Home Blog

Roadrunners Escape with Round One Win

By
Gary Stallard
-
0
Daemon Ely (23) of Angelina College drives for a layup against Bossier Parish Community College defenders during Tuesday’s game. The Roadrunners rallied late for a 69-62 win in the men’s Region XIV Conference Tournament opening round in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

AC Rallies Past Bossier Parish Community College Tourney Opener

BAYTOWN – For a long stretch in the second half, it appeared the Angelina College Roadrunners’ stay in Baytown might be a short one.

The ‘Runners withstood a blistering three-point barrage from Bossier Parish Community College, rallying late for a 69-62 win in the opening round of the Region XIV Conference Tournament Tuesday in Baytown.

The Cavaliers hit 12 treys in the game, with Mazin Lumori accounting for four of those. BPCC used the hot shooting to overcome AC’s early dominance: The Roadrunners led 30-15 to open the game and 39-26 by the end of the first half, showing exactly why the group recently finished as the No. 1 defensive team in the nation for the second straight season. 

However, the Cavs’ offensive surge midway through the second half erased the double-digit deficit, leading to a 60-52 Bossier Parish lead with just five minutes to play in the game.

The Roadrunners held it all together, getting big buckets from Kai’Ree Murray, Clarence Payia, Zacc Sells and Daemon Ely in the final minutes to eliminate the Cavaliers.

Angelina College’s Kai’Ree Murray (2) hits a jumper over Bossier Parish Community College defenders during Tuesday’s game. The Roadrunners rallied late for a 69-62 win in the men’s Region XIV Conference Tournament opening round in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
Angelina College’s Clarence Payia (20) attacks the rim during Tuesday’s game against Bossier Parish Community College. The Roadrunners rallied late for a 69-62 win in the men’s Region XIV Conference Tournament opening round in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

Payia led AC with 14 points and nine rebounds. Julius Crosby slashed his way to 13 points, while Sells and Jordan Mathews finished with 10 points each. The Roadrunners managed a crucial 17 points off the bench as compared to the Cavs’ two. 

Tony Montgomery scored 17 points to lead the Cavaliers in scoring.

The Roadrunners (19-12) next will face No. 3 seed Tyler Junior College (20-10) in Thursday’s regional quarterfinals. Game time at Lee College in Baytown is 8 p.m. 

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

Texas Forestry Association to Host Regional Meeting

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0

LUFKIN, Texas — Forest landowners, industry leaders and forestry professionals from across East Texas will gather at the Texas Forestry Association Regional Meeting set for April 30 at Eden Hill Event Venue in Lufkin, Texas.

Forestry contributes billions annually to the Texas economy, supports thousands of rural jobs and sustains millions of acres of working forests across the state. East Texas remains the heart of that impact. TFA’s regional meetings provide a platform for informed dialogue, collaboration and forward-looking discussion among those directly responsible for stewarding and strengthening the resource.

“These meetings are an opportunity to keep our members informed and engaged,” said Rob Hughes, TFA executive director. “Forestry plays such an important role in both the economic and environmental health of our state, and it really makes a difference when we can come together at the local level.”

Attendees will receive updates on legislative and regulatory developments, industry trends and association initiatives, while also engaging with peers who share a commitment to the long-term health and productivity of Texas forests.

The free event is open to TFA members and nonmembers. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, visit texasforestry.org or contact the association at tfa@texasforestry.org or (936) 632-8733.

Capitol Update: County Fair Season Returns as Texas Economy Continues to Grow

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
-
0

Deep East Texas is finally warming up, and that means Spring is upon us! The return of warm weather also signals that county fair season is back in many of our communities. As a proud supporter of our youth involved in FFA, 4-H, and FCCLA, I hope you all will make an effort to get out and support these students who will showcase their projects in the coming weeks. Always remember that investing in our youth is investing in the future of our community’s prosperity. I hope to see you at the fair!

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…

Capitol Update

The Texas economy continues to boom, further solidifying our state’s position as a global leader in business and developing technologies.

Last week, the Comptroller of Public Accounts announced that sales tax revenue for February totaled $4 billion, almost 4% more than this time last year. The service sector grew by almost 10%, while receipts from the retail trade sector, the largest sector, were up more than 4% compared with last February.

Additionally, ExxonMobil announced that it would move its legal incorporation to Texas from New Jersey, which reflects the strength of Texas and its predictable corporate laws and modern, business‑focused legal system. This move advances Texas’s position in the world as a leader in business and industry and positions our state to further dominate the corporate landscape and ensure our economic growth reaches new heights.

Finally, the Texas Workforce Commission announced that it has launched a streamlined State of Texas Application on WorkInTexas.com. The updated application simplifies the hiring process to help attract new talent to jobs in Texas and is part of a broader state effort to reduce red tape and burdensome regulations in government.

