growers—whether they’re raising tomatoes in their garden or sprigging a new hay meadow—pay attention to what’s actually happening around them. They check soil moisture. They notice how quickly things are drying out. They watch how plants are responding, not just whether it’s “time” to do something.

That shift—from calendar-based decisions to condition-based decisions—is what separates consistent success from constant frustration.

Right now, in early April, the opportunity isn’t only just to plant.

It’s to pay attention.

Because the decisions you make in the next few weeks won’t show up tomorrow.

They’ll show up when the heat really sets in—and by then, it’s too late to fix them.

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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How Can Christians Be Unified?
 
“If Christians were on a basketball team, they’d have to pass the ball instead of hog it,” says Ethan, 10. “Jesus would probably be the coach and the MVP!”

That’s a great way to start thinking about unity. Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers would be “one” just like he and the Father are one. That’s a pretty big request, especially when we sometimes struggle just to share the remote.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word; that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (John 17:20–21).

Jesus prayed this not just for His first disciples but for all Christians throughout history, including us. He wasn’t praying for us to all wear the same shoes or vote the same way. He prayed for a deeper kind of unity, the kind that reflects his relationship with his Father.

“Jesus and His Father love each other perfectly, and they never fight,” says Grace, 9. “So Christians should try to get along like that, even when we disagree.”

Yes! Unity doesn’t mean we’re all the same. It means we’re connected by something stronger than our differences. That “something” is really someone: Jesus. When we remember that he is the center and loves us unconditionally, it helps us stay close to each other. We value our brothers and sisters in Christ because we’re in the same family by God’s grace, which is God’s superglue that holds us together.

Jesus also said: “And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as we are one: I in them, and you in me; that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:22–23).

That’s a lot of “ins”! But it makes sense. God lives in us through his Spirit, and that means we have access to the same love and unity that exist within the Trinity. That’s the New Covenant promise. God no longer dwells in a temple made of stone but in the hearts of believers.

“God’s love is like glue,” says Bella, 8. “It sticks us together.”

Exactly. We don’t get unity by trying harder to be nice. It comes from knowing we are already loved deeply by God and letting that love spill over onto others. Jesus prayed that the world would know God’s love by the way his people love one another.

Unity doesn’t mean we never mess up. It means we keep coming back to love, forgiveness, and truth. It means we choose humility over pride, listening over shouting, and peace over drama.

It also means we remember that all Christians, whether they go to a small church, a big church, whether they meet online or under a tree, are part of the same forever family.

Think About This: Christian unity comes from knowing God’s unconditional love and letting it guide how we treat each other.

Memorize This Truth: “I in them, and you in me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them as you have loved me” (John 17:23).

Ask These Questions: Am I showing God’s love in a way that helps Christians feel united with Jesus and his followers? Are non-Christians being drawn to Christ because of the unity they see in me and the believers with whom I gather?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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. 

Legendary Actor Dennis Quaid and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to Speak on Panel in Nacogdoches on April 10

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

April 10 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am

Actor Dennis Quaid and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick will be speaking at the Lone Star Legislative Summit presented by Citizens 1st Bank on Friday, April 10, at 7:30 a.m. in Nacogdoches.
 
This marquee event will offer an unprecedented opportunity to peek behind the curtains of one of Texas’s most impactful industries, the film industry, and its economic impact on not only East Texas, but the entire state.
 
Dennis Quaid said, “I’m looking forward to joining Lt. Governor Patrick for this important discussion on Texas’s future and the effort to make the Lone Star State the country’s film capital. From here in East Texas to the Rio Grande Valley, Panhandle, and everywhere in between, Texas has unlimited potential and countless opportunities for growth. I look forward to discussing those opportunities at the Lone Star Legislative Summit.”

“One of my top priorities is ensuring Texas remains the best state in the union by creating jobs and driving economic growth. Texas is becoming a film industry leader. Fort Worth is now a major production hub, and in Midlothian, ‘The Chosen’ turned Texas into Ancient Israel, creating 1,000 jobs in the process.”
— Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
“I’m looking forward to joining Lt. Governor Patrick for this important discussion on Texas’s future and the effort to make the Lone Star State the country’s film capital. From here in East Texas to the Rio Grande Valley, Panhandle, and everywhere in between, Texas has unlimited potential and countless opportunities for growth. I look forward to discussing those opportunities at the Lone Star Legislative Summit.”
— Dennis Quaid


 
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick stated that, “One of my top priorities is ensuring Texas remains the best state in the union by creating jobs and driving economic growth. Texas is becoming a film industry leader. Fort Worth is now a major production hub, and in Midlothian, ‘The Chosen’ turned Texas into Ancient Israel, creating 1,000 jobs in the process. On April 10th at Lone Star Legislative Summit, I’ll be interviewing legendary Texas actor Dennis Quaid on his career and the Texas film industry.”
 
