AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today encouraged Texans to take part in this year’s Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend starting Saturday, April 27 through Monday, April 29.
“Having emergency supplies on hand is a critical part of being prepared for potential severe weather,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage Texans across the state to stock up on supplies they might need in an emergency to protect themselves and their loved ones, such as first aid kits, flashlights, or hand-held fire extinguishers.”
Signed into law by Governor Abbott in 2015, Senate Bill 905 established Texas’ annual Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend allowing Texans to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax-free either online or in person.
As spring storms and increased wildfire danger impact Texas, along with the approaching hurricane season which begins on June 1, Texans are encouraged to review disaster preparedness tips and information on building an emergency supply kit at TexasReady.gov.
Join us Friday, May 3, at 12 pm for our next First Friday Luncheon, presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and this month’s sponsor, VFW POST 1836, Lufkin. We will be hearing from JB Smith with Deep East Texas Crime Stoppers.
Kendall Beattie, Director of Operations/Community Liaison with Elite Medical Home Care will go over “Navigating the Aging Journey” with guides and resources for loved ones. See you there!
Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunners Heading to the Next Level
For the 18 Angelina College athletes sitting with pen in hand inside Shands Gymnasium, Tuesday was more than a commemoration of accomplishments.
The event solidified the very reasons those athletes first signed with their respective Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner programs in the first place.
AC’s Athletics staff held a mass “Signing Day” ceremony for those athletes who have already signed to play at the next level – from Division I to NAIA programs. By no means were those present Tuesday the only recipients, as numerous others are still finalizing offers or still out on the recruiting trails.
J.J. Montgomery, head men’s basketball coach and athletic director, said Tuesday ??
“It’s really all about the coaching,” Montgomery said. “What our student-athletes showed here today is the direction our coaches take their players and their commitment to creating future opportunities for all their student-athletes.
“To see this many kids moving on is bittersweet, but it’s why they come here, and the coaches do a fantastic job pushing and preparing these kids for what comes next. Having a day like today is a big reason to celebrate. We’re going to be rooting for them after they leave here.”
Teammates (including underclassmen) were there to cheer on the signees, a factor Montgomery said will serve as motivation for those players to push for the same result.
“Just seeing their teammates experience success speaks for itself,” Montgomery said. “I mean, if that doesn’t motivate you, I don’t know what would. Those signed players have set an example, and they’ve shown the others that success really is possible.
“They’ve seen the blueprint, and now they know what it takes.”
Those AC athletes who signed on Tuesday (along with their chosen programs) were as follows:
Men’s Soccer: Omar Mora, (Oral Roberts University, NCAA Division I); Kaito Ueki (Coastal Carolina, NCAA Division I); Bryan Aguirre, (Purdue Fort Wayne, NCAA Division I); Rochaine Baker (Incarnate Word, NCAA Division I); Lennart Poth (Pacific University, NCAA Division I); Shota Tokuhisa (Lubbock Christian, NCAA Division II); Luan Rangel (University of Texas-Tyler, NCAA Division II); and Octavio Jacquez (Letourneau University, NCAA Division III).
Women’s Soccer: Antonia Henao (University of New Haven, CT, NCAA Division III); Camilla Bedin (Oakland City University, IN, NAIA); and Halee Hernández (Louisiana Christian University, LA, NAIA)
Men’s Basketball: Xavier Owens and Nehikhare Igiehon (Henderson State University, AR, NCAA Division II).
Women’s Basketball: Marie Kenembeni (Old Dominion University, VA, NCAA Division I); and Amyria Walker (University of South Alabama, AL, NCAA Division I).
Baseball: Dalton Mullins and Spencer Alexander (Stephen F. Austin State University, TX, NCAA Division I.
Softball: Skyler Martin (Texas A&M University-Texarkana, NCAA Division III). The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
Attention Angelina County high school juniors! Applications for the Drug-Free All-Star program are now available. 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. All current high school juniors who are passionate about being drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free are eligible for the program. The application can be accessed on The Coalition’s website at www.angelinacoalition.org/youth. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 31st. For more information on the Drug-Free All-Star program, visit The Coalition’s website or social media channels @thecoalition936, or contact Abby Baker at abaker@angelinacoalition.org.
For over 35 years, 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. Since the inception of the Drug-Free All-Star program, The Coalition has trained over 1,700 youth as drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free leaders in the community.
Angelina College Softball is heading into its last week of the regular season with hopes of earning a spot in the upcoming conference tournament. The Roadrunner baseball team is in the same boat, with just a few games remaining on the regular-season schedule and a playoff berth in sight.
There was a long-awaited reunion of national champions, just to top off the week’s activities.