This modernized application process implemented by the Commission will ensure that Texans have every opportunity to find a good, high-paying job and participate in our growing economy. I thank the Commission for modernizing the application process and working towards making state government more responsive and efficient, which will make Texans more prosperous than ever.

The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on March 18 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Spring Lawn Wake-Up: How to Read What Your East Texas Lawn Needs as the Season Begins

By
Billy Forrest
-
0

Spring in East Texas rarely arrives all at once. One week may feel like winter, the next like early summer. For lawns, this transition period is critical—and how homeowners respond often determines how their yard performs for the rest of the year.

Rather than rushing into spring maintenance, the healthiest lawns follow a thoughtful sequence.

Understanding the Spring Transition

As daylight increases and soil temperatures begin to rise, grass roots slowly come out of dormancy. During this time, growth may look uneven, and weeds often appear before turf fully fills in. This early imbalance can be misleading, causing homeowners to apply treatments too aggressively or too soon.

Addressing Priorities First

Early spring lawn care focuses on creating the right environment for grass to grow strong:

  • Managing early weed pressure before it becomes widespread
  • Mowing only when grass is actively growing and avoiding short cuts
  • Clearing debris that blocks sunlight and airflow

These steps support gradual, even growth rather than forcing quick results.

Why Patience Pays Off

Heavy fertilization and aggressive watering too early can do more harm than good. Grass needs time to establish strong roots before it can handle rapid growth or stress from warmer weather. Rushing the process often leads to shallow roots, thinning turf, and persistent weed problems.

A Smarter Way to Approach Spring Lawn Care

Instead of treating spring as a single event, it’s better viewed as a transition period. Paying attention to soil conditions, growth patterns, and timing helps lawns respond naturally and perform better throughout the season.

Setting the Stage for the Year Ahead

Lawns that are allowed to wake up gradually—without being pushed too hard—are better equipped to handle summer heat and maintain healthy color and density.

Spring success isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right things, in the right order, at the right time.

Drug-Free All Stars Complete Project Sticker Shock

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0
Drug-Free All Stars attend Project Sticker Shock Kick Off Press Conference. First row from left to right are First row, from left to right are Sarahi Sanchez, Lufkin HS All Star; Vanessa Sanchez, Central HS All Star; Jolina Hernandez, Lufkin HS All Star; Celeste Cruz, Lufkin HS All Star; Leanne Burke; PCA HS All Star. Second row, from left to right are Rebekah Sapp, Huntington HS All Star; Rhyla Jacildo, PCA HS All Star; Audrey Barton, Huntington HS All Star; Victoria Alonso, PCA HS All Star; Nevaeh Garcia, PCA HS All Star. Back row, from left to right are Joesph Riccio; PCA HS All Star; Madison Hamilton, PCA HS All Star; Addyson Arnold, Lufkin HS All Star.

The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently completed their annual event, Project Sticker Shock. The Project Sticker Shock campaign is aimed at preventing underage drinking by reminding adults not to provide alcohol for minors. The 71 Drug-Free All Stars stickered over 30 grocery and convenience stores throughout Angelina County to help prevent underage alcohol use. The Coalition, Inc. and the Drug-Free All Stars would like to thank Brookshire Brothers, La Michoacana Meat Market, Hernandez Grocery, Big’s convenience stores, Walgreens on Frank Ave., Little Boots Grocery in Huntington, and Coleman’s convenience store in Zavalla for participating in this year’s Project Sticker Shock. 

Through Project Sticker Shock, The Coalition intends to make the community aware of the dangers of providing alcohol to minors; not only is it against the law, but it can have deadly consequences.  Huntington High School Drug-Free All Star, Rebekah Sapp, commented, “Sticker Shock is very important because it gives adults in the community a physical reminder of the very real dangers of providing alcohol to minors. By placing the stickers, we not only hope to educate, but to prevent harm to our community.” Research shows that teens who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop substance dependence later in life than those who wait to drink until age 21 or older.  

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

Central HS Drug-Free All Stars Allison Montero and Ethan Basham stickering package of alcohol at Brookshire Brothers. 
Layla McCarty and Kelcie Ponder, Zavalla HS Drug-Free All Stars, stickering at a local Brookshire Brothers location. 
Hudson Drug-Free All Stars Maggie Allen, Aubrey Mays and Lufkin Drug-Free All Stars and Za’nyia Johnson, Miranda Paulin, and Savannah Bergman after stickering at the Hudson Brookshire Brothers.

Solar, Batteries, and the Grid: Setting Realistic Expectations for Texans

By
Lee Allen Miller
-
0

Solar panels and battery systems are becoming more common across Texas. But they aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions — and understanding what they can and can’t do is the first step toward making a smart decision.

