This month marked the 175th birthday of Governor Jim Hogg, the first native-born Governor of Texas and a proud East Texan. Governor Hogg was born near Rusk and spent much of his life advocating for the people of this region. His legacy is a reminder of the deep roots East Texas has in shaping our state’s history and the responsibility we carry to continue that work today.
Here are five things happening around your state:
Lone Star Legislative Summit coming to Nacogdoches
On April 9th and 10th, Nacogdoches will host the Lone Star Legislative Summit, bringing together state leaders for important policy discussions. The event, hosted by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and held at Stephen F. Austin State University, provides a valuable opportunity for East Texans to engage directly with those shaping policy at the state level. The summit will feature a series of public panel discussions on issues impacting our region, including water policy, workforce development, and the role of media in state government. I will be joining several of my colleagues for a panel discussion on water policy, which remains one of the most important issues facing our region as it continues to grow. I encourage anyone interested to attend and take part in these discussions. For more information or to register, please visit https://nacogdoches.org.
TxDOT approves rail separation grants to improve safety and mobility
The Texas Department of Transportation recently approved more than $160 million in funding for rail grade separation projects across the state. These projects are designed to eliminate dangerous at-grade crossings by separating roadways from rail lines, which helps reduce traffic delays, improve emergency response times, and enhance overall safety for drivers. This funding comes through a new program created by the Legislature last session to support communities with significant rail activity. I was proud to file and pass the legislation establishing this program, which provides meaningful resources to address long-standing rail and roadway conflicts across Texas. In addition to the initial project funding, the Commission also set aside nearly $90 million to help local communities compete for federal grant opportunities, allowing Texas to maximize its investment in critical infrastructure.
Governor announces grant funding for psychiatry fellowships
This month, Governor Greg Abbott announced $5 million in grant funding to expand Texas forensic psychiatry fellowship programs. These programs provide advanced training for physicians specializing in mental healthcare, particularly in cases involving the legal system such as competency evaluations and treatment for individuals involved in criminal or civil proceedings. This investment will support nine medical institutions across the state, including University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, which plays an important role in serving East Texas. By strengthening these training programs, Texas is working to grow its mental health workforce and improve access to care in communities that need it most.
SFA students advocate in Washington, D.C.
Students from Stephen F. Austin State University recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in a national undergraduate research advocacy program. These students were selected through a competitive process and represented both their university and the state of Texas while engaging with policymakers on the importance of research funding. During their visit, the students met with congressional offices to discuss how undergraduate research supports innovation and strengthens our workforce. I commend these students for their leadership and for representing East Texas so well on the national stage. Their efforts are a strong reminder that advocacy plays an important role in shaping public policy, and that even a single conversation can help make a meaningful difference.
SNAP purchase changes will take effect on April 1st
Beginning April 1st, new changes will take effect for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Texas. SNAP benefits will no longer be eligible for use on certain items, including candy, gum, and sweetened beverages. The updated guidelines are intended to encourage healthier food choices and support long-term wellness for recipients across the state. Texans with questions about their benefits or eligible purchases can contact 2-1-1 or visit http://www.hhs.texas.gov/.
Exhibition Open March 31 through April 15 in ACA Gallery
Angelina College’s Visual Arts will wrap up the Spring 2026 semester by displaying their talents in an exhibition scheduled to run from Tuesday, March 31 through Wednesday, April 15 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the AC campus.
An artists’ reception will take place at 6 p.m. on March 31 in the ACA foyer.
Students in instructor Le’Anne Alexander’s Visual Arts courses include those enrolled in drawing, design and painting courses.
Participating students and their specific classes are as follows:
ARTS 1311 (Design I, 2D): Kendahl Brown, Sydney Cunyus, Madyson Lewis, Zunayla McQueen, Morgan Peterson and Matthew Rivera.
ARTS 1316 (Drawing I): Ashley Escalante, Elizabeth Goodwin, Christopher Gonzalez, Natalie Green, Ashari Jackson, Logan Jetty, Katherine Lopez, Yajaira Mendoza, Samara Reagan, Valerie Runnels, Payton Russaw, Anthony Varkadoz and Johnlee Velasquez.