Here’s a recap of the week, along with some upcoming events.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Splits Conference Games
Alvin College (10-8) currently sits in fourth place in the Region XIV South Zone. Lamar State College-Port Arthur is right behind the Dolphins in fifth place at 8-10.
And bearing down on them with hopes of taking over the fourth and final spot for a conference tournament berth is Angelina College’s Lady Roadrunners.
AC kept its postseason hopes alive by splitting this past week’s games with the two teams ahead of the Lady Roadrunners in the standings. The Lady ‘Runners fell to Alvin 3-2 in Monday’s opener at Lady Roadrunner Field before bouncing back with a 7-2 win in the nightcap. Riley Davila, River Hulsey, Angelina Postel, McKenna Ross and Brianna Collazo each drove in a run in AC’s win.
Wednesday in Port Arthur, the Lady Roadrunners suffered a tough 12-5 loss in five innings, only to bounce back with a clutch 4-3 win in the late game. Sandra Quiroz-Catalan rocked her second homer of the day, Riley Davila drove in a pair of runs and Linsey McKnight added an RBI to pace AC’s 14-hit attack. Pitcher Jocelyn Cantu earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just two earned runs.
This week is “make or break” for the Lady Roadrunners who are in the final six-game stretch of the regular season. AC hosts Blinn College on Monday starting at 1 p.m. (the doubleheader originally was scheduled for this past Saturday). The Lady ‘Runners then host Coastal Bend Community College on Wednesday starting at 11 a.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field; and AC closes out the regular season Saturday at Galveston College in a twin bill set for a 1 p.m. start.
The Lady Roadrunners will celebrate Sophomore Day following Monday’s games against Blinn College.
Roadrunner Baseball Not Out of the Running Yet
Considering all the bad luck with injuries this season, the fact the Roadrunners are still battling for a postseason spot is testament to the team’s stubborn nature.
Wednesday’s win over Paris College was a perfect example.
The Roadrunners battled for a thrilling 12-11 win over the Dragons in 12 innings, with Ashton Wagner hustling home with the game-winning run ahead of Sean Bazmore’s fielder’s choice. AC then split Friday’s games in Paris, dropping the opener 6-4 but taking the nightcap in a 4-3 win. Dalton Mullins drove in two runs, while Bazmore and Mason Lampe each added an RBI to back pitcher Ethan Jezierski’s 9-inning, complete-game gem. Jezierski struck out five Dragons while allowing just two earned runs.
Earlier, on Monday, AC picked up a win over non-conference foe Dallas College-Mountain View. The Roadrunners blanked DCMV 10-0 in six innings, with Jacob Tanguma, Sean Bazmore, Christian Letendre and Hayden Hupe each picking up two RBI.
The Roadrunners (18-28, 8-16) are now just two games back of fourth-place Panola College (21-23, 10-14) for the final playoff berth in the Region XIV North Zone.
AC hosts non-divisional opponent Wharton College on Monday in a single, 9-inning game scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.
The Roadrunners then embark on a crucial, three-game series against Northeast Texas Community College. Game 1 takes place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday in Mount Pleasant, and the teams will close out the series Saturday at AC’s Poland Field in a doubleheader set for a 1 p.m. start.
The ‘Runners will celebrate Sophomore Day on Saturday.
Softball National Champions 10-Year Reunion:
To date, they’re still the only national championship team in Angelina College history.
On Saturday, the winners came together for their 10th-year reunion.
The 2014 Lady Roadrunner softball team, winners of the NJCAA Division I National Championship, gathered inside Shands Gymnasium for some memory-sharing and some catching up.
AC Athletics plans to hold a massive signing event on Tuesday, with several current sophomores from every sport scheduled to sign their commitments to playing at the next level. AC Athletics will issue an announcement relaying pertinent information (time and location) early on Monday.
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather:
Roadrunner Baseball:
Monday, April 22: AC vs. Wharton College, single 9-inning game starting at f p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.
Wednesday, April 24: AC at Northeast Texas Community College single 9-inning game starting at 1 p.m. in Mount Pleasant.
Saturday, April 27: AC vs. NTCC, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Field. (Sophomore Day)
Lady Roadrunner Softball:
Monday, April 22: AC vs. Blinn College, DH starting at 2 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus. (Sophomore Night)
Wednesday, April 24: AC vs. Coastal Bend CC, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field.
Saturday, April 27: AC at Galveston College, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field.
For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)
Reminder: Nearly all Angelina College games (even road games) are live-streamed on TSBN Sports. Visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com), look for the scrolling schedule on the right, and click the blue “Video” link for the game you’re wanting to watch. (If there’s no blue link, that means TSBN isn’t streaming that particular game.)
