(Photo: A wildfire consumes cured grass in Texas.)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service warns of increased wildfire danger, as changing weather conditions impact the state.
After increasingly dry conditions over the past 10 days, Texas has experienced a warming trend this week. In portions of the Texas Plains, last week’s first hard freeze has pushed native grasses into dormancy. Dormant and cured grasses ignite more easily and require less drying and fire-conducive weather to support wildfire activity.
“Elevated fire weather conditions are expected on Thursday across areas near Amarillo, Childress and Lubbock, where dry, dormant grasses will contribute to increased potential for wildfire activity,” said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “A large wildfire with moderate resistance to control is possible, particularly in areas with complex terrain near river drainages, where conditions may support more challenging fire behavior.”
Recent trends show that nearly 40% of wildfires reported in Texas over the past week were caused by debris burning and equipment use. These activities can easily ignite a wildfire under current dry and warm conditions.
“With current weather conditions setting the stage for increased wildfire activity, we need all Texans to do their part in prevention,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “It is critical to follow local burn bans, properly maintain equipment and take extra precautions to help prevent wildfires.”
No precipitation is forecast statewide for the next seven days. An unusually warm and dry pattern is expected to persist for at least the next two weeks. As hot and dry conditions persist, consider the following:
Always obey local burn bans and outdoor burning restrictions. Wait to conduct any outdoor burning or light campfires until the burn ban has been lifted, and weather conditions improve.
When a burn ban is in place, residents should avoid outdoor activities that may cause a spark, including welding, grinding and using heavy machinery.
Exercise extreme caution when working outdoors with heavy equipment. Malfunctioning equipment can spark or overheat and cause a wildfire. Check equipment frequently for trapped debris and check bearings for signs of overheating.
Many areas of Texas are experiencing high temperatures, dry and windy weather conditions. Residents should stay up to date on weather conditions and always use extreme caution when performing outdoor activities even if not under a burn ban.
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For more information about wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/homeowners-prevention-and-preparedness/
For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/current-wildfire-status/
I’ve been watching our local weather forecast and it looks like we are in for some 30-something degree weather! With overnight lows dipping into the lower 30s in the coming days, many East Texans are wondering whether they should rush out and cover every plant they own. But according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension horticulture specialists, not every cold snap is the same—and not every plant needs saving.
A light frost is typically 30–32°F for only a short period before sunrise. This is part of a normal fall transition and, for our part of the world, happens in mid-November on average. A hard freeze, 28°F or below for several hours, is what causes serious injury. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of effort, and in many cases, unnecessary worry.
So, let’s dive in- What is at risk at 30°F? Warm-season annuals are the first to show damage. Warm season herbs such as basil, and flowers such as coleus, sweet potato vine, and anything tropical will likely turn to mush after a frost. Summer vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers—if you still have them hanging on—will be also ruined once frost hits the foliage.
Warm-season turf like St. Augustine or Bermuda is already going dormant this time of year, and AgriLife turf specialists point out that a single frost is not harmful to the grass itself. San Augustine grass, our favorite lawn grass, largely stops growing when temperatures stay around 55° F.
Bermuda and Bahia grass pastures will stop growing as well. Bermuda grass typically stops when soil temps consistently reach 60 F. Bahia will continue to grow (every so slightly) until temps are in the 50° F range.
But in your fall planted vegetable or ornamental gardens, you may have several plants that will push through and never notice the coming 30° temperatures. AgriLife horticulture guidance notes that broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, carrots, lettuce, beets, turnips, pansies, violas, snapdragons, and dusty miller all tolerate a light frost and often improve in color and flavor because of it.
So, before you drag out the bedsheets to cover your plants, it’s worth deciding what truly needs protection. Plants don’t die because the air hit 31°F—they die because heat radiates out of the soil into the night air. Clear, wind-still nights are the most dangerous. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends using frost cloth or lightweight fabric—not plastic—to trap heat rising from the ground. Covers should reach all the way to the soil and be weighted at the edges. A cover floating above a plant won’t help much.
Just as important, covers must come off the next morning. Leaving them on during a sunny day can trap too much heat and cause even more damage.
Don’t have a frost cloth…or don’t want to bother with putting it on? Watering before a frost helps. Many folks are surprised to learn that slightly moist soil protects plants. Moist ground absorbs and holds heat better than dry ground. Again, research from AgriLife and other universities say watering the day before a freeze can help insulate plant roots. Once frost arrives, though, watering won’t “save” already-damaged leaves.
Container plants are the most at risk, since exposed pots lose heat quickly. I remember foolishly claiming to a local nursery owner how my figs all came back from the very cold weather we had in February 2021. My figs were in the soil and mulched well. The nurseries figs were all in pots where all sides were exposed to the freezing temps.