Texas is in the middle of a solar and battery storage expansion unlike anything the state has seen before. Utility-scale solar generation broke 17 records in 2025, and Texas is projected to host about 40% of all planned utility-scale solar construction in the country this year. Battery storage is growing just as fast, with Texas expected to overtake California as the nation’s largest battery storage market in 2026.

At the grid level, this is promising. Solar and battery capacity helped ERCOT avoid issuing any conservation alerts during summer 2025 — a notable improvement over recent years. But at the household level, the picture is more nuanced. Whether solar and battery storage make sense for your home depends on your specific situation, and the marketing doesn’t always tell the full story.

When Solar Helps

Solar can be effective when systems are properly sized and matched to how electricity is actually used. A home with strong roof orientation, minimal shading, and high daytime electricity consumption is the ideal candidate. In those cases, solar panels can meaningfully reduce the energy supply portion of your electricity bill and lower your dependence on grid-purchased power.

But solar economics depend on more than just how many panels you install. Buyback rates — what your utility pays for excess electricity your system sends back to the grid — vary by provider in Texas and are often well below retail rates. That means a system that produces more than you use during the day doesn’t return as much financial value as you might expect. Financing terms also matter: a system that looks affordable at a low monthly payment can add up to significant interest costs over a 20- or 25-year loan.

On the positive side, Texas recently passed SB 1252, which simplifies the permitting process for residential solar and battery systems. Cities can no longer add extra local rules or delays for typical home installations under 50 kW and 100 kWh of storage. That removes a real barrier. But easier installation doesn’t change the underlying financial equation — the decision still needs to be based on your home’s actual consumption patterns and financial situation.

Understanding Battery Storage

Batteries provide backup power during outages and flexibility in how you use grid electricity. In a state where extreme weather events have caused grid stress in recent years, the peace of mind that comes with backup power is a real benefit.

Financial savings from batteries, however, depend on how they’re used — not just that they exist. A typical home battery system costs between $10,000 and $17,000 installed before incentives. The 30% federal tax credit that helped offset those costs expired at the end of 2025. Texas still offers property tax exemptions for solar and associated storage, but the upfront math has become more challenging for homeowners considering an installation in 2026.

Batteries make the most sense when you have solar panels to charge them during the day, when you want reliable backup for essential loads during outages, or when you’re on a time-of-use rate plan and can shift your consumption to lower-cost hours. For homeowners who simply want a lower monthly bill without changing their usage patterns, a battery alone is unlikely to deliver the return that marketing materials suggest.

The Grid Isn’t Going Away

Even with renewable technologies growing rapidly, most Texans remain connected to the grid — and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Grid-connected solar systems are designed to work alongside the grid, not replace it. Delivery charges from your local utility still apply regardless of how many panels you have on your roof, and those delivery fees typically make up 40% to 50% of a residential bill in Texas.

Understanding that relationship helps set realistic expectations. Solar and battery storage can be valuable additions to a home’s energy setup, but they don’t eliminate the need for a good electricity plan, attention to usage patterns, or awareness of how grid pricing works. The technology is improving and costs are coming down over time. But the decision to invest should be based on informed analysis, not marketing hype.

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

The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Electricity markets are complex and subject to change. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Color Me Drug-Free: An Obstacle Challenge Course

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0

On Saturday, March 28, from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, The Coalition and other community partners will be hosting the Color Me Drug-Free: An Obstacle Challenge Course, to celebrate and encourage students to live a healthy and substance-free life. Participants will make their way through an obstacle course filled with fun challenges but watch out! Color will be flying to mark students drug-free!

The first 50 participants will receive a FREE t-shirt (white) that can be worn during the event, and free swag will be awarded, while supplies last! Join us at the Boys & Girls Club of Lufkin field on Saturday, March 28.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about this free event, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308 or visit @TheCoalition936 on social media.

Live WWII Battle Reenactment at the National Museum of the Pacific War

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0
Photo credits: National Museum of the Pacific War

Fredericksburg, TX — The National Museum of the Pacific War will present a live World War II battle reenactment as part of its Pacific Valor program on March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Pacific Combat Zone, located at 311 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

The reenactment features live performers, authentic military equipment, and battlefield simulations to illustrate the experiences of American servicemen during the Pacific War. This program highlights the fighting on Leyte in the Philippine Islands and the actions of PFC George Benjamin Jr., who was killed while escorting a tank during an attack on Japanese defenses.

Seating is first come, first served, and online ticket purchases are highly encouraged.

For more information, visit www.pacificwarmuseum.org/events

_______________________________________________________________________________________

About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.

About the National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Smithsonian Affiliations

Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By
Carey Kinsolving
-
0

What Does It Mean to Pray in the Name of Jesus?