Angelina College Softball’s 2014 National Champs Celebrated at Reunion A Gathering of Winners
On that day back in May of 2014, when shortstop Sage Martinez camped under an infield fly and cradled the catch for the game’s final out in St. George, Utah, the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners seemed to have little idea of the magnitude of what they’d just accomplished. There wasn’t a massive dogpile, nor much of any sort of celebration at all. The players simply gathered on the pitching circle for what amounted to a group hug.
That was about it.
The final out made the ’14 Lady ‘Runners the 2014 NJCAA Division I National Champions – the first team from Texas to do so, and to date, the only national title winner in AC Athletics history.
This past Saturday, the team actually did more celebrating than they’d done a decade before, as the college hosted a 10-year reunion ceremony for the squad. Originally, the ceremony was supposed to take place before the current Lady Roadrunners’ afternoon doubleheader scheduled for Saturday outside at Lady Roadrunner Field. But with rains washing out the games, the ceremony moved inside Shands Gymnasium – fitting, considering that’s where those 2014 players eventually received their championship rings, along with a proclamation from a Texas congressman.
Current AC softball head coach Brette Kohring, her staff, and players helped set up an impromptu “infield” on the gym floor. The ’14 players were introduced starting lineup style, and they took their old positions in front of the crowd. Although some of the women have different last names now thanks to marriage, they were introduced according to the old roster, including their uniform numbers: No. 3, Madalyn Sumrall; No. 4, Trina Deyo; No. 5, Katelyn Barker; No. 6, Kaylon Morvant; No. 7, Kristin Boulware; No. 8, Gia Johns; No. 9, Taylor Harper; No. 10, Shelby Bruner; No. 12, Sage Martinez; No. 13, Kassie James; No. 15, Sidney Allen; No. 18, Kayleigh Roy; No. 19, Meranda Rodriguez; No. 21, Samantha Moore; No. 22, Melissa Boland; No. 23, Ashley Ingle; and No. 24, Tessa Thomas. Athletic Trainer Bridget Chandler.
And the architects of the team, former coaches Mark and Barbi Mattson.
Most of the team made the trip to Lufkin for the gathering, but not all were able to do so. One former teammate, Kassie James, is now coaching at Stephen F. Austin State University. Her team played a game on Saturday in – of all places – Utah. James couldn’t be with her former Lady Roadrunner crew physically, but one of her AC teammates connected with her on a video call and “carried” her to her position.
The ladies made the most of their reunion. They watched a slide show chronicling the march to the title, with pics of everything from game action to shots of players sleeping in the airport during the grueling 39-hour trip to Utah. There was plenty of “I remember that play!” conversation and plenty of laughter.
Some of them have their own families now, including their own children. One child saw a photo of her mother on-screen and asked in disbelief, “That was you? You did that?”
For the group photo, the players present took the very same positions they’d taken for the official championship pic.
Former president Dr. Larry Phillips attended Saturday’s event, where the team presented him with a signed ball. Phillips, who chased the team to Utah for its championship run, spoke to the crowd, recalling the “nerve-wracking” moments leading up to the final out of the World Series, and how he could only catch his breath after Martinez made the final catch.
And, just for emphasis, he and Martinez did a reenactment of the final popup right there on the Shands Gymnasium floor.
With the current crop of Lady Roadrunners on hand to both assist with and witness the ceremony, the “old guard” put together a special presentation. The 2014 players presented gift bags to the 2024 players, with the older players matching up with the ladies currently wearing their old numbers. It offered a perfect example of a “passing of the torch,” and the champs offered bits of advice.
Essentially, their message to the new crew went something like this:
Don’t take any of this for granted. It goes by faster than you could ever dream. You won’t remember all the final scores. You won’t remember all the hits or the plays. What you’ll remember is what you’re seeing with us right now. It’s the bond with our coaches and team and all the other memories that made all if it such a special part of our lives.
Angelina College’s School of Visual and Performing Arts last week held a signing ceremony for 25 incoming and returning students committed to AC’s Visual Arts, Graphic Arts, Theater, Choir or Music programs. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service)
Incoming, Returning Students Recognized in Ceremony
In a relatively new tradition that continues growing each year, Angelina College’s School of Visual and Performing Arts this past week celebrated both incoming and returning students with a Scholarship Signing Day held inside the Angelina Center for the Arts building. The ceremony featured 25 art students from throughout East Texas on hand to display their commitments to one of the AC’s four major arts divisions: Music, Choir, Theater, and Visual and Graphic Arts.
AC’s arts programs have a history of developing student talents for both personal growth and professional opportunities. Beckie Compton, AC’s Chair of Visual and Performing Arts, provided the welcome for both the students and their families.
“This is such a special day not only because you students get to meet your future instructors, but also because we instructors get to meet you and your families,” Compton said. “It gets us even more excited about the next year and what we’re going to accomplish together.”