If you have potted plants that won’t take a frost, move your containers into the garage or under a porch. If they must stay outside, cluster them together near a house wall to take advantage of stored heat, and wrap the pot—not just the foliage.
Also, don’t prune after a frost. This is one of the more frequent mistakes. Frost-damaged leaves look ugly, but experts caution against pruning right away. Damaged foliage can actually insulate the plant from the next freeze. Wait until late winter or early spring to remove dead material.
A practical plan for this coming cold weather is to protect tropical plants, summer vegetables, and tender annual flowers. If you have container plants that you want to save, move them “inside” or wrap them well. The day before the cold weather arrives, water the soil to add a measure of ‘heat’ to the ground around it.
I do have some woven frost-protection sheets that an aged gardener gifted me long ago. I don’t know if I’ll make this, potential, first frost a big deal. Maybe I’ll save some potted plants that I want to last a little longer and let the rest go.
Tia Johnson with 12 News Daybreak will host Tia’s Tales in partnership with the Jasper Public Library this Saturday November 8th starting at 11 am until 1 pm. Located in the Kiwanis Park behind the Library on 175 East Water Street in Jasper.
After story time, there will be a dinosaur activity where participants will dig for dinosaur eggs in a ball pit set up inside the park.
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! Join us for the San Augustine Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5th at 6:00 PM in Downtown San Augustine. This year’s theme is “Classic Christmas Movies”—so get ready for a magical night full of lights, holiday cheer, and timeless Christmas memories!
I have parade entry forms ready to go! They can be picked up at the San Augustine County Courthouse, office 301 on the 3rd floor!
We invite you to join us for our Rayburn Pickleball Fall Classic on November 15, 2025!
This round-robin tournament is located at beautiful Rayburn Resort in Brookeland, Texas. Visit www.pickleballtournaments.com to register.
Our Rayburn Fall Classic has something for everyone, no matter what skill or experience you have. Whether you are learning the basics or improving your game, or looking for intense competition, this is the perfect environment to challenge yourself and track your progress. Hydration stations will be available for participants to stay refreshed,
A 10% discount on rooms for participants for the weekend will be provided. Friday night Rayburn Resort will have a welcoming party at no charge for you and your spouse, including free hors d’oeuvres . Saturday we will have a social party for all players and spouses at no charge, including free hors d’oeuvres and free live entertainment
(Photo: Southern Pine Beetle infestation in San Augustine, Texas.)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service is offering landowners financial and technical assistance through the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program. Applications for this cost-share program are open now and will close on Jan. 31, 2026, at midnight.
Eligible landowners can receive technical and financial assistance to reduce the threat of future Southern Pine Beetle infestations and outbreaks by stand thinning.
Eligible landowners will receive $50 per acre with a 100-acre maximum to assist with their first forest thinning. They may also receive $5 per acre to offset the cost of using a professional consulting forester.
Landowners may receive no more than $5,000 in total for assistance for thinning and/or consulting.
“The Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program helps landowners reduce the risk that southern pine beetles pose to Texas forests through stand thinning while also promoting overall stand vigor, growth and health,” said Allen Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Health Program Leader.
Eligible applicants must own a minimum of 10 contiguous acres composed of at least 70% pine trees; tree stands must start with a minimum of 120 square-feet per acre basal area; tree stands must be thinned to 80 square-feet per acre basal area or less; and thinning of stands must be completed within 14 months.
This program is designed to only assist first-time pine stand thinning operations.
Funding priority will be given to eligible applications within Angelina, Cass, Cherokee, Hardin, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Marion, Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, and Walker counties.
The Roadrunner soccer team advanced to the Region XIV Conference Tournament semifinals with a big road win over Paris Junior College on Thursday, but the No. 17 Lady Roadrunners saw their season come to an end with a heartbreaking semifinal loss at home on Friday.
The Lady Roadrunner basketball team opened its new season on Saturday at McLennan College, the Roadrunner men tip off their latest campaign Monday at home and the baseball and softball teams wrapped up their Fall Ball seasons this past weekend.
Yes, there’s a lot going on around here.
We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
Roadrunner Soccer Advances to Tournament’s Semifinal Round
It took an all-out defensive effort from the Angelina College Roadrunners to hold off a tough Paris Junior College team – but as AC head coach Martin Melchor noted afterward, “the effort was there all match long.”
The Roadrunners broke open a scoreless draw with just six minutes to play, getting a tough goal from Albi Zyla off a corner kick from Shuto Ishikawa to help beat the Dragons 2-0 in Region XIV Conference Quarterfinal action Thursday in Mount Pleasant.