The morning panel between Dennis Quaid and Lt. Governor Patrick is open to members of the media.
 
Along with the breakfast event sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, panel discussions and a luncheon with U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions and U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran are in the lineup of activities during the rest of the summit. Panel discussions are:
    •    Media Madness. Lone Star Lens: Texas Politics Unfiltered.
    •    Rooted in Education. Rising in Workforce.
    •    The Next Drop: Planning for Texas’ Water Future.
 
The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has held the biennial two-day summit starting in 2006 with the purpose of connecting lawmakers with community leaders so that real issues affecting East Texas can be discussed in an open, non-partisan forum. The goal is simple, set the stage for state and federal representation to have access as much information as possible to support the making of good law.
 
For more about the legislative summit, call (936) 560-5533 or click here for online registration.

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 560-5533

View Organizer Website

Downtown Nacogdoches

202 E Pilar St, Rm 218
Nacogdoches, TX 75961 United States + Google Map

Related Events

Drug-Free All Stars Visit Woodland Heights Medical Center

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Front row from left to right: Lauren Woodward, Central HS; Savannah Bergman, Lufkin HS; Leanne Burke, Pineywoods Community Academy; Charla Raines, Lufkin HS; and Victoria Alonso, Pineywoods Community Academy HS Second row from left to right: Gavin Bowman, Lufkin HS; Savanna Soverns, Pineywoods Community Academy; Hailei Fontenot, Central HS; Alyssa Montero, Central HS; Rebekah Sapp, Huntington HS; Marlee Jones, Huntington HS; Nathalie Jacobo, Central HS; Alondra Cura, Lufkin HS; and Angel Gutierrez-Hernandez, Central HS. Back row from left to right: Martin Allen, Pineywoods Community Academy; Aubrey Mays, Hudson HS; Maggie Allen, Hudson HS; Parker Tanksley, Lufkin HS; Ja’Marcus Nieves, Diboll HS; John Oliphant, Central HS; Barret Price, Diboll HS; Ethan Basham, Central HS; and Stephen Bennett, Woodland Heights.

The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, 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 their recent meeting, the Drug-Free All Stars visited Woodland Heights Medical Center and heard from Stephen Bennett, Director of Emergency Services. Mr. Bennett talked to the students about the impact drugs and alcohol have on the day to day operations in the Emergency Room. Mr. Bennett also advised the students to make safe choices as they approach prom and graduation and their next steps. The Coalition, Inc. appreciates Jennifer Stevens, Director of Marketing, and Stephen Bennett for making this meeting possible.   

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

Spring Fertilization in East Texas: Why a Lighter Touch Often Produces Better Lawns

By
Billy Forrest
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Spring fertilization is often viewed as the solution to winter-worn lawns, but in East Texas, more fertilizer doesn’t always mean better results. In fact, aggressive feeding early in the season can work against long-term lawn health.

Understanding how grass responds to nutrients helps homeowners make smarter decisions.

The Problem With “Greening Up” Too Fast

Grass emerging from dormancy focuses first on rebuilding root systems. Heavy fertilization encourages fast blade growth before roots are ready to support it. This imbalance leads to shallow roots and lawns that struggle once heat and drought arrive.

Fast growth can also increase mowing demands and stress turf unnecessarily.

Timing Is Critical

Fertilizer should be applied when grass is actively growing and capable of absorbing nutrients efficiently. In East Texas, fluctuating spring temperatures make early applications risky. A well-timed, moderate approach produces more consistent results than heavy early feeding.

Why Balance Matters

Healthy lawns depend on more than nutrients alone. Soil conditions, mowing practices, moisture management, and weed control all influence how fertilizer performs. When these factors work together, lawns grow thicker and more resilient naturally.

Recognizing Over-Fertilization

Excess fertilizer often shows up as uneven growth, discoloration, or increased weed pressure rather than healthier turf. These symptoms indicate imbalance—not deficiency.

Building Stronger Lawns for the Long Term

Sustainable lawn care focuses on steady growth and root development rather than quick cosmetic improvement. A balanced fertilization plan supports deeper roots, improved stress tolerance, and better performance throughout the growing season.

A thoughtful approach to spring fertilization often produces lawns that look better not just in spring—but all year long.