Following is the list of students recognized (with high schools or hometowns of record), their chosen programs, and the corresponding instructors:
Music/Band (Paul Berler, instructor): Janiez Jordan (Diboll), Even Cantu (Central), Andrew Gonzalez (Pennington), Jaden Hart (Groveton), Adrianna Vazquez (Groveton), Jacob Hall (Lufkin), Alex Mendoza (Lufkin) and Ethan Hazelbaker (Zavalla).
Choir (Beckie Compton, instructor): Samantha Burns (Pineywoods Community Academy), LaJoy Head (Diboll), Cheslee Stidham (Hudson), Jessie Thornton (Lufkin), Jordan Boisdrenghien (Lufkin), Lachlan Carnley (Lufkin), and Katherine Lopez (Lufkin).
Theater (Kary Raine, instructor): Gustavo Garcia (Lufkin), Zne Davis (Lufkin), Alexandra Megan Matt (Livingston), Makenna Hankins (Lufkin), Christopher Arredondo (Lufkin), Victoria Jacobo (Lufkin) and Devyn Hines (Lufkin).
Graphic Arts (Reg Reynolds, instructor): Riley Tate (Diboll), Grace Pivonka (Lufkin) and Yajaira Mendoza (Lufkin).
For further information on AC’s Visual and Performing arts programs, contact Beckie Compton at bcompton@angelina.edu.
For any other information regarding Angelina College, contact Krista Brown at kbrown@angelina.edu.
Power plant by Fortress Power featuring Envy Inverters and eVault batteries.
In the evolving landscape of energy management, commercial property owners are increasingly turning to demand response systems. These systems not only offer the promise of cost savings but also provide financial incentives for participating in energy load adjustment during peak times. Here, we explore how you can implement a demand response system in your commercial property, including options for financing this investment.
What is a Demand Response System?
A demand response system enables commercial properties to reduce or shift their electricity usage during peak demand periods. Utilities often provide financial incentives to properties that can lower their demand because it helps stabilize the grid and reduce the need for expensive and pollutive peak power plants.
Benefits of a Demand Response System
Cost Savings: By reducing energy consumption during peak times, properties can significantly lower their energy bills. Additionally, some utility companies offer lower rates for properties that participate in demand response programs.
Financial Incentives: Many demand response programs provide financial rewards to participants. These can be direct payments or credits against utility bills, based on the amount of energy reduction achieved.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Implementing a demand response system often requires a detailed assessment of a property’s energy usage, which can reveal opportunities for further energy-saving improvements.
Environmental Impact: By participating in demand response, properties contribute to the reduction of the overall energy demand, thus lowering the reliance on fossil-fuel-based power generation and reducing carbon emissions.
Reliability and Stability: Demand response helps in maintaining grid stability and reliability, which in turn can prevent power outages and electricity price spikes.
Implementing a Demand Response System
Energy Audit: Start with a comprehensive energy audit to understand your property’s energy consumption patterns and identify potential changes or upgrades.
Technology Installation: Invest in smart meters and energy management systems that can automate energy use adjustments based on utility signals.
Partner with a Utility: Engage with local utilities or energy service providers who offer demand response programs. They can provide guidelines, support, and financial incentives.
Employee Training: Educate your property management team and tenants about the benefits and operation of the demand response system to ensure cooperation and maximize effectiveness.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Continuously monitor the system’s performance and make adjustments as necessary to improve efficiency and increase savings.
Financing the Investment
Financing for demand response systems is increasingly accessible. Many energy service companies offer financing plans that allow property owners to install the necessary technology with little to no upfront costs. These plans often include payment terms that align with the financial benefits received from participating in demand response programs, making them financially feasible.
Additionally, some local governments and utility providers offer grants, low-interest loans, or rebates to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, including demand response systems.
See if This Works for Your Business
Building a demand response system for your commercial property is a proactive step toward energy efficiency and financial optimization. With available financing options, the initial barrier to entry can be minimized, allowing property owners to start reaping the benefits of free power and financial incentives sooner. By aligning your property management strategies with sustainable energy practices, you not only contribute to a greener planet but also enhance the value and profitability of your property.
This article was provided by MCFSolar.com – the leader in sustainable energy in East Texas. Contact them at info@mcfsolar.com or by calling (877) 245-4447 to find out more information.
Sponsoring The Men’s Fieldhouse, Lufkin Texas, Jeff Allen combines clean, hilarious humor like no other comedian working today. He regularly appears on Dry Bar Comedy, Netflix, Amazon, GMA3, The Blaze, PureFlex and other sites.
VIP includes a 6:00 pm Meet and Greet and a Question & Answer session (where Jeff will take questions and share his thoughts from his heart).
Date and Time Information: Saturday, May 11, 2024 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM CDT
