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In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

A graveside service for Theresa Louise (Jennings) Whitehead, 72, of Chireno, will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Little’s Chapel Cemetery. Theresa passed away on July 22, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 23, 1954, in South Carolina to the late Marvin and Frances (Slayton) Jennings. 

A full obituary will be posted on Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa Louise (Jennings) Whitehead, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

The Nacogdoches Farmers Market’s address is 107 Pearl Street – Nacogdoches, TX 75961. For more information send an email to nacfarmersmarket@gmail.com or call (936) 556-0680

Visit the Farmers Market every Saturday year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We have local produce, artisan bakers, candy makers, and wide array of custom handmade jewelry, handwoven scarfs, wraps and more. Local musicians are featured every Saturday morning playing your favorite tunes while you shop.

The mission of the Nacogdoches Farmers Market is to ensure that fresh, locally grown produce and products are available at a publicly convenient location, to inform and educate the consumer on healthy food selections, and to give the local farmers and artisans the opportunity to provide quality food products and hand-crafted products to the public, ensuring a sustainable community by positively contributing to the local economy.

Our farmers come from within a 90-mile radius of Nacogdoches. With such a variety of farmers, our market is able to offer a wide selection of specialty produce while maintaining local quality.

Small batch crafting is important to the Market. Come out and support your local bee population every Saturday.

Consider becoming a produce vendor at our Nacogdoches Farmers Market, whether you grow lots of produce or grow a little too much produce! The Vendor Application is available on the Farmers Market’s website.

Do you ever feel like you need an edge to get ahead, or you would like to be more successful? You can be. And it’s not another degree or certification.

It’s a focus on the fundamentals, Join Sid Walker for an engaging and interactive workshop where you will explore the 12 Keys of Success. In this session, you will get a fast-paced overview of all twelve principles, then take a deeper dive into a select few that can make an immediate impact in your life and work.

Sid Walker is a consultant, author, and leadership development professional with extensive experience helping individuals and organizations achieve success. A former Nacogdoches resident, he worked in development at Stephen F. Austin State University and served on the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Vice Chair of Community Development. Since 2014, Sid has specialized in nonprofit consulting and leadership training. He is the author of What’s Next: Find the Road to Your Success and is a frequent speaker on professional development, leadership, and organizational growth. Sid combines practical experience with strategies that inspire audiences to take action and reach their goals.

Expect a dynamic experience with interactive discussion, practical insights, and a live Q&A where your questions take center stage. Whether you are looking to grow professionally or personally, this workshop will give you tools you can start using right away.

Reserve your spot now! You won’t want to miss it! Register here.

This event will take place on July 30th, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce – 2516 North St. –
Nacogdoches, TX 75965

Sponsored by:

There’s plenty to enjoy around Nacogdoches this week! From trivia nights and classic cars to refreshing summer treats and historic adventures, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore.

Kick off your Thursday with a little friendly competition! Join Madhatter Distillery for Singo Bingo beginning at 6 pm, or head to Fredonia Brewery at 7 pm for Lone Star Trivia and put your knowledge to the test.

On Friday, cool off with Nac Summer Sips on the Downtown Square from 12–5 pm. This week, Swirl and Swig will be serving up refreshing drinks to fuel your afternoon of shopping and exploring downtown. Then keep the fun going at Aperitivo Café & Gelato for Summer Sips After Hours beginning at 5 pm.

Friday evening, head over to Clear Springs from 4–7 pm for their Classic Car Cruise-In. Grab a bite to eat while admiring vintage rides and enjoying a nostalgic evening with fellow car enthusiasts.

There’s still time to complete Nac Historic Sites’ Summer Scavenger Hunt! The hunt wraps up on August 7th, so this is your sign to explore historic and cultural sites throughout Nacogdoches while discovering the stories that make the Oldest Town in Texas so unique.

As always, feel free to send this to any friends, family, guests, or visitors! Full list of events available at visitnacogdoches.org/events

Ready to explore Lake Nacogdoches from the water? You don’t have to own a kayak to enjoy the adventure! Visitors and locals can now rent kayaks from Cooper’s Kayak Rentals on weekends and experience the beauty of the lake from a whole new perspective. See image below.

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Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in early November and the last day to return them to the USDA Service Center is December 7th, 2026.

For information, visit fsa.usda.gov/about-fsa/county-committee-elections, or contact the Nacogdoches Service Center at (936) 564-5891.

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This Alive After Five event sponsored by SFA Athletics will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20th, 2026 at the Pineywoods Pavillion – 608 E College St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965. Free to all to attend. For more information send an Email to the event’s co-sponsor, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

“Join Us for Alive After Five with SFA Athletics! 
All Chamber members are invited and entered in a cash prize drawing – but you must be present to win.

Get ready for an evening of networking, Lumberjack pride, and community spirit at our next Alive After Five, hosted by SFA Athletics and the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce!

• Meet coaches, student-athletes, and fellow community members
• Enjoy great food, drinks, giveaways, and door prizes
• Snap a photo with the SFA spirit and your favorite Lumberjack
• Make new connections in a relaxed, come-and-go setting

Bring your business cards and your Lumberjack spirit! This event is free to attend and open to Chamber members, guests, and the entire community.

Let’s pack the Pineywood Pavilion and show our support for SFA Athletics and the amazing work they do in Nacogdoches!

Light Food and Drinks will be served.”

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In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Catherine Austin Jordan, age 95, passed away on August 9th, 2026, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on June 12, 1931, in Many, Louisiana, to Solen Austin and Annie Bell Ammons.

Catherine loved to cook and her cooking was loved by all. In addition, she found great joy in spending time with and cooking for her children, grandchildren, and other family members.

She is survived by her son, Gary Don Blackledge and wife Rosalie L Blackledge; her daughter, Connie Schreck and husband Lynn Schreck; and her brother, Sonny Austin. Catherine is also survived by her seven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. Her family brought her immense pride and joy.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Solen Austin and Annie Bell Ammons Austin; her son, Ronnie Coy Blackledge; and her siblings, Myrtle Sherwood, Anis Brown, Edna Stringham, Louise Henderson, Pearl Lilley, and Flornel Morette Austin.

Her final resting place will be at Christian Cemetery in Nacogdoches. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Dementia Society of America.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Funeral service for Mildred B. Childs, 101, formerly of Nacogdoches, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home with Bro. Kendall McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at 4:00 p.m. at County Line Cemetery in Rusk County.  Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

A full obituary will be posted to Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mildred (Smith) Childs, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Ola Branton Ware, 81, of Nacogdoches, Texas passed away Monday July 13th, 2026 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born January 17th, 1945 in Appleby, Texas to George and George Ann Furra Denton.

A full obituary will be added to Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s website as soon as it is available.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s flower store.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Charles Adelbert Ely, 93, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Hospice in the Pines, in Lufkin, Texas.  Arrangements are under the care of Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing, no services are scheduled.  A full obituary will be posted on Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s website when made available. 

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our Allen Funeral Home Inc.’s flower store.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Alton John Hicks, 94, of Alto, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on August 13th, 2026. He was born on November 26th, 1931, to Archie and Ora Reece Hicks. A lifelong resident of Alto, Alton dedicated his life to his family and his community he held so dearly. Alton was married for 51 years to his beloved wife, Rosie Juanita Hicks. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, faith, and service. He was a devoted father and grandfather and took great pride in his family and the life they shared. A respected businessman and community leader, Alton owned and operated Hicks Post Company beginning in 1965. His commitment to his community extended into public service, where he served as Cherokee County Constable from 1969–1972 and again from 1977–1984. He later served as a Cherokee County Commissioner from 1987–1998. Alton was also a proud 50+ year member of Terrell Lodge #83 in Alto, a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Shriners, organizations in which he valued fellowship, service, and brotherhood. Beyond his work and public service, Alton was a lifelong cattle rancher and the owner of Hicks Cattle Company. He had a particular love for Gyr cattle and took great pride in raising and caring for them. Ranching was more than a livelihood to Alton—it was a way of life and a legacy he cherished. He was also a past member of the Board of Directors of an international Brahman association. Alton will be remembered for his strong work ethic, dedication to his community, love of family, and passion for the land and cattle he devoted his life to. His 94 years were marked by service, perseverance, and a deep connection to the Alto and Cherokee County communities he called home. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue through his family, his work, and the traditions he loved so much. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Ora Reece Hicks; his beloved wife, Rosie Juanita Hicks; his infant son, Charles Alton Hicks; his daughter, Johnita Faye Hicks Jacobs; his son, Billy Wayne Hicks; and his siblings, Gladys Hicks Jones, Earl Hicks, and Leo Hicks. He is survived by his sons, Robert (Belissa) Hicks, Kenneth (Gay) Hicks, and Larry (Cynthia) Hicks and brother, Roy Hicks. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarina Jacobs, Julie Jacobs, Shanna Hicks, John Hicks, Josh Hicks, Jake (Destini) Hicks, Jorden (Trent) Fulton, Brian (Jami) Hicks, and Adam (Rachel) Hicks, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Brian Hicks, Jake Hicks, Adam Hicks, Case Hicks, Rylan Hicks, and Grady Hicks. Honorary pallbearers are Josh Hicks, John Paul Hicks, and Bobby Reese.