“Praying in Jesus’ name is like having a VIP pass to talk to God,” says Mia, 10. “Because of Jesus, we can go straight to God and He listens!”

Before we dive in, let’s be clear: saying “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer isn’t magic. You probably won’t see candy fall from the sky or teleport your homework from another galaxy. There’s a reason praying in Jesus’ name is far more powerful and real.

In John 16:23, Jesus said: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you” (John 16:23).

Jesus was pointing to a big change that was about to happen, the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, people couldn’t come directly to God. They needed priests, animal sacrifices and religious rituals to get near Him. But Jesus was about to change everything.

When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He became the final sacrifice for our sin. The temple veil that separated people from God’s presence was torn in two. Why? Because through Jesus, we now have direct access to the Father. That’s the heart of the New Covenant.

In John 16:26–27, Jesus explained more: “In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.”

Because of Jesus, we no longer need a human priest to approach God for us. Jesus made all believers part of God’s family. Now, under the New Covenant, every believer can talk to God personally, anytime, anywhere.

“When I pray in Jesus’ name, I think about what He would do,” says Olivia, 11. “It helps me pray better.”

“When I pray, I imagine Jesus standing next to me, helping me find the right words,” says Ethan, 9. “It makes me feel like He’s really listening.”

Praying in Jesus’ name means praying in line with His heart and mission. It’s not about asking for a mansion with a waterslide and a candy machine. It’s about praying for what Jesus values, which are fruits of his indwelling Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience and more (Galatians 5:22-23).

Jesus finished His teaching in John 16 with a promise of peace and victory: “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

When we pray in Jesus’ name under the New Covenant, we’re not begging. We’re believing. We’re standing on the victory Jesus already won.

Under the Old Covenant, God visited his people through prophets and a physical temple in Jerusalem. In the New Covenant, God inhabits his people. All Christians are living temples of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19). Under the Old Covenant, God visited his people. In the New Covenant, God inhabits his people. The Old Covenant was a mere shadow of a greater reality.

Think About This: Under the New Covenant, praying in Jesus’ name means we come boldly to the Father, trusting in Jesus’ finished work, not our own.

Memorize This Truth: John 16:23 previously quoted.

Ask This Question: When I pray, am I trusting in what Jesus has done or what I have done?

When Results Lag, but Obedience Doesn’t

By
Lee Allen Miller
-
0

Few things test a leader’s faith like doing the right thing – and not seeing results.

You made the hard decision.
You corrected the issue.
You committed to the discipline.

And still, nothing seems to move.

No breakthrough. No applause. No visible progress.

This is where many leaders quietly lose heart – not because they were wrong, but because obedience didn’t produce immediate reward.

The Gap Every Leader Must Endure

There is almost always a gap between obedience and outcome.

Scripture is honest about this reality, even if leadership culture is not.

“You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
– Hebrews 10:36

Notice the order.
Obedience first.
Endurance second.
Promise later.

Leadership often lives in that middle space – where faithfulness must continue without feedback.

Why Delayed Results Feel So Discouraging

Leaders are wired to measure progress. We look for signs that effort is working, that sacrifice is paying off, that the path chosen is right.

When results lag, doubt creeps in.

Was this the right call?
Did I move too soon – or too late?
Is anyone even noticing?

Delayed results don’t mean wasted effort. They mean roots are growing where fruit isn’t visible yet.

Faithfulness Is Not the Same as Failure

In leadership, silence is often misinterpreted as stagnation.

But Scripture consistently shows that God does His deepest work out of sight.

Joseph waited years between promise and promotion.
David was anointed long before he was crowned.
Jesus served faithfully long before the cross changed history.

Waiting doesn’t negate calling.
It refines it.

The Temptation to Abandon the Process

When results lag, leaders feel pressure to adjust – not strategy, but standards.

Shortcuts begin to look appealing. Compromise begins to feel justified. The slow, faithful path starts to feel naive.

But leaders who abandon obedience to chase outcomes often lose both.

The cost of impatience is usually paid later, quietly, and painfully.

Faith Anchors Leaders When Metrics Can’t

Faith-driven leaders learn to anchor themselves somewhere deeper than numbers.

They measure success not only by outcomes, but by obedience to God’s direction.

Scripture reminds us:

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.”
– Psalm 126:5

Sowing comes before reaping.
Always.

Your Action Step This Week

If you’re in a season where progress feels slow, ask yourself:

Am I being faithful – or just frustrated?

Stay obedient. Stay steady. Stay aligned.

Fruit often appears after leaders decide not to quit.

That’s a Wrap

Leadership isn’t proven by immediate results.
It’s proven by faithful endurance.

God never wastes obedience – even when it feels invisible.

Next week, we’ll challenge how leaders define success itself and explore why stewardship matters more than winning.

Keep trusting.

123...712Page 1 of 712