ARTS 2316 (Painting I): Elizabeth Goodwin, Brynn Jones, Randy McKelvey and Jade Scott.
Admission to the reception and gallery is free and open to the public.
For information on AC’s Visual Arts programs, contact Le’Anne Alexander at lalexander@angelina.edu.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and OneOp will host the webinar, “Child Development: Knowledge, Behavior and Healthy Boundaries,” on April 8. (Adobe Stock)
Event to provide overview of developmental domains in preschoolers and school-age children
The free webinar will be from 10-11:30 a.m. on OneOp, a virtual professional development platform for providers who serve military families.
Participants can register by visiting tx.ag/ChildDevelopment. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing connection information.
About the webinar
The webinar will provide an overview of developmental domains in preschoolers — ages 5 and under — and school-aged children — ages 6-12. Participants will learn how these domains relate to children’s sexual knowledge and behaviors. The session will review typical sexual development across these age ranges, as well as protective and supportive strategies.
The webinar will be presented by Benjamin Sigel, Ph.D., licensed psychologist and associate professor, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
CEUs available
One-and-a-half continuing education units will be available in the following areas:
Certified in family and consumer sciences, American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences.
Angelina College pitcher Garrett Burks (26) delivers to the plate during Monday’s game against San Jacinto College. The Roadrunners beat the No. 13 Ravens 9-1 in seven innings at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
Burks Pitching Gem Fuels AC
A four-run first inning combined with a five-run third provided all the offensive fireworks the Angelina College Roadrunners would need in Monday’s 9-1, seven-inning rout of No. 13 San Jacinto College at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
It didn’t hurt that starting AC pitcher Garrett Burks was spinning a gem on the mound.
Burks pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits and a single earned run while striking out six Ravens. Reliever Harrison Hankins mopped up with 2 2/3 innings of work, giving up a single hit while fanning five batters.
AC’s Marco Bandiero knocked in three runs in a 2-for-3 day at the plate. Jackson Todd added two RBI, while Daigan Venable and Colton Haas also drove in runs for the Roadrunners.
Angelina College’s Marco Bandiero picks up an RBI the hard way, getting hit by a pitch during Monday’s game against San Jacinto College. The Roadrunners beat the No. 13 Ravens 9-1 in seven innings at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
The Roadrunners loaded the bases in the bottom of the first inning without putting a ball in play: Seth Sloan and Cole Standley drew walks, and Brayden Pate took one for the team on a hit-by-pitch to fill up the sacks. Bandiero then drove a long double to the right-field gap to plate a pair of runs, and after a Jackson Pullen walk, Jackson Todd drove home another run with a groundout. Later in the inning, Haas drew a bases-loaded walk for a 4-0 AC lead.
In the third inning, Todd reached on an error and scored ahead of Venable’s single. Seth Sloan singled, and Venable scored on a wild pitch. With the bases loaded, Bandier took a pitch off his thigh for an easy RBI. Sloan would later score on another Raven wild pitch, and Todd earned another RBI after drawing a bases-loaded walk.
Hankins finished off the final eight outs to leave AC with a run-rule win.
The Roadrunners (17-10, 8-7) open a three-game series Wednesday at home against Navarro College. Wednesday’s single, nine-inning game starts at 2 p.m. at Poland Stadium.
The series wraps up on Saturday in Corsicana with a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
Electricity doesn’t need to be a constant concern. But it does benefit from thoughtful attention — and the payoff for that attention is real.
Over the course of this series, we’ve covered a lot of ground: how the Texas electricity market works, what drives pricing, how to read your bill, what’s happening with the grid, and how technologies like solar and battery storage fit into the picture. If there’s a single takeaway that ties it all together, it’s this: the Texans who consistently make the best electricity decisions are the ones who approach them with awareness rather than urgency.
That doesn’t require becoming an energy expert. It doesn’t require constant market monitoring or spreadsheet obsession. It just requires a willingness to pay attention at the right moments and make decisions before pressure forces your hand.