The family will receive friends for visitation on August 15th, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Alto, with funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Alto. Burial will be at Lynches Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Terrell Lodge #83 P.O. Box 266 Alto, TX 75925.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Home Inc.’s flower store.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Patsy Ann Roberts, who entered her eternal home on July 8, 2026 at the age of 76. She was born on January 28, 1950, and spent her life sharing love, laughter and kindness with everyone fortune enough to know her. To know her was to love her. She had a vibrant personality and a contagious smile that could brighten any room. She was truly the life of every gathering, always ready with a laugh, a story, or a warm hug. Her joyful spirit, quick wit, and genuine love for family and friends created countless cherished memories that will be treasured forever. A devoted Southern Baptist, she lived her life grounded in faith. She found comfort in God’s promises and faithfully trusted Him throughout her life’s journey. Her unwavering belief gave her strength and served as an example to those around her. She was preceded in death by her parents William Calvery and Melba Few Calvery, husband Rev. Bill Roberts and daughter Mandy Roberts, whom she undoubtedly rejoins in eternal peace. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her loved ones and resting in the presence of her Saviour. Her legacy of love, laughter, faith and devotion to family will continue to live on through all who knew her and loved her. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered and always loved. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23. Patsy is survived by daughter Holly Roberts, foster daughter Tina Robalez, sister Brenda Petty and husband David, niece Sheri Langford and Kevin, nephew Roy Petty and Ashley, great nephews and nieces Bryan Langford, Brittany Bonner and Chad, Ashlynn and Kordell Hackney, Brandon Petty and Hailey and Kenslee Smotherman & Okoye, 6 great great nephews and 3 great great nieces. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s flower store.

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Lufkin District Construction Updates

Below is a description of the work planned for Aug. 10 through Aug. 14 in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.

With students returning to campuses across the district in the coming days, be sure to stay alert for pedestrians and school zones. Check the Lufkin District’s social media for school-zone awareness messages. 

Area Office Projects

Lufkin Area Office (Angelina, Houston, and Sabine counties)

Angelina County

• US 59, Redland Project.
  Contractors will lay hot mix and set bridge beams. A flagger will direct traffic on the northbound frontage road while beams are lifted into position. Concrete paving will occur overnight.  
• Business (BU) 59/First Street, resurfacing and striping Hot mix and final striping operations will occur overnight. Drivers should stay alert for lane closures.  
• FM 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.
  Bridge shafts will be drilled and dirt work will occur behind concrete barriers. Intermittent lane closures are expected and traffic will follow a pilot car.  
• US 69, cable median barrier.
  Cleanup work is planned on US 69 south of Zavalla and crash cushions will be removed south of Livingston on US 59 South. Lane closures will occur.  
• State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.
  The contractor will perform ditch work and stripe the westbound main lane, which will require a moving lane closure. The Feagin ramp will remain closed. 

Houston County

• SL 304 overlay.
  Slope and shoulder work will continue, requiring intermittent lane closures. Traffic will need to follow a pilot car near the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge where concrete work will take place. 
• FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.Contractors will pulverize the road, bring in flex base and treat cement. Daily lane closures will occur. A pilot car and flaggers will direct traffic.   

Livingston Area Office (Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties)

Polk and San Jacinto counties

• US 59, cable median barrier.   
  The contractor will level and repair concrete throughout the project area.   

Polk County

• US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.
• Workers will tie steel and prepare to pour bridge deck for the US 287 main-lane bridge, the north railroad bridge and other locations. Railing will be installed at the southbound US 287 bridge entrance and exit ramps. Prime coat will be applied to the south tie-in main lanes. Shoulder work and culvert installation is planned at the north tie in and turnaround area. Concrete cutting will occur at various bridge-deck locations. Shafts will be drilled for signage and lighting structures. 
• FM 2610 at Menard Creek.
  Crews will prepare to seed the area.  
• County-road bridge projects.
  • Piney Creek on Carmona Road: preparation for bridge columns will continue. 
  • Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: crews will set reinforcing steel and build bridge-rail forms.
  • Piney Creek on Nine Bridges Road: excavation and rock placement at bridge abutments is planned.   

San Jacinto County

• US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.
  Crews will install main-lane U-turn deck panels. Rebar bridge forms will be built and lighting will be installed on high-mast structures. Retaining wall dirt work will be performed.     
• SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.
  Bridge column prep work is planned.   
• SH 150 sidewalk project.
  Riprap will be installed. 

Nacogdoches Area Office (Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Shelby counties)

Nacogdoches County

• US 59, intersection improvements at SL 224.
  Newly constructed lanes are expected to open near SH 7. Overhead head signage at the south end of the project will be installed, resulting in periodic traffic stoppages. Northbound traffic is encouraged to seek alternate routes.   
• BU 59, SH/BS 7, SH/BS 21 and FM 2259 striping. Night-time striping and shoulder work is planned.

Sabine County

• US 96, road rehabilitation
  Subgrade treating is planned and will require daily lane closures.   

Shelby County

County road bridge projects. 

• Seeding will occur at the CR 3689 and CR 1440 bridges.
• Guard-rail work will be performed at various county-road bridge locations.

Reminder to Motorists
Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching TxDOT vehicles, law enforcement, and other vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.

Please remember to buckle up, stay sober, and Drive like a Texas: Kind, Courteous, Safe.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Michael Cole, 43, of Cushing, Texas passed away on July 8, 2026 in Cushing, Texas.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Michael was born in Pineville, Louisiana to Linda and Dale Cole on January 3, 1983. He went to school at Cushing ISD. He married his High School sweetheart and love of his life, Amy on May 12, 2007 in Cushing, Texas at Landmark Baptist Church. He worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He loved to hunt and fish with his family and to spend his extra time in his woodworking shop.

Michael is preceded in death by his mom, Linda Cole; Father in Law: Leslie Allen; Brother: Chad Scroggins; Maternal Grandparents: Dorothy and Julian Darsey; Paternal Grandparents: Nancy and Randy Beard, and Pete Cole.

Michael is survived by his wife, Amy; Children: MaKenzi (boyfriend Andrew Knight), Kodi, Kaylon, and Kash; Sister: Misty Fenton (husband, Aubrey); Brother: Justin Cole; Father: Dale Cole; Stepfather: Nub; Mother in Law: Bonnie Allen; Nieces and nephews: Dalton Phillips, Randi Fenton, Landon Fenton, and Jacie Cole; Great nieces, Great nephew, and many other loved ones.

The family of Michael wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out, helped our family, and sent prayers our way.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s flower store.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Cason Randyl Chittum, 33, of Nacogdoches, went to be with Jesus Sunday, July 12, 2026, after a lengthy illness. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of his children, parents, loved ones, and friends.

Cason was born in Nacogdoches on August 28, 1992, to Richie and Melanie Chittum. He was born tough as nails as he was the third son, and toughness was a requirement. Cason had a high pain tolerance, and more than one incident proved this. Around the age of 2, his middle brother sprayed Raid in his eyes. His mother and grandmother held him under the water faucet for 15 minutes to wash out his eyes, and Cason never cried but remained calm. At the age of 5, he was attacked in the face by a dog. His nose was broken and the muscles underneath his skin were exposed but he never cried—even after 4 hours in the ER and multiple stiches. He was tough. Cason loved playing basketball and did so for Diboll High School. He was an excellent mechanic and could fix just about anything. Cason mostly worked in construction from his teenage years, and he loved building houses. At the age of 12, Cason was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, and he dealt with complications from that until the time of his death.

Life wasn’t always easy for Cason, and he made some bad decisions from which he suffered the consequences. In the last months of his life, he knew his need for a Savior. He increasingly, throughout the day and night, asked his Mama to pray for him. His Mama did so and did everything she could medically, physically, and spiritually to help him. After already losing vision in his right eye, Cason had a left below the knee amputation in June of 2025, due to osteomyelitis. This considerably and understandably dampened his spirit. Yet he joked to the nurses post-surgery that he was “gonna be a peg-leg pirate for Halloween.” Less than a month after losing his leg, he crashed the mother/daughter trip to Branson. He accompanied his Mama and aunts to Silver Dollar City where he tried to talk his way into riding rollercoasters. Surrounded by 3 mother hens, he was forbidden from doing that. He did ride a kiddie ride or two, and his Aunt Charlie videoed the ride. Joy is evident on his face throughout the ride. A few weeks before his passing, he was able to spend several days with his dad and stepmom. They took his to his happy place—Galveston Beach.

Cason was proceeded in death by his paternal grandfather, Francis Chittum; maternal grandfather, Eldon Benton; paternal grandmother and grandfather, Dora and Walter (Taxi) Hundley. Also proceeding his in death was his step-brother, Seth Eckman; and his cousin, Ashton Woods.

Cason was most proud of his children, a daughter, Cashlyn, and sons, Cater and Samuel, and they survive him. He is also survived by his father and step-mother, Richie and Sarah Chittum of LaMarque, Texas; his mother, Melanie Rojo, of Nacogdoches; brothers, Chad (Chaney) of Diboll, and Codee, of Nacogdoches; maternal grandmother, Mildred Benton of Nacogdoches; aunts, Charlotte Woods and Tracie (Jubal) Cannon, both of Nacogdoches, Jane Chamberlin of Friendswood, Robin (Tommy) Medlock of Dickinson; an uncle, Randy Stacy of Mont Belvieu; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; much loved great aunts and uncles; special recognition to his friend, Lynzza; and the mothers of his children, Michelle and Clara.

Cason attended church with his mother at Community Apostolic of Nacogdoches, and this is where the visitation and funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Visitation begins at 1:00pm for friends, and the service will begin at 2:00pm. Officiating the service will be Chad Chittum, Pastor Lawrence Powell, and Pastor Brent Crosswhite.

Pallbearers will be Chad Chittum, Codee Chittum, Carter Chittum, Joshua Cannon, Andrew Cannon, Antonio Rojo, Ronnie Benton, and Jimmy Blackshire.

The address for Community Apostolic of Nacogdoches is 2800 Old Lufkin Road, Nacogdoches.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cason Randyl Chittum, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Garrison Funeral Home

Funeral services for Peggy L Adams, 92, of Garrison, TX, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 at Garrison First Baptist Church with Bro. John McGuire officiating. Visitation will be held immediately prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial for Mrs. Adams will be private.