Ishikawa would provide the final dagger when he scored with just three second remaining in regulation.
The teams traded shots early before the entire match settled into a physical defensive battle on both ends. Neither team was able to muster many scoring chances over the first 84 minutes.
Alba finally managed to head home a shot after Ishikawa’s corner kick sailed into the box. Five minutes later, Ishikawa netted his first goal of the season to end the match with a 2-0 AC win.
The Roadrunners (10-4-1) next travel on Tuesday to face No. 8 Blinn College in the conference semifinals in Brenham. The match will be live streamed on TSBN Sports.
The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
No. 17 Lady Roadrunner Soccer Falls to No. 9 TVCC in Semifinals
The No. 17 Lady Roadrunner soccer team saw its phenomenal season come to an end with Friday’s 1-0 loss to No. 9 Trinity Valley Community College in the conference semifinals match held at AC.
TVCC managed the match’s lone goal in the first five minutes, then used a smothering defense to stifle the AC attack.
AC had advanced to the semifinal round following Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Northeast Texas Community College. Beatriz Almeida scored twice and Sarah Riboe once in the win.
The Lady ‘Runners finished their 2025 season under second-year head coach Sergio Gardea with an overall record of 10-3-1, having captured the Region XIV South Zone championship for the second consecutive year.
Lady Roadrunner sophomore playing in their final performances with Angelina College included Brenda Izaguirre, Sarah Riboe, Nerea Garcia, Juana Bulla, Paula Suarez, Emily Vazquez, Sophie Iversen, Becky Emeka, Olivia Sanchez and Michelle Naderman.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Drops Opener at McLennan College
With an entirely new roster to go along with a brand-new coaching staff, AC’s Lady Roadrunner basketball team is expected to experience some early growing pains.
That was the case in Saturday’s season opener at McLennan Community College, where the Lady ‘Runners dropped a 71-42 loss in Waco.
MCC’s Highlassies put together a 12-0 run beginning midway through the first quarter to take control of the game, and AC’s ladies just couldn’t must enough offense to keep pace.
Leading scorers for AC were Da’Zya Johnson (13 points) and Timberlyn Washington and Iduzaye Ighiehon with seven points each.
The Lady Roadrunners (0-1) next play on Friday and Saturday at the Tyler Classic at Wagstaff Gymnasium on the Tyler Junior College campus. AC will face Collin County CC at 3 p.m. on Friday and National Park College at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
No. 16 Roadrunner Basketball Opens Regular Season at Home on Monday
AC’s men’s basketball team, ranked No. 16 in the NJCAA’s Division I pre-season polls, tips off its regular season at home on Monday against Hinds Community College. Following last year’s Elite Eight appearance in the national tournament, the ‘Runners return several key starters to go with an infusion of new talent in an effort to return to the big stage in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Game time on Monday is 6 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium, and TSBN will live stream the game.
Roadrunner Baseball Stuns Sam Houston State
AC’s baseball team got a big confidence boost on Friday when the team rallied to beat NCAA Division I opponent Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.
After SHSU took a 4-0 lead early, the ‘Runners bounced back to take the 8-6 win behind a big day at the plate from Cole Standley. Standley collected three hits – including a homer – while driving in three of AC’s runs. Austin Cadroy also finished with three RBI, while Marco Bandiero and Jackson Pullen also added an RBI each.
Ethan Muniz pitched two innings of scoreless relief to earn the win.
AC would drop the doubleheader’s nightcap by a 13-3 final. Jackson Batten, Luke Hamm and Ben Welch drove in the ‘Runners’ only runs.
The Roadrunners will host their own “World Series” at home this week to close out the fall season. Players will draft their own teams to compete in a best-of-three series starting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Game 2 takes place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, with the “if-necessary” Game 3 taking place immediately after Game 2.
AC is scheduled to open its 2026 season at home against Temple College on Friday, January 30.
Lady Roadrunner Softball
On Friday, the Lady ‘Runners dropped both ends of a doubleheader at Louisiana State University-Alexandria, falling 12-0 and 2-0 in Alexandria.
AC wrapped up its fall season on Sunday against Illusions-Smith.
The Lady Roadrunners are scheduled to open their 2026 season on Friday, Jan. 23 at Tyler Junior College.
Meet the Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners
New rosters for the upcoming AC basketball seasons are now available on the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com.).
All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online
Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning.
We’ll update any changes as we receive them.
We can’t wait to see you at the games.
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)
Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.
Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Monday, Nov. 3:
No. 16 Roadrunner Basketball vs. Hinds College (regular-season opener), 6 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
Tuesday, Nov. 4:
Roadrunner Soccer at No. 8 Blinn College, 7 p.m. at Rankin Field at Hohlt Park in Brenham, TX.
Roadrunner Baseball “World Series” Game 1, 4:30 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Wednesday, Nov. 5:
Roadrunner Baseball “World Series” Game 2, 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. (Game 3, if necessary, will follow Game 2.)
Friday, Nov. 7:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Collin County CC at Tyler Classic, 3 p.m. in Tyler, TX.
Saturday, Nov. 8:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. National Park College at Tyler Classic, 11 a.m. in Tyler, TX.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
“Because Jesus knew some people were mean,” says Torie, 7.
If you’ve ever watched any old western movies, you know that some people enjoy being mean. They wouldn’t have it any other way.
Early in his ministry, Jesus performed miracles in Jerusalem. The Bible says, “Many believed in his name when they saw the signs which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself to them, because he knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for he knew what was in man” (John 2:23b-25).
Some people try to parse the word “believe” in this text to mean the people didn’t really believe at all. It was some kind of head belief and not a true heart belief. The Gospel of John knows nothing of this kind of nonsense. People either believe in Jesus or don’t believe in him.
This kind of parsing usually comes from the naïve notion that the moment one believes in Jesus as savior, all of life is instantly transformed. Jesus should be able to trust those who believe in him, right?
Wrong.
“Even if people believe in Jesus, their mind, will and emotions still might not be changed until they renew their minds with the Bible,” says Katherine, 9.
It’s true that life’s biggest problem instantly disappears at the moment of conversion. All Christians will be raised from the dead to share in Christ’s victory over death. But the remainder of life is waiting for renewing-of-mind transformation.
The Bible is God’s handbook for renewing minds. It presents a worldview where God replaces us as the center of the universe. That takes some rethinking of how we view ourselves, people and the world in which we live.
The Apostle Paul wrote this: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
A seminary student once approached the academic dean with a philosophical conundrum. He said that the library at the secular university he attended had a tight security system to prevent students from stealing books. Yet, most professors taught that people were basically good. The seminary library had no security system, yet the seminary doctrinal statement taught that people were created in God’s image but fallen in the sense that they inherited Adam’s original sin.
The security system at the secular university tells the real story of how school administrators viewed their students. Policy makers didn’t trust them. They knew that books would disappear without a security system. I suppose seminary administrators hoped that ministerial students had been transformed enough in their walk with Christ to resist the temptation to steal library books.
“Jesus was afraid that if people knew about the miracles he did, some people would get angry and kill him before God’s timing,” says Emma, 10.
Jesus knew the difference between new believers and seasoned disciples. He wasn’t about to trust new believers with things that could interrupt God’s timetable for him.
Think about this: Before Jesus left this world, he commissioned his disciples to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for this worldwide task.
Memorize this truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Ask this question: Can God trust you to spread the good news?
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 three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.
Angelina College Theater students and staff will present the Lauren Gunderson play “Ada and the Engine” in a three-night performance scheduled to open Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Temple Theater on the AC campus. Each show is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start. (Contributed image)
Show Runs Three Nights at Temple Theater
Angelina College Theater, under the direction of instructor Daniel Anderson and featuring AC students and alumni, will present the Lauren Gunderson classic “Ada and the Engine” in a three-night performance scheduled to open on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Temple Theater on the AC campus.
The story follows real-life mathematician and writer Ada Lovelace (daughter of poet Lord Byron), whose collaboration with fellow mathematician Charles Babbage in the 1830s on the “Analytical Engine” often is considered the foundation for future computers in a creative approach.
Gunderson’s play focuses on the “romantic and poetic” look at the relationship between Lovelace and Babbage, along with Lovelace’s “visionary ideas” about the future of never-before-considered technology.
All Angelina College presentations are free and open to the public.
Following are the cast and crew members for the production:
Cast: Eryn Forrest (Ada Lovelace); Diana Saenz (Lady Anabella Byron); Daniel Anderson (Charles Babbage); Julian Chavez (Lord Lovelace); and Rachael Couch (Mary Sommerville).
Crew: Daniel Anderson (Director/Sound Designer); Jaedyn McCoy (Stage Manager); Gustavo Garcia (Assistant Stage Manager); Taz Powers (Scenic Designer); Jonathan Vaughn (Lighting Designer/Light Board Operator); Tatum Smith (Costume Designer); Kassandra Anderson (Makeup and Hair Design); Trinity Nettles (Prop Designer); Victoria Jacobo (Sound Board Operator); Alex Plowman (Wardrobe Crew); and Sam McMullen (Run Crew).