The Value of Planning
Most of the expensive electricity mistakes Texans make share a common trait: they happen under pressure. A contract expires without the homeowner noticing, and they’re rolled onto an expensive month-to-month rate. A grid event makes headlines, and someone locks into a long-term contract at inflated prices because fear overrode patience. A solar installer’s pitch creates urgency that doesn’t match the buyer’s actual financial situation.
The antidote to all of these is planning. Knowing when your contract ends gives you the time to shop before you have to. Understanding your usage patterns helps you evaluate plans at realistic consumption levels. Reviewing your options during favorable market windows — typically spring and fall, when wholesale prices are lower and providers compete more aggressively for customers — means you’re choosing from the best available options rather than whatever’s left.
This is especially important in Texas’s deregulated market, where the range of available pricing is wide. Residential rates currently average 15 to 16 cents per kWh statewide, but active shoppers regularly find fixed-rate plans below 9 cents. The gap between those two numbers represents real money — hundreds of dollars a year for a typical household. And the primary difference between paying the average and paying the lower rate isn’t luck or special access. It’s timing and attention.
From Reaction to Confidence
The electricity market in Texas is changing. Demand is growing — driven by population growth, data centers, industrial expansion, and the electrification of more aspects of daily life. ERCOT projects that demand could increase by roughly 10% in 2026 alone, with some forecasts suggesting a 50% rise by 2029. That demand growth puts upward pressure on prices over time, which means the value of proactive management is increasing, not decreasing.
At the same time, the grid is evolving. Solar and battery storage set multiple records in 2025, and Texas is poised to become the nation’s leading battery storage market. These technologies are helping stabilize the grid and keep wholesale prices more competitive than they might otherwise be. But they don’t eliminate the need for consumer awareness. Whether you’re a homeowner, a small business owner, or someone managing a larger commercial operation, the fundamentals haven’t changed: know your usage, understand your options, and act before urgency removes your best choices.
Texans who approach electricity with awareness rather than urgency tend to feel more confident about their decisions — and they often make better ones as a result. Confidence comes from understanding, not from certainty. You don’t need to predict where electricity prices are going to make a good decision. You need to know your own situation well enough to make a decision that fits it.
Electricity Isn’t About Perfection
There is no perfect electricity plan. There is no guaranteed-best time to sign a contract. There is no technology that eliminates all risk or all cost. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.
What there is, however, is preparation. And preparation consistently beats reaction. A homeowner who sets a calendar reminder 90 days before their contract expires, compares a handful of plans, and chooses a fixed rate during a favorable window will almost always come out ahead of someone who notices their bill spiked and scrambles to fix it. A business owner who reviews their load profile once a year and times their contract renewal to the market cycle will pay less than one who signs whatever’s in front of them when the current deal runs out.
Electricity is not about perfection. It’s about preparation. And in a state where the market rewards attention, even a small amount of preparation goes a long way.
Thank you for following along with this series. If it’s helped you think about electricity a little differently — with less stress and more confidence — then it’s done its job.
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.
Camp cooking breakfast at a camp site in Terlingua, Texas on Wednesday, Dec 07, 2022. (Kim Topp/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Eggs for breakfast, baking and Easter egg hunts are much lower than last year. Texas A&M AgriLife experts said U.S. egg-producing flocks have avoided major outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza so far, meaning more eggs are making it to market. (Kim Topp, Adam Russell/Texas A&M AgriLife)
Wholesale prices experienced an even more dramatic correction. Large Grade A eggs that sold for more than $8 per dozen last winter dipped below $1 earlier this year before ticking upward ahead of Easter demand.
The movement reflects both increasing supplies and consumer reactions to last year’s unusually high prices, Anderson said.
“Egg prices have ticked up a little with Easter around the corner and the expectation for that seasonal demand — the Easter egg hunts and baking, deviled eggs and that sort of traditional use around the holiday,” Anderson said. “But shoppers will definitely notice prices are lower than last year.”
More laying hens means lower egg prices
The primary driver behind lower prices is straightforward: more birds equals more eggs, said Greg Archer, Ph.D., associate professor and AgriLife Extension poultry specialist in the Department of Poultry Science.