Mrs. Adams passed away on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 in Garrison, TX. She was born on April, 25th, 1934, in Garrison, TX.

A full obituary will be posted on Garrison Funeral Home’s website when available.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either Garrison Volunteer Fire Dept. or to Garrison First Baptist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peggy Lee (Latimer) Adams, please visit Garrison Funeral Home’s floral store.

Click here for Booking Report

Lufkin District Construction Updates

Below is a description of the work planned for August 17th through August 21st, 2026 in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.

TxDOT’s Labor Day impaired driving campaign is underway. Statewide during Labor Day Weekend last year, a person was killed by an impaired driver every three hours. Remember: Drive Sober. No Regrets. 

Area Office Projects

Nacogdoches Area Office (Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Shelby counties)

Nacogdoches County

• US 59, intersection improvements at SL 224.
  Work on bridge deck will continue.   
• BU 59, SH/BS 7, SH/BS 21 and FM 2259 striping. The contractor will work on manhole covers and perform work on SH 21.

Sabine County

• US 96, road rehabilitation
  Prime coating is curing and leveling work requiring lane closures is planned for Aug. 19th.

Lufkin Area Office (Angelina, Houston, and Sabine counties)

Angelina County

• US 59, Redland Project.
  Bridge work will occur during the day while paving will take place at night. 
• Business (BU) 59/First Street, resurfacing and striping Striping, line and symbol painting will occur. This will be a mobile operation and drivers should stay alert. 
• FM 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.Dirt work near the abutments will occur, and the contractor will drill shafts for the bridge. A lane closure will be in place. 
• US 69, cable median barrier.
  Work on the barrier will occur on US 69 south of Zavalla and south of Livingston on US 59. Lanes closures will be in place for worker safety. 
• State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.
  Hot mix will be applied, requiring lane closures on the eastbound main lane. The Feagin Drive ramp will remain closed as work continues.  

Houston County

• SL 304 overlay.
  Slope and shoulder work will continue, requiring intermittent lane closures. Traffic will need to follow a pilot car near the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge where concrete work will take place. 
• FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.Contractors will pulverize the road, bring in flex base and treat cement on the next section of the project. Daily lane closures will occur. A pilot car and flaggers will direct traffic.   

Livingston Area Office (Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties)

Polk and San Jacinto counties

• US 59, cable median barrier.   
  Leveling and repair work will continue.   

Polk County

• US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.Workers will tie steel and prepare to pour more bridge deck for the US 287 main-lane bridge, and a section of the north railroad bridge. Bridge railings will be installed. Prime coat will be applied to the south tie-in main lanes. Work on the subgrade will take place near the US 287 eastbound lane. Shoulder work and culvert installation is planned at the north tie in and turnaround area. Concrete cutting will occur at various bridge-deck locations. Shafts will be drilled for signage and lighting structures.  
• US/BU 59, Diboll and norther Polk County mill and inlayContractors will begin removing asphalt and concrete to repair cracks. This project includes two locations. In Diboll, work will occur between FM 2497 and White Oak Creek. Work will also occur from the Polk/Angelina County line south to just north of Piney Creek. 
• County-road bridge projects.
  • Piney Creek on Carmona Road: excavation work is planned.  
  • Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: crews will work on bridge-rail forms.
  • Piney Creek on Nine Bridges Road: bridge railing will be installed.   

San Jacinto County

• US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.
  Crews will install bracing and overhangs at the main-lane U-turn bridge and excavate riprap. Work on the Tarkington Bayou and other bridges will occur and rebar forms will be assembled.      
• SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.
  Crews will demolish temporary construction forms and excavate areas for bridge and support-column foundations.
• SH 150 sidewalk project.
  Riprap will be installed and concrete will be poured. 

Reminder to Motorists
Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching TxDOT vehicles, law enforcement, and other vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.

Please remember to buckle up, stay sober, and Drive like a Texas: Kind, Courteous, Safe.

In the Care of Garrison Funeral Home

Our “Sissy”, Opaline Barnhart, went to be with her heavenly family on July 18, 2026.  She was 99 years young, a spring baby born on March 21, 1927 to Annie Lee and Delphia Eugene Carroll of Garrison.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Garrison Funeral Home with Nick Lloyd officiating.  Interment will follow at Cold Springs Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.

Sissy lived a long and prosperous life in and around Garrison and Nacogdoches and was loved by all who knew her.  She retired from Moore Business Forms of Nacogdoches and spent her retirement years loving her pets, visiting family and friends, tending flowers and volunteering for the Grandparents Volunteer Program with Nacogdoches ISD.  She lived her final years with her nephew Roger Carroll in Brazoria, Texas.

Because she never had any biological children, Opaline’s nieces and nephews became her “children”.  She loved them fiercely and they loved her right back.  She became their “other mother”, confidante and biggest supporter.  She brought so much joy and spice into their lives with everything she shared with them.  Her niece Felecia has said that Sissy loved to work puzzles, go shopping and to garage sales and bake all kinds of delicious pies, although her chocolate was a favorite of many!  She loved hanging out with her family and was often the life of the party due to her quick wit and sassy demeanor.  When they were together, they were likely playing 42 and you would inevitably hear her and her sister Martha arguing over something.  She and Martha were like two little warriors, arguing like siblings but never wanted to be apart for very long.  Sissy had two things, besides her family, that brought her great joy and that was her dog Rascal and dancing!  She was the dancing queen of the VFW and would spend many Saturday nights dancing up a storm, which kept her young and spry!

Opaline is survived by her loving nieces and nephews, Roger Carroll & wife Karen, Denny Young & husband Doug, Dale Garrett, Lennie Sawyer & husband Buz, Pam Downs & husband Boyce, Felecia Lloyd & husband George, Paul Carroll & wife Amy and Carrie Faulkner & husband David; an awesome group of great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Rascal.

She is preceded in death by her two husbands, L.V. Cunningham and Delmar Barnhart; her parents, and her siblings, Joe, John C and Martha.

Special thanks are given to Felecia Loyd who gave Sissy support while she lived in Nacogdoches and Roger Carroll who opened his home to her in her final years.  The family would also like to thank Oak Village Healthcare and Hospice of Lake Jackson for the outstanding care of Sissy after her hip surgery and until her passing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Opaline (Carroll) Barnhart, please visit Garrison Funeral Home’s floral store.

Nacogdoches,TX – Intermittent lane closures on US 59 North in Nacogdoches are planned overnight on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026.

The contractor will install overhead signs and support structures near Spradley Street after 11:00 p.m. The work will require both northbound lanes south of Spradley Street to close and reopen periodically throughout the night and early morning hours for worker safety.

Drivers should plan for delays and seek alternate routes.

Click here for Booking Report

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Melba Dean Johnson was born on July 11, 1941, out on the Davis property in Seedtick, Texas in a sharecropper’s cabin to Dewey Johnson and Willie V Norton Johnson. The baby was delivered with forceps and had bruise on the side of her face and had to be laid on her side for a day. 

Melba attended the Eden School House- a one room school. In first grade she learned the multiplication tables from overhearing the 3rd grade students recite them. Melba graduated salutatorian from Douglass High School in 1959. Her mama always told her, “Honey, get your education, that’s something no one can take away from you!” She graduated from Stephen F Austin College in 1963 with a Bachelor’s degree. She began teaching in Alto ISD the first year that Alto integrated their Black and White student population. She later taught school in Hudson ISD until 1980. She graduated from Southwest Texas with a Masters and became a guidance counselor for 23 years. She was a counselor for Thrall, Thorndale, and Tomball ISDs. She worked a total of 44 years in Texas public education, she retired twice and still missed the kids.

She honored her father and mother. She received the Holy Ghost at age 16 in a tent revival in the Eden community. She was a faithful wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, a church pianist and Sunday school teacher. Many people called her friend and said, “she always had a smile on her face”. She loved sending and receiving cards. She marveled at babies, and young couples in love- she thought love was a twittersome thing. She believed if you owed a debt you paid it. She stood for the flag and for a prayer. She would speak out against an injustice. She believed grandchildren were, “the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” (Neil Postman)

Melba had two daughters, Sharon and Sonya.

Her most often quoted verse and piece of advice:

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Our world is a poorer place for Melba’s departure.

A graveside service was held at Alazan Cemetery, FM 225, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Arrangements were under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on August 1st, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Pflugerville – 306 S 10th St. – Pflugerville, TX 78660. Visitation will start at 9:45 a.m.

Angelina County:

Physical copies will be available for free in select locations soon!

Lufkin District Construction Updates

Good afternoon,

Below is a description of the work planned for July 13 through July 17 in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.  

Area Office Projects

Lufkin Area Office (Angelina, Houston, and Sabine counties)

Angelina County

• US 59, Redland Project.
  Excavation, embankment, and bridge foundation work will continue for the northbound frontage road. Cement treatment will be applied to the northbound frontage road and main lanes. 
• FM 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.
  Concrete barriers will be set up, and work will be performed on driveways and bridge components. Traffic will need to follow a pilot car in the area.  
• US 69, cable median barrier.
  The contractor will install cable barrier south of Zavalla and US 59 south of Livingston. Lane closures will occur.  
• State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.
  Driveway work will occur.

Houston County

• SL 304 overlay.
  Slope and shoulder work will continue, requiring intermittent lane closures.  
• FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.The contractor will treat and sealcoat the roadway, resulting in daily lane closures. 

Livingston Area Office (Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties)

Polk and San Jacinto counties

• US 59, cable median barrier.
  The contractor will continue tightening the cable barrier. 