AARP Texas Warns: Fraud Is No Joke For Older Texans

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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fraud isn't a joke

HOUSTON — While April Fool’s Day is known for pranks, AARP Texas is warning that fraud targeting Texans, especially older adults, is anything but a joke.

New data from the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center shows Texans reported about $1.35 billion in fraud losses last year, placing Texas among the hardest-hit states in the nation. Older adults are seeing some of the fastest-growing financial losses, with scams becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.

AARP Texas is taking fraud prevention directly to communities with free, in-person and virtual events, including: 

  • Community shred days to safely dispose of old tax documents, bills and any other sensitive information;
  • Fraud prevention workshops in select cities; and
  • Virtual learning session accessible statewide.

Media are invited to cover local shred events and speak with AARP staff. Find the full schedule of activities hereor by visiting: https://www.aarp.org/states/texas/free-paper-shredding-events-and-fraud-workshops-to-protect-your-identity/

NOTE TO EDITORS:  Why This Matters Now

  • April is Fraud Prevention Month
  • Texas ranks among the top states for fraud losses
  • Cryptocurrency kiosk scams are on the rise
  • Events provide visual, community-based news coverage opportunities.

Lufkin Announces “America 250 Celebration” Event Series Honoring Nation’s 250th Anniversary

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

LUFKIN, TEXAS — The City of Lufkin, Angelina County, and community partners are proud to announce a series of events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, bringing together residents and visitors to honor the nation’s history, community spirit, and shared future.

The America 250 Celebration in Lufkin will feature a lineup of meaningful and family-friendly events throughout the summer, each designed to reflect on the values of freedom, service, and unity while creating memorable experiences for all ages.

The celebration begins with the Liberty Walk on May 3, a lighted walk through Downtown Lufkin where participants will gather at the courthouse and walk together to Cotton Square, concluding with a live concert. Additional events include the Liberty Tree Dedication on May 26, hosted in partnership with Angelina Beautiful Clean, symbolizing growth, resilience, and community roots.

On June 14, the community is invited to attend a Flag Day Ceremony presented by VFW Post #1836, honoring the American flag and the service of those who have defended it. The celebration continues into the Independence Day weekend with a free movie screening of Captain America: The First Avenger at The Pines Theater presented by Angelina Arts Alliance on July 3, followed by the City of Lufkin’s Fourth of July Celebration on July 4.

Additional community features include a military truck and cannon display at Luis Bronaugh Park from May through July, as well as participation from local organizations, businesses, and media partners supporting the celebration across the city. The History Center will also host exhibits from now through July, and Kurth Memorial Library will offer programming from June 29 through July 11.

“This is an opportunity for our community to come together and reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are, and look forward to what’s ahead,” said Tara Hendrix, Director of Tourism at Visit Lufkin. “We’re excited to create experiences that are meaningful for our residents and welcoming for visitors.”

As part of the celebration, Visit Lufkin will launch a new event feature on its website that allows visitors to easily explore and plan their experience. Events are automatically pulled from Facebook and Google, creating a centralized itinerary for those looking to attend multiple activities. More information to come.

Community organizations are encouraged to participate by hosting their own America 250-themed events. To be included in the official event listings and itinerary, organizers are asked to create a Facebook event and incorporate the America 250 branding.

For a full list of events and to plan your visit, go to VisitLufkin.com.

Media Contact:
Visit Lufkin
936-633-0359
visit@cityoflufkin.com

Lady Roadrunners Sweep Lamar State Port Arthur

By
Gary Stallard
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Dunn’s Walk-off Single Fuels AC Wins

The Angelina College Lady Roadrunners trailed 5-2 heading into their final at-bat in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader with Lamar State College-Port Arthur. 

AC’s Mallory Dunn made sure the margin wasn’t enough for the Seahawks.

Dunn ripped a single to left field to score teammate Ella Stephenson in the bottom of the seventh inning and give the Lady ‘Runners a thrilling 6-5, walk-off win at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. 

Katherine Page opened the Lady Roadrunner seventh by beating out an infield single, coming around to score on Emily Zunker’s double to center. Elizabeth Craig pushed Zunker to third on a single, and Ella Stephenson scored Zunker on a bloop single to right field. 

After a Jessi Sumpter sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, Megan Smith drew an intentional walk to load the bases. Ella Berger smoked a line drive to centerfield to plate Craig and tie the score at 5-5, and Dunn ended the game with her big hit.

Zunker ended the game with two RBI. 

In the nightcap, AC starting pitcher Jessi Sumpter tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out five Seahawks and walking just one in the Lady Roadrunners’ 4-0 win. Dunn added two more RBI, while Berger and Craig drove in a run each. 