Last year, Archer said, outbreaks of avian influenza that wiped out significant numbers of laying hens weighed on overall capacity nationwide and sent prices soaring.
Fewer and smaller outbreaks this winter allowed producers more time to rebuild.
U.S. table‑egg layer numbers rose from 292 million last March to about 308 million this year, marking a solid rebound after HPAI pushed the national flock to unprecedented lows in 2025.
“We have more birds compared to last year because producers around the country haven’t been hit as hard by HPAI,” Archer said. “There are a lot of eggs out there, and demand backed off some when prices were really high.”
Egg production still at risk from HPAI
Anderson said falling feed costs also helped the industry regain stability, though rising prices for soybean meal, corn and fertilizer tied to global geopolitical tensions could raise production costs later in the year. For now, eggs remain one of the most affordable protein options as beef prices continue to rise.
“High prices can change what we buy as consumers,” Anderson said. “But demand remained relatively strong, and those high prices signaled for more production, and prices fell as supplies increased.”
Archer said the industry has built in additional flock capacity to buffer against the uncertainty of future outbreaks. But the spring migration of wild waterfowl presents a heightened risk for the poultry industry. A recent HPAI case in Texas struck broiler houses, but Texas layer facilities have avoided outbreaks thus far.
HPAI will remain a concern for Texas producers until migratory waterfowl, the primary carriers of the virus, return north.
With Easter demand already lifting wholesale values from winter lows, he said any production disruptions or renewed disease pressure could quickly reshape the market in the months ahead.
“We should enjoy the prices right now,” Archer said. “Producers and the industry are focused on biosecurity, but if we see significant outbreaks around the country, we can expect to see prices increase.”’
A map of the 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service districts.
Panhandle
Hot, dry and windy conditions persisted across the district. Daily temperatures ranged from 41 degrees to 95 degrees. Overall soil moisture levels were very short to short. Warm, sunny conditions accelerated the development of wheat and other small grain crops, especially in dryland versus irrigated fields. Wheat was in poor to fair condition. Fifty percent or more wheat fields were in the latter stages of vegetative development and entering the early stages of reproductive development, with flag leaves starting to show in early-planted fields. Growers were applying additional water to most irrigated fields as water demand increased during the reproductive stage. Spring fertilizer applications, coupled with tillage operations, continued. Pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair.
South Plains
The district was very dry. No measurable precipitation was reported, and pastures remained in poor condition with little to no vegetative growth. Rainfall was needed for all agricultural operations. Temperatures were unusually high, and windy conditions continued to dry out cropland. A few producers began to prepare fields for the upcoming planting season. Livestock producers relied heavily on supplemental feed.
Rolling Plains
Hot, dry and windy conditions severely stressed crops and pastures across the district. Early promise for winter wheat mostly turned to poor prospects, with much of the crop being grazed out rather than taken to grain. Pastures remained dry, grass reserves were dwindling, and livestock were being supplemented to maintain body condition. Fire danger was high. The lack of rainfall also affected planting plans, with some corn acres potentially shifting to sorghum or cotton.
North
Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were short to adequate. The week began with light rainfall, though not enough to impact overall moisture levels. Several counties reported freezing morning temperatures for one to two days. By the end of the week, conditions shifted dramatically to unseasonably warm and dry, with some areas reaching 90 degrees. Wind and heat caused topsoil moisture to decline noticeably. Wheat remained slightly behind normal development but was expected to catch up if meaningful moisture arrived. Early heads on wheat, oats, rye and triticale were exposed to frost, and damage was too early to assess. Corn emerged across multiple counties, though fields needed rain. Farmers who waited to plant were preparing fields for corn and soybeans. Early planted corn experienced frozen leaves but was expected to recover. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Winter pastures were emerging and generally doing well. The frost set back warm-season pastures that were emerging. Pastures and trees were beginning to green up and bud. Hay feeding continued. Livestock remained in good condition. Some counties reported high feral hog activity.