Polk County

• US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.
  Crews will continue setting expansion joints and deck panels, and tie reinforcing steel for the main lane US 287 bridge, and the north railroad bridge. Dirt work is ongoing at the north and south tie-ins. Bridge rail and signage will be installed at various locations. 
• FM 2610 at Menard Creek.
  The contractor is working on approaches and will install guard fencing.  
• County-road bridge projects.
  • Piney Creek on Carmona Road: column preparation will continue. 
  • Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: crews will prepare for and pour bridge decking. 

San Jacinto County

• US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.
  The contractor will set beams for an overpass bridge. Temporary seeding, mowing, and prime coating will continue.   
• SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.
  Drill-shaft rebar forms will be assembled.   
• SH 150 sidewalk project.
  Crews will perform excavation ahead of sodding and project-area cleanup. 

Nacogdoches Area Office (Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Shelby counties)

Nacogdoches County

• US 59 intersection improvements at SL 224.
  Demolition of old pavement will continue. 
• SH 7 and CR 724, Moral Bayou bridge project.
  Removal of the bridge detour will take place. 
• SH 21, safety treatmentHot mix application along West Main Street/BU 21 in Nacogdoches will continue. 

Sabine County

• US 96, road rehabilitation
  Soil improvement work will continue. A culver will be installed along FM 1. Daily lane closures are expected.  

Shelby County

• County road bridge projects. 
  Permanent sod will be installed. 

Reminder to Motorists
Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching TxDOT vehicles, law enforcement, and other vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.

Please remember to buckle up, stay sober, and Drive like a Texas: Kind, Courteous, Safe.

The Governor’s Small Business Summit — Nacogdoches is hosted in partnership with the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation and Texas Workforce Commission with contributions by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

About the Event:

The Governor’s Small Business Summit aims to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business. This event offers a variety of sessions bringing together local, state, and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. It’s also an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant, and actionable advice on a multitude of small business subjects. 

When:

September 3, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where:

The Fredonia Hotel – 200 N. Fredonia St. – Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Brief Agenda:

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – Resource Fair and Networking Hour
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Welcoming and Opening Remarks
9:45 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. – Sessions, Speakers, and Lunch
1:35 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Closing

Panel Sessions:

• Rooted & Resilient: Cultivating Long-Term Growth in East Texas
• Capital & Confidence: Navigating Funding, Cash Flow and Financial Strategy
• The AI Advantage: Practical Strategies for Small Business Owners

Keynote Speakers: Bob and Kelli Phillips, Former Hosts of Texas Country Reporter

Registration:

Registration is $20 and will include access to all sessions, resource providers, lunch, and complimentary headshots.  Register Here: https://gov.texas.gov/business/event/governors-small-business-summit-nacogdoches For questions or more information email: membership@nactx.com

TEXAS COAST — The Gulf of America commercial shrimp season for state and federal waters will reopen 30 minutes after sunset on July 15.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Coastal Fisheries Division uses data collected during routine bag seines and trawl sampling in June to determine a reopening date for the commercial shrimp season that best maximizes benefits to the shrimp resources and industry.

Bag seine sampling targets juvenile shrimp by pulling a net along the shoreline; whereas bay trawls target subadults by towing a net behind a boat in the open bay. Gulf trawl sampling targets adult shrimp and is done by deploying a net in the nearshore Gulf within 15 nautical miles of each of the five major Gulf passes – Sabine, Galveston, Matagorda, Aransas and Brazos Santiago – offshore to the edge of the Texas Territorial Sea.

The annual Gulf shrimp opening date is determined from June bag seine catch rates, June Bay trawl catch rates and lengths, June Gulf trawl catch rates and lengths and periods of maximum outgoing tides. Gulf trawl catch rates are an indicator of subadult and adult shrimp that have come from the bays and are migrating into deeper offshore water. Bag seine catch rates are an indication of any late recruits still residing in the bays that will be emigrating later in the season. Growth calculated from June Bay and Gulf trawl data is used to predict when shrimp will reach a target size of four inches (112 mm), and to predict peak abundance.

These measures, along with other management actions, have and continue to ensure the protection of the shrimp resource in Texas coastal waters.

Federal waters, from nine to 200 nautical miles offshore, will open at the same time as state waters. The National Marine Fisheries Service chose to adopt rules compatible with those adopted by Texas.

“Join us to celebrate Balanced Beauty Aesthetics! 

From advanced skin rejuvenation and medical aesthetics to weight management and IV therapies, they are dedicated to enhancing our community’s health, beauty, and vitality. Come celebrate their investment in our wellness. Guests can look forward to enjoying light appetizers from Pineywoods Charcuterie! 

We look forward to seeing you there!”

This event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Balanced Beauty Aesthetics – 1106 North University Dr. – Suite 101 – Nacogdoches, TX 75961

NACOGDOCHES, TX — The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Forum during its Fourth Friday Luncheon on Friday, August 28th, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center.

The forum will provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking election in local and state races ahead of the November 3rd, 2026 General Election.

The forum will be moderated by Dr. John Hendricks, who will guide the discussion and facilitate questions throughout the event.

“The Chamber is committed to providing opportunities for voters to become informed about the candidates and issues that will shape our community and state,” said Tyrone Curl, Vice Chair of Public Policy, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage community members to attend, hear from each candidate and participate in the voting process.”

The Candidate Forum is part of the Chamber’s monthly Fourth Friday Luncheon series and is open to Chamber members and the public. Registration is required by noon on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 and is available online or by email or calling 936-560-5533. A lunch buffet will be available for $30/Chamber members and $35/non members. Seating will be offered at no charge for attendees not having a meal.

Voters are reminded of the following key election dates:

• First day of early voting by personal appearance: Monday, October 19th, 2026
• Last day of early voting by personal appearance: Friday, October 30th, 2026
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Loraine Irene Tornga passed on July 22, 2026, at the age of 86, having been born on March 12, 1940, and residing in Mount Enterprise, Texas.

No services are scheduled at this time.  Please visit Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home’s website for any possible updates.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– An asteroid discovered at the Stephen F. Austin State University Observatory in Nacogdoches in 1999 has been officially named Carona in honor of late Texas A&M University astronomer Don Carona.

Image credit: Dr. Dan Bruton

The minor planet, now designated (102216) Carona, was discovered Oct. 3, 1999, by Carona and Billy Dink McCormack ’10, who earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences at SFA and now serves as a football coach and math teacher for Cushing Independent School District. In 1999, Carona and McCormack were part of a minor-planet observing program established and directed by Dr. Dan Bruton, SFA Planetarium director and professor of physics, engineering and astronomy.

“Don and I worked closely together at the Texas A&M Physics and Astronomy Observatory in the early 1990s, and that collaboration grew into a lasting friendship,” Bruton said. “While conducting minor-planet observations together, we reported an unknown object that was later confirmed as a new minor planet.”

The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature announced the name in the April 13 issue of its official bulletin. Once approved by the IAU, an asteroid’s name becomes its internationally recognized permanent designation.

“It’s fitting that it now carries Don’s name,” Bruton said. “His enthusiasm for astronomy and his dedication to education left a lasting impact on students and staff alike, and I’m grateful this discovery preserves that legacy.”

The official IAU citation describes Carona, former manager of the Texas A&M Physics and Astronomy Observatory, as an educator whose “dedication to observational astronomy and public outreach inspired countless students and community members.” 

Asteroid (102216) Carona orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter “as a lasting marker of Carona’s contributions to astronomy education and his role in the discovery at the SFA Observatory,” Bruton said.

The SFA Observatory has continued as a site for minor-planet research, with Bruton’s students discovering 11 minor planets there. To learn more about the observatory, visit gosfa.com/observatory.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University faculty, staff and student assistants, along with Peter Andrew, retired professor of art, recently visited the Naranjo Museum of Natural History in Lufkin to begin the process of creating a 3D replica of a moon rock from Apollo 14. 

The moon rock, which NASA loaned to the museum, has been on central display since 2014 and will be taken on a nationwide tour for the United States Semiquincentennial celebration. With the help of Andrew, a member of the museum’s board who is familiar with the makerspace’s capabilities, the museum requested the assistance from SFA Makerspace to create a replica using its state-of-the-art 3D printers. 

Pictured are Dr. William Nieberding, associate professor of art, left, and Chase James, SFA Makerspace technologist.

“The opportunity to work with a genuine Apollo 14 lunar sample, one of the largest moon rocks on display in the country, is extraordinary,” said Chase James, SFA Makerspace technologist. “Few people ever have the chance to interact this closely with an artifact from one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Creating a replica of such a historically and scientifically significant object has been both a unique challenge and a remarkable privilege.”

Joining James and Andrew on this project were Dr. William Nieberding, associate professor of art; Shannon Bowman, librarian; Sheldon Scroggins, Information Technology Services technician; and Thomas Mooney, SFA Makerspace student worker. 

Pictured is the moon rock from Apollo 14 which NASA loaned to the Naranjo Museum of Natural History in Lufkin.

Creating an accurate digital replica of the moon rock required several approaches. The first attempt involved using two high-end 3D scanners. However, because the moon rock was permanently encased inside an acrylic pyramid, the scanners were unable to accurately capture the artifact through the reflective surface.

The second method utilized photogrammetry, or the science of taking measurements and creating 3D models from flat 2D photographs. This process took high-quality photographs from as many angles as possible under controlled lighting conditions. Specialized software then analyzed the images and combined them to generate a detailed 3D model.

Pictured, from left, are Peter Andrew, retired professor of art; Dr. Jennings Neal, Naranjo founder and chief executive officer of the museum; Charlie Grumbles, friend and special assistant of Naranjo Museum’s founder and CEO; Dr. William Nieberding, associate professor of art; Shannon Bowman, librarian; Sheldon Scroggins, Information Technology Services technician; Thomas Mooney, SFA Makerspace student worker; and Chase James, SFA Makerspace technologist.