The Lady Roadrunners (13-21, 4-4) will be in Galveston to face Galveston College on Wednesday, April 1 for a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.  

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

The People Behind the Angelina County Fair

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

By the time the auction begins Saturday afternoon, most visitors will see the ribbons, the buckles, and the banners.

What they won’t see is the weeks’ worth of early mornings, late nights, and volunteers who made it all happen. From the first contests on Monday morning to the final events of the week, hundreds of volunteers stepped in to make this year’s fair possible. They opened gates before daylight, organized entries, judged competitions, and helped young exhibitors every step of the way.

You will read in other parts of the news about the placings, the livestock, agricultural mechanics, foods, crafts, and other activities that took place. I hope you know about our “Reach for The Stars Show” for kids with special needs. We’ve added shooting sports a couple of years ago, and this year for the first time, a light-hearted “Old Timers Show” competition to help raise funds for the auction. Undoubtedly, there is the generous support of the buyers at the auction in addition to Round Tabel that awarded $52,500 deserving graduating Seniors this year in Angelina County.    

And as the auction gets underway late this afternoon, and the ribbons, buckles, and banners will be on display. I would be remiss not to say a special thank you to all the volunteers who make each year’s show a success.

Volunteers are truly the heroes behind the scenes who make our Angelina County Fair successful.  

The first contests of the Fair started on Monday. Those were public speaking, shotgun, and archery. The public speaking event was led by Jennifer Reynolds and Bo David Williford. Shooting sports competitions such as shotgun and archery were led by volunteers Heather McCall, Christi Grandgeorge, and Ryan Merrel.

The Home Economics Division is such a large effort that Janna Brazil and Joel Redus are needed to lead this event. Additionally, there were over 35 others that stepped forward for all the organization and judging.  Yes, the judges do get to partake in some of the best cakes, pies, cheesecakes, breads, and cookies around, but they also must test and quiz the students about the ingredients, preparation, and nutritional value.  

The Floral Design competition is in its second year and is led by Ashlyn Childress, an Agricultural Science Instructor from Hudson FFA. Carrie Shockley is the Arts and Crafts superintendent and oversees the numerous volunteers and judges that help check in and evaluate the projects. 

Superintendents for the livestock show divisions include Melanie Murray, Westin Reynolds, Delbert Reynolds, Dillon Mason, Stephen Shockley, Mike Whiteman, Anna Lamb, Heith Garcia, and Summer Garcia.  Each of these men and women also have several folks who help with validation, check-in, opening gates, and several other tasks for each show.

There are “open events” where you don’t have to be a 4-H or FFA member in Angelina County to participate. These include the BBQ cook-off, the washer tournament, and the ‘Reach for the Stars’ special needs show. For those competitions, the respective superintendents are, Charlie Gumbles, Melissa Wheeler, Danielle Chumbley, and Karen Stafford.  

The Ag-Mech division is led by Kevin Martin, the Trailer Build-Off which was headed up by Matthew Edwards, and the livestock judging was led by Courtney Daniels.

The newest event this year was the “Old Timers Show” which was led by Claire Clary.

Anita Carraway oversees the Youth Ambassador program. If you watched any part of the Fair, you saw youth in blue vests helping. This youth volunteer program strives to provide high school aged youth fair participants the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills and become an advocate for their county fair division. Applications are due in mid-September and those selected are responsible for workshops leading up the Fair, helping during their assigned division, as well as generally helping whenever they may be needed.  

The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce has numerous volunteers that give of their time for the Fair.  The County Fair Board consists of Anita Carraway, Preston Loggins, Steve Milligan, Preston Loggins, Codie Jenkins, Justin Risner, Scott Slusher, Melissa Wheeler, Stephen Corley, Chad Murray, and Chris Carraway.  The Board chairman is Todd Kassaw. 

Kody Jenkins is the Executive Director for our Fair and does a phenomenal job year-round to ensure a successful event for exhibitors and families alike. 

Finally, donors to the auction help reward the youth on Saturday evening.  Brookshire Brothers is our presenting sponsor for the Fair. There are numerous, fantastic businesses and families that support the auction, and I also want to personally thank those of you who donated any amount to one of the buyer pools.  

I know this is a long list of names. But they are the ones who show up early, stay late, and quietly do the work that allows young people to step into the spotlight.

And while the auction may recognize the exhibitors, this week is just as much a reflection of the community standing behind them.

If you want to join the auction virtually, donate to the auction, or check out pictures of this year’s winners, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.  

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