East
Drought conditions persisted despite some rainfall in a few areas. Subsoil and topsoil moisture conditions were short to adequate. A late-season hard freeze stunted forage growth and recently planted gardens. Burn bans remained in place in some counties. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Cattle markets were strong. Livestock were in fair to good condition, with some supplementation taking place.
Far West
The week began colder than usual but quickly shifted to unseasonably warm temperatures, with some areas reaching near 90 degrees. High winds limited some agricultural activities and increased moisture loss. By midweek, conditions stabilized and temperatures began trending closer to seasonal norms. Most of the district continued to experience very short to short topsoil and subsoil moisture levels. Irrigation activity increased where water was available. Cotton field preirrigation, pecan orchard and alfalfa irrigation using effluent or well water continued. Limited water availability remained a major concern, as reservoir levels were low and expected irrigation allotments were likely to be insufficient for warm-season production. Corn planting was nearly complete, and early fields began to emerge. Sorghum planting was underway in some areas, and many producers continued terminating wheat cover crops. Pasture and range conditions remained very poor to poor, with minimal forage growth reported. Wheat was widely utilized for grazing. Livestock conditions improved, with cows and calves in better shape compared to earlier months. Wildlife populations remained stable overall, with some reduction in feral hog sightings due to increased hunting pressure.
Central
Recent rain and warm temperatures greatly improved pastures and cool-season grazing. Trees except mesquites were budding and leafing out. Producers were concerned about a hay shortage next year if drought conditions continue. Farmers were apprehensive about applying fertilizer in current conditions due to the high cost and fuel prices. Corn and wheat were hit by a frost one morning with temperatures as low as 27 degrees. Some wheat was already heading or close to heading and was likely to suffer yield loss from the cold temperatures. Corn was young enough that the growing point was expected to experience minimal impacts from the freeze injury to the leaves. Corn planting neared completion. Planted corn and sorghum had emerged but were stressed due to the lack of rainfall. Most winter small grain crops were being utilized for grazing. Producers were preparing for spring planting; however, progress remained dependent on adequate moisture in the coming weeks. Hessian fly issues were reported in a few counties. Leaf rust remained active in wheat fields, primarily in leaf rust susceptible cultivars. Livestock were doing well on pasture, and supplemental feeding slowed down. The cattle market remained strong.
Southeast
Soil moisture levels were short to adequate. Dry conditions continued with some areas reporting low ponds and stressed pastures. Late-season freezes impacted forage and crops in some counties. The frost slowed growth and caused some damage. Recent rainfall in a few counties improved conditions slightly. Pastures and rangelands were in very poor to good condition. Livestock remained in fair to good condition despite challenges, with some producers continuing supplemental feeding. Fieldwork progressed with rice planting, and field preparation and corn planting were underway. Oat and winter wheat conditions were fair to good.
Southwest
Warm, windy conditions continued, and crop and soil moisture levels remained dry with no measurable precipitation recorded. Overnight temperatures remained cool, while daytime temperatures reached the upper-80s to lower-90s. Dry planting of corn was complete, and sorghum planting continued. Gardeners were actively planting, with some tomato plants already beginning to bloom. Ongoing drought conditions continued to hinder early warm-season growth. Irrigated crops were progressing well. Bermuda grass was actively growing, though limited moisture was slowing its development. Spring green-up was underway, but range conditions started to decline due to the lack of rainfall. Livestock remained in fair to good condition, and supplemental feeding continued. Livestock prices remained high.
Coastal Bend
Freezing temperatures damaged corn and some early planted cotton, while windy and cool conditions affected newly emerged crops. Soil moisture conditions varied widely but remained insufficient in many areas. Continued drought conditions with no rain in the forecast pushed planting back several weeks. Corn, sorghum and cotton planting continued into dry soil. Many acres have yet to emerge or show uneven stands. Range and pasture conditions in some areas were in extremely poor condition, and freeze damage further impacted forages. Hay feeding increased to unprecedented levels for this time of year. Livestock were being supplemented heavily to maintain fair condition.