In addition to photogrammetry, the group explored emerging AI-assisted reconstruction tools that can generate 3D models from photographic references. Once a model has been created, the group will work with faculty members experienced in digital modeling to refine and improve its accuracy before producing a physical replica. Benjamin Anderson and Amanda Breitbach, assistant and associate professors in the School of Art, respectively, and Eddie Ironsmith, assistant professor of computer science, will help turn the scans and photos into a usable 3D model for the museum. The project is slated to take multiple weeks to complete.

According to James, the project has led to discussions with the museum about future opportunities to digitally preserve and replicate other important artifacts and fossils. 

“This project highlights the makerspace’s ability to support specialized, interdisciplinary projects that combine technology, art, science and historical preservation,” James said. “Successfully creating a replica of the moon rock will further strengthen SFA Makerspace’s reputation as a campus resource capable of tackling complex challenges.”

For more information about SFA Makerspace, visit sfasu.edu/makerspace.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

Click here for Booking Report

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (July 8, 2026) – Officers with the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to a residence on July 7, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m. after receiving a report from an adult female who stated she had just been sexually assaulted and that the suspect had fled the scene.

The suspect was identified as Tristan Venegas, 30, of Nacogdoches, Texas, who had previously been identified as a person of interest in an earlier report involving the offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. A short time after that investigation began, officers received the sexual assault report identifying Venegas as the suspect.

According to the preliminary investigation, the victim reported that she and Venegas met at a local bar before returning to her residence, where the sexual assault occurred.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

Officers later located Venegas in the 100 block of South Street. Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest Venegas for Sexual Assault, a Second-Degree Felony.

Venegas was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail.

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home

Nelda Jean Meador Rupert, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026. She was born on March 10, 1933, in Etoile, Texas, to Charlie Cuff Meador and Vivian Phillips Meador. 

Nelda was raised in East Texas and attended Woden High School before continuing her education at a business college in Nacogdoches, Texas. She later worked as a Full Charge Bookkeeper for numerous years. 

Above all, Nelda treasured her family and the many friendships she made throughout her life. She found great joy in shopping, traveling, quilting, playing games, and listening to music. An accomplished quilter, she created several prize-winning quilts that reflected both her talent and creativity. Gospel music held a special place in her heart, and she especially loved listening to The Hoppers.

Nelda was a faithful member of “Life” Church and was also an active member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas for several years, participating in both the Chireno and Nacogdoches chapters.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Raymond Rupert Jr.; several Cox stepchildren; her nephews, Charles W. Meador and his wife, Marsha, and Jerry L. Meador and his wife, Tracey; her nieces, Carolyn Cox and Marvis L. Johnson and her husband, Gary; 10 great-nieces and nephews; 22 great-great-nieces and nephews; and 7 great-great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Delton Patrick “Pat” Cox; her parents, Charlie Cuff Meador and Vivian Phillips Meador; her brother, Charles J. Meador, and his wife, Gwen Meador; her sister, Charlsie Burnaman, and her husband, Loith Burnaman; her sister – in – law, Faye Cox Brown; her nieces, Donna Gene “Deannie” Meador; her nephews, Larry Meador and Lane Cox, as well as her great-nephews Matthew Meador and Michael Cox. 

Nelda will be remembered for her kind heart, steadfast faith, generous spirit, and the love she shared with everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Nelda was placed to rest at Blue Springs Cemetery in Etoile, Texas on July 10th.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Blue Springs Cemetery in honor of Nelda’s memory. Please mail donations to P.O. Box 106, Etoile, TX, 75944

AUSTIN – As of July 1, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) officially began hosting the role of State Coordinator for the Texas Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established the STSSN in 1980, which documents sea turtle strandings along the coastal areas from Maine to Texas and in parts of the U.S. Caribbean.

The Texas STSSN consists of several partner organizations across the Texas coast that respond to and rehabilitate stranded sea turtles. TPWD will work to support these organizations while continuing to partner in sea turtle conservation and recovery efforts in Texas during large scale stranding events such as winter freezes.

TPWD and NOAA will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition and provide ongoing support to the STSSN. As the Texas State Coordinator, TPWD will lead and facilitate statewide matters pertinent to sea turtle management and recovery that are connected with sea turtle strandings and incidental captures, including inter-agency cooperation, emergency response and preparedness, and support of law enforcement.

This role also serves as the STSSN point of contact for notifications and other aspects of permits/authorizations under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) jurisdiction that have historically involved the State Coordinator. NOAA will continue to provide data management and record verification for the TX STSSN, facilitate necropsies, and support the Texas Coordinator in key areas such as emergency response and training.

Special thanks to Dr. Donna Shaver and the National Park Service for their many years of service to the STSSN and to NOAA staff for fulfilling interim coordinator roles over the last several months.

Sea turtle nesting-related issues remain outside of the STSSN and are the purview of the USFWS.

To report an injured, stranded, entangled, or dead sea turtle, please call: (866) TURTLE5 (866-887-8535).

To report a stranded or injured marine animal, please visit: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report

AUSTIN – Hunters have an exciting lineup of opportunities and a chance to experience the beautiful scenery of Texas through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) drawn hunt permits program.

The drawn hunts program issues permits to hunters for drawn hunts on both public and private lands throughout Texas. Applications are now being accepted for a shot at nearly 9,800 permits in more than 60 high-quality hunt categories.

“It is an affordable way to get to hunt, but more importantly, the offerings in the public hunt draw system allow you to potentially hunt one end of Texas to the other for potentially every species Texas has to offer!” said Kelly Edmiston, TPWD public hunting coordinator. “From the Panhandle to South Texas, to the Trans-Pecos and the Pineywoods, you could be selected for a hunting spot at a state park, wildlife management area, national wildlife refuge or private property. Variety is the key and the opportunity is there.”

Hunts for white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, alligator and dove, plus guided packages for exotic species and bighorn sheep are a few of the hunts available through the Texas public drawn hunt system. Last year, more than 500,000 applications were submitted to TPWD.

Thanks to 154 hunts across 55 state parks, hunters will also have the chance to explore Texas State Parks. Public hunting opportunities at State Parks have increased for the 2026-27 season compared to last year, with a 20 percent increase over the past five years.

Key additions for the 2026-27 season include a mentored dove hunt at Lake Corpus Christi State Park along with deer and exotic game hunts at newly acquired Bear Creek and Silver Lake State Parks. Other recently acquired state parks properties providing public hunts include Post Oak Ridge and Caprock Canyons State Parks, along with Enchanted Rock and Honey Creek State Natural Area.

Application deadlines are the 1^st and 15^th of each month between Aug. 1 and Nov. 1. For example, applications for all alligator hunt categories and private land dove hunts are due Aug. 1, while deadlines for archery deer, archery mule deer, pronghorn, private land pronghorn and javelina are Aug. 15.

Application fees range from free to $3 to $10, depending on the hunt category. If selected, adult hunters may need to pay a special permit fee of $80 for regular hunts or $130 for extended hunts. Categories such as youth-only hunts and specified others do not require application or permit fees. Permits are open to residents and non-resident hunters alike.

To apply for e-Postcard hunts and U.S. Forest Service antlerless deer permits, applicants must have a current Annual Public Hunt Permit (APH). APH permits go on sale annually on Aug. 15. Last year, 60,713 APH permits were sold, generating approximately $2.8 million in revenue for wildlife conservation and public hunting opportunities.

The Drawn Hunts Catalog interactive map shows all drawn hunt opportunities by category or by area. All applications, fee payments and permit issuance are handled electronically. All applicants will need internet access, an email address and a credit or debit card to participate. The most effective way to access the system is through the customer ID number from the applicant’s hunting or fishing license.

Visit the drawn hunt website for a full list of category deadlines. Hunters can apply until 11:59 p.m. CST on the application deadline. Applicants can check their drawing status online at any time.

For more information or to start the application process, visit TPWD Drawn Hunts. For questions, contact hunt@tpwd.texas.gov or call (512) 389-4505 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please join us to once again gather with our NHS 1960 – 1965 band members from near and far to celebrate our times together!

On Friday, October 23rd, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. a dinner and party will be held at Appleby Sand Mercantile – 6530 FM 2609, Nacogdoches, TX 75965

The event will be catered and the registration fee includes dinner. The registration fee is $40.00 per person.

If you are planning to attend, please send your check with the attached registration form to the following address: Attn: Joan Henson Anderson – 672 CR 112 – Nacogdoches, TX 75965

Also, if you know of any member who has changed his or her home or email address, please forward this webpage to them: https://nacnewsnow.com/article/nacogdoches-high-school-band-reunion-victor-caldwell-years-1960-1965/

Looking forward to seeing everyone!         

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University has appointed Dr. Dana Solomon as principal and superintendent of SFA Charter School.

Dr. Dana Solomon (pictured above) will begin her tenure during the summer.

“It is an honor to be named principal of SFA Charter School,” Solomon said. “I believe that every child can engineer a better future when provided a quality education, and I am looking forward to working with our whole SFA community to continue the stellar work of this legendary campus.”

Solomon arrives to this new role following four years as principal of Mike Moses Elementary School in the Nacogdoches Independent School District. Solomon also has served as a principal and assistant principal in the Frisco Independent School District for 12 years, and as a teacher for four years. 

Solomon earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of North Texas, a Master of Education Administration from Concordia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from The University of Texas at Dallas.  

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Dana Solomon as the principal and superintendent of SFA Charter School,” said Dr. Stacy Hendricks, vice provost for academic affairs. “Her experience, collaborative leadership and dedication to education make her an excellent choice to lead the school into its next chapter while continuing to support high-quality instruction, meaningful student learning and strong partnerships with families and the community.”

Serving the Nacogdoches and SFA communities since its approval by the Texas State Board of Education in 2008, SFA Charter School has focused on improving public education and enhancing the preparation of future educators and school psychologists.

For more information about SFA Charter School, visit sfasu.edu/charterschool.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Sandra Elaine (Smith-Thomas) Debenport of Texarkana, Texas, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on August 3, 2026. The daughter of Emmett Taylor Smith, Jr. and Mary Kathryn Ray Thomas, Sandra was born in Canton, Mississippi on October 18, 1942.

Sandra was preceded in death by her mother and father, daughter Julie Debenport, and brothers Taylor, Tommy, and Gene.

She is survived by her daughter Misty Sturrock and husband Scott, son Dan Debenport and wife Brandy, and sister-in-law Janie Debenport. She was blessed with six grandchildren—Tyler Sturrock and wife Amelia, Scotlan Frayne and husband Richard, John, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Natalie Debenport—as well as three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. 

Family and faith were the center of Sandra’s life. She was a loving mother and beloved “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Texarkana, TX, she was always willing to serve no matter the circumstance. Sandra received immense joy when singing in the choir and assisting with the children’s classes. A kind and humble woman, Sandra was always concerned about the well-being of the people around her. 

Sandra graduated from John Tyler High School in 1960, where she was the Senior Class Favorite, twirler, and loved by all. She continued her education at Tyler Junior College, where she was on the cheer team. Later, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Stephen F. Austin State University and earned her Texas Teaching Certificate. She loved working in her yard and baking treats for her family and friends. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 6, at 5:00 pm, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. Family will be available in the church at 4:00 pm to receive guests. A short graveside service and burial will take place on Friday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches, Texas, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. 

Sandra will be remembered for her fierce love, servant’s heart, and love for the Lord. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. 

The following links are available for the service in Texarkana.  Please feel free to join us for a live feed of Sandra’s service.

https://www.facebook.com/PGBCTXK

https://www.youtube.com/@pgbctxk

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Elaine (Smith) Debenport, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Funeral service for Betty Ann Burkhalter will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Cold Springs Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home.

A full obituary will be posted on Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Ann (Bryce) Burkhalter, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (July 8, 2026):  The Nacogdoches Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting death of a 12-year-old child that occurred on July 4, 2026, at Eastwood Terrace.

On July 4, officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim at Eastwood Terrace. Dispatch advised responding officers that Redarion Davis a 12-year-old male had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Officers arrived on scene along with Nacogdoches EMS and found the juvenile suffering from a critical gunshot injury.

The victim was transported to a local medical facility before being airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital, where he remained in critical condition. Despite lifesaving efforts, the child later succumbed to his injuries.

The University Police Department (UPD) and the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) assisted with securing the scene while investigators with the Nacogdoches Police Department Criminal Investigation Division (CID) processed evidence and conducted interviews.

During the investigation, Zamarion Douglas, 19, of Nacogdoches, was identified as the suspect. Davis was arrested and charged with Injury to a Child, a First-Degree Felony.  Detectives determined that Davis discharged a firearm in the direction of the victim, causing the fatal injury.

The Nacogdoches Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

This remains an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

A private family memorial is pending for Curtis Dale McIntosh, 72, of Alto. Mr. McIntosh passed away Friday, July 3rd, 2026 in Rusk, Texas. He was born December 28th, 1953 in Pecos, Texas to Leonard Sidney McIntosh and Martha Belle Stratton McIntosh. Curtis was a Christian and had worked as a transmission specialist. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Larry McIntosh and Candace McIntosh. Curtis is survived by his daughters Jennifer, Mary, and Annabelle McIntosh and siblings Chipenny Olsen, Sidney McIntosh, and Christal McIntosh.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s flower store.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Charlotte Ann Olds Kennemer quietly slipped through Heaven’s pearly gates to meet Jesus on June 29th, 2026. 

Charlotte was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on October 15th, 1944 to Mary Kate Gilbreath Olds and Troy Olds. As the baby of the family, Charlotte was quite mischievous in her youth, especially during her teenage years when she’d often lead her suitors on car chases around town and through secret shortcuts that inevitably left tire tracks on a neighbor’s back lawn. Charlotte eventually let Brooks Kennemer catch her and they married on June 2nd, 1966. Together, Charlotte and Brooks built a beautiful life. 

After graduating from Stephen F. Austin, Charlotte began her career as teacher. Later she continued her education by earning a Master’s degree from Texas A&M. This allowed Charlotte to work as a tenured professor in SFA’s College of Education until her retirement in 2005. As a professor, Charlotte focused on elementary education with an emphasis on early literacy instruction and according to RateMyProfessor was known to give tests that required her students to actually read their textbooks to earn a passing grade. With Brooks by her side, Charlotte spent her personal time as a young adult showing horses, traveling, and square dancing. In retirement, Charlotte opted for slower-paced activities like crochet, knitting, quilting, Bible study, and book club. Throughout her adult life, Charlotte was a faithful servant of the Lord and proud member of Perritte Methodist Church. Even with these professional and personal accomplishments, Charlotte’s greatest joys came when she and Brooks chose to adopt their sons, JT and Luke, and when she became Memaw to her beloved grandchildren. 

Upon arriving to Heaven, Charlotte was greeted by her parents, Mary Kate Olds and Troy Olds, husband, Brooks Kennemer, her brother, Charles Bass, and her grandson, Jack Kennemer. Here on earth, Charlotte’s memory will live on through the friendships she held dear, the extended family she loved, and the sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren she cherished, including JT Kennemer, his wife Jodie, and their son, Jude, and Luke Kennemer, his wife, Paige, and their children, Calvin and Chloe. 

A church service honoring Charlotte’s life will be held Saturday, July 11th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Perritte Methodist Church, 1025 Durst Street, Nacogdoches, Texas, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 5127 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas.  In lieu of flowers, honorary donations in Charlotte’s memory may be made to Perritte Methodist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlotte, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

A Funeral Mass for Dr. Edwin C. Emborgo, 66, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17th, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16th, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home with a Rosary Service following. Dr. Emborgo tragically passed away on July 4th, 2026. He was born on February 2nd, 1960, in Wao, Philippines.

A full obituary will be posted on Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Edwin, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home

Terry Marlene Murray was born on August 14, 1963, in Beckley, West Virginia, to Lowell “Bud” and Reba Phillips. At a young age, Terry and her family moved to Melbourne, Florida, where she was raised. At 12 years of age, she was saved at Calvary Baptist Church and was involved in the youth group and choir. She graduated from Eau Gallie High School in 1981. After high school, she attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, where she met the love of her life, Homer Murray. She always joked about attending college to get her MRS. degree… and she did just that! Terry and Homer married on June 24, 1983, at Calvary Baptist Church, where they began their life and ministry together. They raised three incredible children: Matthew, Justin, and Marisa.

Terry’s career was spent as an administrative assistant in various roles, including church secretary, bank teller, and her most recent and proudest position as an administrative coordinator for CRU. If you’ve spent any time with her over the last eight years, you’ve heard her speak passionately about her job with CRU. She was thriving at assisting missionaries to Southeast Asia, where they actively share the gospel in native languages through “The Jesus Film Project.”

Homer and Terry recently celebrated 43 years of marriage, during which Terry faithfully stood beside her husband. Throughout their 36 years of ministry, she quietly served the church behind the scenes, never seeking public recognition. She will always be remembered for her kindness, compassion for others, welcoming personality, and bright, beautiful smile.

One of Terry’s greatest joys was being called Gram by her six grandchildren. She spent numerous hours and traveled many miles to support them in all their endeavors. She was passionate about crafting, baking, and cooking, where she used her gifts to serve others inside and outside of her home.She especially loved baking with and for her grandchildren.

Over the last year, Terry took an interest in committing to her physical health and wellness. She worked hard at eating right and exercising, resulting in the great accomplishment of losing 80 pounds, which boosted her strength, confidence, and self-esteem.

Terry is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Homer. She also leaves behind her three children and their spouses: Matthew and his wife, Megan; Justin and his wife, Alisha; and Marisa and her husband, Stephen. Her memory will be cherished by her six grandchildren: Cam, Ren, Charlee, Kru, Graycee, and Eli; and her grand-dogs, Benny, Mel, Ethan, and Ellie. Additional family includes her father, Lowell Phillips; her sister, Linda Bowden, and her husband, Eddie; her mother- and father-in-law, Millie and Bill Murray; her sister-in-law, Rhonda Champion, and her husband, Don; her brother-in-law, Joe Murray; her foster brother, Nick Flickinger, and his wife, Susie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Terry was preceded in death by her mother, Reba Phillips; her sister-in-law, Missy Stancil; and her grandparents, Oakley and Gladys Smith, and Lowell Phillips Sr. and Beatrice Phillips.

Terry went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 6, 2026. Even with her passing, she was able to faithfully impact the lives of many by being an organ donor.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to “The Jesus Film Project.”

Donations can be mailed to The Jesus Film Project, 100 Lake Hart MC 3100, Orlando, Florida 32832 (Designation #2751227 in honor of Terry Murray).

A visitation was held at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist, 4922 FM 2864, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, on July 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life for Terry was held at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Friday, July 10, at 10:30 am.

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home

William Kenton (Kent) Ferguson lost his battle with Leukemia Cancer but never his sense of humor or his love for life on July 4, 2026.

Kent was born in Houston, Texas, January 19. 1942, to Edith Hunter Ferguson and grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. He attended the First Baptist Church and was active in the YMCA where he became an excellent competitive swimmer. He was a Life Scout and inducted into the Order of the Arrow.