South
Conditions remained dry, humid and hot, with daytime temperatures pushing the upper 90s. Cool mornings helped offset some of the warm days. Rainfall was needed badly, but the extended forecast showed little hope for rain in the near term. Fuel prices increased, making operating costs for producers higher. As insurance planting deadlines approached, area farmers dry planted their crops, but acres were very low compared to a normal year. Most corn and grain sorghum planting was complete, with some farmers irrigating to establish their stand, while some farmers patiently waited to plant. Wheat and oat crops continued to mature, with some fields being prepared for harvest. Producers harvested leafy greens, cabbage and onions. Corn crops continued to develop and should soon enter the tassel stage. Very few planted fields of sunflowers had emerged. Strawberry plants were in fair condition. Citrus trees were blooming and setting fruit for the coming growing season. Some citrus producers with irrigation available were watering their trees. More citrus orchards were uprooted and taken out of production in recent weeks. Watermelon crops on drip irrigation were progressing well. Dry conditions increased pressure on rangeland resources, and many areas were barren of green browse and forage. Pastures were desperate for rainfall. Stock tank water levels were low. Body condition in cattle was declining as forage quality and quantity declined. Producers were focusing on maintaining livestock and range health, including supplemental feeding and close monitoring of water sources. Hay was becoming very scarce due to the increased demand. Beef cattle markets continued to offer above-average volumes each week, with prices declining slightly due to poor body conditions. Producers were weaning and selling calves early and reducing herd sizes.
Event features speaker and magician John Michael Hinton, raffles, lunch, and sponsorship opportunities to support local programs serving thousands in Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties
LUFKIN, Texas – The Salvation Army of Lufkin & Nacogdoches invites the community to celebrate a quarter century of local service at its 25th Anniversary Fundraiser Luncheon on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Pitzer Garrison Civic Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for raffles, with lunch served and the program beginning at 12:00 p.m.
This year’s event features the return of John Michael Hinton, a nationally recognized speaker and magician whose blend of inspiration and entertainment made him a crowd favorite at last year’s luncheon. Hinton’s engaging performance pairs comedy and world-class magic with a message of hope and community – a fitting complement to The Salvation Army’s mission of “Doing the Most Good.”
For 25 years, The Salvation Army of Lufkin has served as a vital safety net for families and individuals throughout Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties. In recent months alone, the Lufkin Corps has served nearly 2,000 hot meals per month, distributed food assistance to more than 2,000 individuals through its food pantry, provided rental and utility assistance to dozens of families, and distributed clothing vouchers, hygiene packs, and blankets to those in need. The corps also operates a family thrift store and is launching a new financial literacy initiative in partnership with Regions Bank to help clients build long-term stability.
“This luncheon is about more than celebrating 25 years,” said Captain Cavon Phillips, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Lufkin & Nacogdoches. “It’s about rallying our community to ensure the next 25 years of service are even stronger. Every sponsorship and every seat filled at this event directly supports the families and individuals who depend on us.”
Lee Miller, Advisory Board Chairman, emphasized the local impact of every dollar raised. “Every dollar invested in this event stays right here in our community,” Miller said. “The people of Lufkin and Nacogdoches are generous people. They’ve always stepped up to help their neighbors in need, and this luncheon is another opportunity to do just that.”
Sponsorship Opportunities
Local businesses and individuals are invited to support the event through five sponsorship tiers:
General Sponsorship – $5,000: Includes a table of 16 with specialty desserts and front row seating, a full-page advertisement in the event program, a banner at the event, prominent logo on screen during the event, and recognition on the program, website, and social media. Also includes an additional table of 8.
Major Sponsorship – $3,000: Includes a table of 8 with specialty desserts and front row seating, a full-page advertisement in the program, prominent logo on screen during the event, and recognition on the program, website, and social media.
Captain Sponsorship – $1,500: Includes a table of 8, a half-page advertisement in the program, prominent logo on screen during the event, and recognition on the program, website, and social media.
Lt. Sponsorship – $750: Includes a table of 8, prominent logo on screen during the event, and recognition on the program, website, and social media.
Table Sponsorship – $500: Includes a reserved table at the event.