Kent served his country as a U.S. Marine and later as an FBI Special Agent in Washington, D.C., Kansas City, MO, and Memphis, TN where he specialized in investigating organized crime and bank robberies. In 1977 he started W. Kent Ferguson and Associate, Inc. which became Ferguson Garrett and Associates, Inc. and finally Ferguson Investigation and Security Consultants, Inc. The company was the premier consulting firm in Houston and had clients all over the world, conducting investigations into real estate fraud and asset searches worldwide. During its 35 years of operation the company provided employment for hundreds of investigators, researchers, and clerical personnel.

Kent and Thelma Fielder married and were loving parents to Vikki and Bill, the delight of his life. 

Later Kent and Suzanne Wylie married, and she brought with her Shelly, Nancy and Laura, three loving, precious daughters much to Kent’s reward. Kent was a loving husband to Suzanne until her death in 2023.

In 2011 Kent and Suzanne purchased the Flying F Ranch bringing them to Nacogdoches, TX. They both worked hard to be accepted into the community volunteering for CASA, Nacogdoches Rotary Club, HOPE, Love, Inc., Newcomers, and Nacogdoches Medical Center. They were active members of the First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches where they enjoyed the Round Table Sunday School Class as well as serving on various committees. Kent continued his love of competition through participation in marathons, triathlons, and national swimming events.

After Suzanne’s death, Kent was blessed to get to better know his Rotary table friend, Judy McDonald. She brought another gift, her son Chris. They developed a deep, loving relationship becoming life partners, marrying April 18, 2026. They enjoyed traveling, sailing and making the most of every minute just being together. They continued to worship together in both Kent’s First United Methodist Church and Judy’s Austin Heights Church where they treasured the love and support of both communities of faith.

Besides his wife, Judy, he is survived by his daughter Victoria Ferguson Reed, son William K. Ferguson III, Shelly Offutt (Brett), Nancy Gallier (Brian), Laura McGinnis (Shane), and Chris McDonald (Kim). He was Poppy to Devin Davis (Amber), Taylor Christoff Hendrixson (Noah), Tyler Offutt, Mason Offutt (Anna), Connor Gallier, Austin Gallier, Kelly McDonald Rayburn (Tyler). He was also grandpoppy to Devin Davis Jr., Allanah Davis, Heath Rayburn, Adalaide Rayburn, and Chase Rayburn.

Preceding him in death was his mother Edith Hunter Ferguson, his spouse Suzanne Wylie, and Tucker McDonald.

Services will be at First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches, TX at 3pm on July 11th.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one of the following:

Acute Myeloid Leukemia – www.bloodcancerunited.org

Austin Heights Church – 2806 Appleby Sand Rd, Nacogdoches, Tx, 75965

First United Methodist Church Nacogdoches – 201 E Hospital St., Nacogdoches, Tx, 75961

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Louis Benard (Ben) Clifton passed away Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 at the age of 89. He was born April 15th, 1937 to I. S. (Sime) Clifton and Mae Clifton in Nacogdoches County and was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Central Heights High School in 1955.

He married Joan Tindall December 20th, 1957 in Nacogdoches. They were married 65 years at the time of her passing. Ben and Joan united with College Heights Baptist Church in 1958 and he served as a deacon for over 50 years. Ben worked as an Executive General Agent for the Reliable Life Insurance Company for 29 years until his retirement.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joan; brothers T.J Clifton, Wade Clifton, Ancil Clifton; sisters Lillie Hamilton, Gladys Barnhart, and Eula Chapman.

He is survived by his son, Terry and wife Tina of Nacogdoches, granddaughter, Allyson Glass and husband, Jonathan of Tomball, grandson, Bennet Clifton and wife, Taylor of Cypress. Also, surviving great grandchildren Henry Rhodes Glass and Meredith Kate Glass of Tomball and a future great grandchild due in January, 2027.

We will miss his wisdom, wit, personality and the smell of his pipe tobacco. Honoring his love for dogs, please consider memorial donations to Nacogdoches Animal Shelter.

The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Mary Jo Lees, Director and Staff at The Arbor for the care and attention they gave our Dad and Pappa for the past three years.

In the Care of Garrison Funeral Home

Michael C McAuley, 72, of Garrison, TX, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his home. He was born November 6, 1953, in Fort Worth, TX.

A full obituary and service details will be posted on Garrison Funeral Home’s website when available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Clifford McAuley, please visit Garrison Funeral Home’s floral store.

Weekly fliers by Visit Nacogdoches can be obtained at https://www.visitnacogdoches.org/events

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Lyndall Jerry “Lefty” Milstead passed peacefully from this life into the arms of his Savior on the morning of Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, at the age of 90 in the comfort of his home. He was surrounded by his loving family during the last days of his life. Lyndall is under the care of Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing.

Lyndall was born on December 25th, 1935, a snowy Christmas day, to Houston and Gladys Milstead in Oak Flat, a small community outside of Laneville, Texas. He graduated from Laneville High School in 1954, where he earned the nickname “Lefty” with his unforgettable left hook during basketball games. During his younger years and throughout high school, he worked with his father at Kelly Lumber Company and on the family farm. Although he referred to himself as a “jack of all trades”, he truly possessed the skills and abilities to successfully complete all of the endeavors that he undertook. After high school, he joined the US Army Signal Corps as a Field Radio Repairman and was stationed in Germany for three years. He obtained the rank of SP-5 before his honorable discharge in 1958. However, due to his critical MOS, he did not receive his Army Ready Reserve Discharge until June 1963. He spent several years working in small appliance repair until he established a partnership with Hubert Hammett. After Hubert’s death, Lefty became a sole owner of his family business, Milstead TV & Appliance, in downtown Henderson, Texas. There, he worked alongside his wife for more than 30 years and was the founder and first president of Henderson Downtown Association while working to bring ‘Main Street’ designation to Henderson. After sustaining a significant spinal injury from a motor vehicle accident in 1989, he closed the family business but eventually formed a new partnership with a friend, Oak Flat Construction, a remodeling and construction business.

Lyndall was the longest, actively attending member of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church. Even in retirement, he helped the church in many capacities including general maintenance of the property and grounds, along with building the addition to the fellowship hall. He also served as church treasurer for 25 years, BTC teacher and maintained the grounds at Holleman Cemetery. In addition to his family, his greatest joys were studying God’s Word, reading and working.

Lyndall married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Susan Vaughn Milstead, on September 6th, 1955. They built a family legacy together for 56 years before her death in July 2011. “Pawpaw” and “Mawmaw” were cherished greatly.

Lyndall is survived by his three daughters, Lynda Langham and husband Ken, Tammy Milstead Ham, Jerri Hagler and husband Scott; his sister, Gwyn Nix; his sister-in-law, Martha Milstead; his eight grandchildren, Jeff Langham and wife Laura, Carrie Langham-Cedillo and husband Evelio, Brett Vardeman and wife Cristal, Houston Hagler and wife Maggie, Delanie Hagler, Christian Hagler, Mason Hagler, Benjamin Hagler; his step-grandchildren, Danielle Beck and husband Gary, Nicholas Hagler and wife Marty, Sally Smith and husband Kyle; his fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Lyndall was preceded in death by his wife Susan Vaughn Milstead; his parents, Gladys and Houston Milstead; and his brothers, Gene Milstead and Quentin Milstead.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, Intersection of FM 2496 and CR 3156, Mount Enterprise, TX 75681, on August 24th at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Charles Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 671, Mount Enterprise, TX 75681.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Home Inc.’s flower store.

Chamber luncheon to highlight TxDOT bicycle plan, seeking community input.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce will host its Fourth Friday Luncheon on Friday, July 24, featuring a presentation on the Texas Department of Transportation’s District Bicycle Plan and an opportunity for community members to provide feedback on future bicycle connectivity and safety improvements.

The presentation “Better Biking Begins with You” will feature representatives from ACTIONetwork, working with the TxDOT Lufkin District, who will share information about the ongoing bicycle planning process and gather input from attendees.

The TxDOT District Bicycle Plan aims to improve safety, connectivity and access for people who bike throughout Texas while supporting recreation, tourism, local mobility and future transportation projects. The plan will identify bicycling needs, evaluate where improvements may provide the greatest benefit and help guide future project development and investment decisions.

The Lufkin District includes Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby and Trinity counties. The plan focuses on practical improvements, including safer shoulders, lower-stress routes through communities, improved roadway connections and better access to schools, parks, downtown areas, trailheads and civic destinations.

Community feedback is an important part of the planning process. Attendees will have the opportunity to share locations where bicyclists experience challenges, including roads that may feel unsafe, difficult intersections, visibility concerns, pavement issues or areas where improved bicycle access could strengthen community connections.

“Public input helps provide a clearer picture of the transportation needs within our communities,” said Kelly Augustine, president and CEO of the Nacogdoches County Chamber. “This luncheon gives local businesses and residents an opportunity to learn more and share feedback that can help influence future planning.”

The luncheon will also include attendee drawings. Commercial Bank of Texas will sponsor a $50 giveaway, and all Chamber members are eligible for a $250 cash prize drawing sponsored by Carr, Riggs & Ingram. Winners must be present.

The Fourth Friday Luncheon will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, July 24, at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center, 200 N. Fredonia St., in downtown Nacogdoches.

Registration is $30 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Reservations are requested by noon Wednesday, July 22. Click and register online or email your reservation or call 936-560-5533.

More information about the TxDOT District Bicycle Plan is available at https://www.txdot.gov/projects/planning/bicycle-pedestrian-planning-designing/statewide-bicycle-analysis-district-bicycle-plan-pilot.html.

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NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University continues its leadership role in drone-based dolphin health research using the Passive Health Assessment in Sea Mammals, or PHASM, platform in Galveston. 