Sponsorship commitments and inquiries can be directed to The Salvation Army of Lufkin at (936) 634-5132. Sponsorships, tables, and individual tickets are available at the corps office at 412 S. 3rd St., Lufkin, TX 75901 or online at https://tinyurl.com/SALufkin
The Salvation Army of Lufkin is part of the Texas Division of The Salvation Army and has been providing emergency assistance, social services, and community programs in Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties since 2001. To learn more, visit your local Salvation Army or contact the Lufkin Corps at (936) 634-5132.
In an effort to decrease the consequences of alcohol purchased by minors, The Coalition, Inc. partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct alcohol compliance checks, with funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, juveniles under the legal age to drink/purchase alcohol are used as decoys to enter businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and then attempt to purchase alcohol.
“We know that underage drinking leads to increased risks of sexual assault, impaired driving and long-term addiction. That’s why it’s critical for all of us, as a community to do everything we can to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors,” said Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition Inc. “Alcohol compliance checks remain one of the most effective tools for preventing illegal sales to youth, and The Coalition is proud to partner with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department, TABC, and TxDOT to support enforcement efforts that help keep our community safe for young people.”
During the January and February minor sting operations, there was one store who sold to minors and nineteen who did not. We commend those stores who did not sell alcohol to minors in our community and recognize them for helping to combat underage drinking:
On the Road #103, 4110 S. First Street, Lufkin, TX, 75901
Diboll Depot, 1605 N Temple Dr, Diboll, TX 75941
Charge Up #66, 605 N. Temple Drive, Diboll, TX, 75941
Dollar General Store #1695, 225 N. Temple Drive, Diboll, TX, 75941
Brookshire Brothers #35, 221 N. Temple Dr, Diboll, TX, 75941
Charge Up #65, 701 S. Temple Drive, Diboll, TX, 75941
Diboll Food Mart, 500 N. Temple Drive, Diboll, TX, 75941
Snappy Food Mart Crown Colony, 101 Champions Drive, Lufkin, TX, 75901
Tobacco Barn #52, 885 B Hwy 69 S, Huntington, TX, 75949
Huntington Travel Center, 191 S US Hwy 69 Huntington, TX, 75949
Dollar General Store #7405, 790 Hwy 69 S, Huntington, TX, 75949
Brookshire Brothers Express #81, 198 E Main St, Zavalla, TX 75980
Coleman’s, 188 Old Hwy 147, Zavalla, TX, 75980
Dollar General Store #10131, 231 Hwy 147, Zavalla, TX, 75980
Family Dollar #32691, 199 E Main St, Zavalla, TX 75980
Family Dollar #26758, 593 Hwy 69 S, Huntington, TX, 75949
New Way, 461 S US Hwy 69, Huntington, TX, 75949
One business did sell to minors, and administrative action was taken against the individual who sold the alcohol:
Snappy Food Mart Diboll, 1580 N. Temple Dr, Diboll, TX, 75941
Sale of alcohol to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both. Persons 21 or older can be held liable for damages caused by the intoxication of a minor under 18 if the adult knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to a minor or knowingly allowed the minor to be served or provided alcoholic beverages on the premises owned by or leased by the adult.
The Coalition, Inc. is funded in part by a grant from TxDOT to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes in Texas. 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 on how to prevent underage drinking, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.
Something BIG is coming in 2026! The Naranjo Museum annual fundraising gala, Dancing with Dinos is scheduled for Friday, March 27 starting at 6:00pm at the beautiful Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin. The 2026 theme is “Carnivale!”
For ages 21+ Tickets and Tables are on sale now! Individual tickets are $75 Tables with seating for 8 are $700 Sponsorships are available
Stroll, explore, and experience the arts in downtown Lufkin at the 2026 Lufkin Art Walk!
Join us for an enchanting afternoon as local artists display their work in storefronts along the streets, transforming downtown into a vibrant, open-air gallery. Enjoy live demonstrations, meet talented artists, and discover unique pieces.
Perfect for art lovers, families, and anyone looking to connect with our creative community.