PHASM is a one-of-a-kind airplane-style drone that can stealthily approach dolphins in the wild and vacuum in breath samples when the animals come up to breathe. Those snotty breath samples can be used to study genetics, disease risk, pathogen presence and hormones tied to stress and reproductive health. Sampling dolphins this way can help illuminate issues affecting human health where water resources are shared between people and dolphins.

Stephen F. Austin State University continues its leading role in dolphin health research using the codeveloped Passive Health Assessment in Sea Mammals, or PHASM, system, a drone capable of collecting dolphin breath for health assessment. Pictured aboard the Iwa Bailey, from left to right, are Sean Murphy, political science senior from Nacogdoches; Ryleigh Wilson, biology senior from Dallas; Kristi Fazioli, scientist with the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program; Ellie Maus, intern with the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program; Dr. Jason Bruck, associate professor of biology at SFA; Callie Lynn, biology graduate student from Rusk; Daniel Gassen, PHASM pilot and aerospace engineer at the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education at Oklahoma State University; and Carson Rutherford, OAIRE mission specialist. Images taken under NOAA/NMFS permit 28894.

The PHASM project was created through a partnership between SFA, Oklahoma State University and Dolphin Quest, an organization that offers interactive, educational marine encounters in Bermuda and Hawaii. Now that the project has shifted from system testing with animals under managed care to wild deployment, SFA has also partnered with the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program to leverage their expertise in identifying and cataloging the dolphins of Galveston Bay. SFA biology students have been a part of the platform’s development throughout the process. 

“Projects like PHASM show that SFA can stand shoulder to shoulder with big R1 university partners, globally accredited marine animal facilities and influential nongovernmental organizations to drive meaningful change for animal and human health monitoring,” said Dr. Jason Bruck, associate professor of biology at SFA and a principal investigator for the PHASM project. “Partnerships like these help our undergraduate and graduate students experience SFA not just as a great teaching institution but also as the best place to get the real research experience needed to be successful in marine mammalogy, including marine drone operation and retrieval, ocean sampling, and acoustic monitoring.”

Researchers are conducting these drone launch and recovery operations aboard SFA’s purple-emblazoned 25-foot marine research vessel, the Iwa Bailey. The vessel was funded through The University of Texas System’s Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention, or STARs, program that allows SFA faculty members to purchase state-of-the-art research equipment. 

PHASM swoops in to collect the breath of a wild dolphin in Galveston Bay. As the dolphin surfaces to breathe, PHASM silently collects the breath in a syphon mounted to the nose of the plane. After collection, the nose closes a protective iris to preserve the breath sample, and the plane returns to land on the boat in a specialized net called the Marine Aerial Recovery Kit. Images taken under NOAA/NMFS permit 28894.

The first in a series of articles about PHASM’s development will be published in the September issue of the Aquatic Mammals journal and will discuss the new technology of the system as well as how animals react to the drone.

“What makes PHASM different is that it is stealthy and it doesn’t blow away samples like traditional quadcopter drones do,” Bruck said. “Because of our testing at Dolphin Quest, we know we have the least invasive and most effective solution for passive health assessment for small whales and dolphins.”

Bruck and PHASM team members are also scheduled to demonstrate the system at the International Society for Atmospheric Research Using Remotely Piloted Aircraft conference in August at Daytona Beach, Florida, and at theSociety for Marine Mammalogy meeting in October in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

“PHASM is a project that spans air and sea, aerospace engineering, and biology and health,” Bruck said. “It is important to speak to diverse audiences to foster the types of collaborations needed for a project of this broad scope.” 

To learn more about SFA’s Department of Biology, visit sfasu.edu/biology. To view the video “We Steal Dolphin Snot,” visit gosfa.com/dolphinsnot.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

AUSTIN – Using modern forensic testing, investigators have now identified the man responsible for the brutal murder of a woman at an Amarillo park nearly 30 years ago. The suspect, Jimmy Dale McClinton, of Buchanan Dam, died in November 2025 at the age of 81.

On Aug. 5, 1997, around 1:00 p.m., Gloria Ann Covington’s partially nude body was found by children playing at Hilltop Park. She had been stabbed multiple times, sexually assaulted, and had several defensive wounds on her body. A cook at a local nursing home, the mother of four was last seen around 3:00 a.m. that same day in the 1600 block of North Marrs Street.

In the years after Convington’s death, investigators went to extensive efforts to identify her killer – but all known suspects were eliminated, and the case went cold. 

Then, in February 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Laboratory in Lubbock developed a DNA profile using evidence collected in Covington’s original autopsy. That DNA profile was submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), leading to a positive hit: Jimmy Dale McClinton. Investigators traveled to Buchanan Dam, where McClinton was living, and obtained a warrant for his DNA to conduct additional testing. That additional testing identified him as a positive match in Convington’s case.

Through further investigation, it was learned McClinton had a documented history of knife assaults against women – including multiple incidents strikingly similar to Convington’s case. He had lived in the Amarillo area at the time of Covington’s murder but was never interviewed or developed as a suspect during the original investigation. Between 1977 and 2014, McClinton had been arrested several times in the Amarillo and Waco areas.

For the next two years, the Amarillo Police Department and Texas Rangers worked diligently with the Texas Attorney General’s Office to prosecute McClinton for Convington’s murder – but McClinton passed away before the case could be presented to a grand jury. As a result, no arrests were made, and this case is now closed.

The Texas Rangers would like to thank our partners, including the Amarillo Police Department and DPS’ Crime Laboratory Division, for their years of commitment and dedication to identify McClinton and solve Convington’s case.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

A memorial visitation for Leah Renee (French) Sepulvado, 47, of Garrison, will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10th, 2026, at Laird Funeral Home. Leah passed away on August 6th, 2026, in Nacogdoches, TX. She was born on July 11th, 1979, in Charlevoix, Michigan to Clarence Victor French, Esq. and Kathaleen Rose Rossiter.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Leah Renee (French) Sepulvado, a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, who passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2026. She was born in Charlevoix, Michigan on July 11th, 1979 to Kathaleen and Clarence French. Leah built her life on a foundation of community, family, and service.

She grew up with her mother and two younger sisters on the west coast of the United States, where she fell in love with the Banana Slugs and Redwoods of California, eventually graduating from Tigard High School in Tigard, Oregon.

She was married to the love of her life, Carl Eugene Sepulvado, on October 28th, 2005. A marriage that allowed the two to build a fruitful life throughout the twenty years of marriage they had together. She also mothered three children, Christian Victor-James Metelak, Cayden Leigh-Orion Metelak, and Connor Charles-Eugene Sepulvado, which she dedicated her experience to teaching and nurturing.

Later in life, she graduated from the University of Phoenix with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, which she utilized for nearly a decade dedicating herself to the children of our surrounding communities.

All would remember Leah as a pillar of any community she took part in, whether it be family, work, or otherwise. She was witty and quick with a joke. A bright and eager smile that blessed all who stood witness. She also loved music, was a collector of oddities, and was always an aspiring gardener no matter how many attempts it took. She leaves behind her husband, children, parents, and a wide circle of friends and family. Her legacy of laughter, kindness, and connection will continue through the lives of those she’s left behind and all who loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leah Renee (French) Sepulvado, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Ruben Calzada Hernandez, a Mexican national accused of sexually assaulting a child, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. Texas Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to his arrest. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

Ruben Calzada Hernandez, 31, from Mexico, has been wanted out of Caldwell Co. since June 13, 2026, for aggravated sexual assault of a child. In January 2012, Calzada Hernandez was arrested by the Austin Police Department for a misdemeanor then turned over to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who charged him with alien inadmissibility. He was later released from ICE custody.

Calzada Hernandez is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He has ties to Caldwell and Williamson counties, including the cities of Lockhart and Cedar Park. He has a tattoo on his left forearm of a black cat with a party hat and a ghost cat with a knife.  More information about Calzada Hernandez or updates in the event of his arrest can be found here.

Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2026, DPS and other agencies have arrested 49 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 35 sex offenders and eight gang members – with $61,500 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
• Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).

All tips are anonymous — regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists — with photos — on the DPS website.

Lufkin District Construction Updates

Nothing ruins the beautiful East Texas scenery like litter. While our crews and contractors work to keep roads clean, we can’t do it alone. Please consider participating in TxDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway Program. The district currently has 134 two-mile road segments available for adoption.

You can submit an application online or contact our program coordinator at aah-lfk@txdot.gov or 936-634-4433.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, Angelina Beautiful/Clean will host its quarterly Adopt-a-Highway clean up. Volunteers will meet at 1615 S. Chestnut Street in Lufkin. This is an excellent chance for service organizations to get volunteer hours and help beautify our communities.

TxDOT offices will operate with limited staff on Thursday, Aug. 27, in observance of Lyndon Baines Johnson Day.

Below is a description of the work planned for Aug. 24 through Aug. 28 in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.

Nacogdoches Area Office 
(Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Shelby counties)

Nacogdoches County construction projects

• US 59, intersection improvements at SL 224.The contractor will work on bridge deck at the north end of the project.   
• BU 59, SH/BS 7, SH/BS 21 and FM 2259 stripingNight-time lane closures are possible as manhole repairs occur. 
• SH 7/CR 724 bridges at Moral BayouDemolition of the detour will continue. Topsoil and wire fencing will be installed.

Nacogdoches County maintenance projects

Crews will continue the road rehab project on FM 1087. Sign maintenance and patch work will occur in various locations in the county.

Sabine County construction projects

• US 96, road rehabilitationLevel-up work will be performed, requiring daily lane closures.

Sabine County maintenance projects

Maintenance crews will be removing brush from the right-of-way on FM 3173, FM 1751, and FM 1592.

San Augustine County maintenance projects

Base-repair work on FM 226 will require traffic to follow a pilot car. The maintenance section will also perform sign maintenance and apply herbicide throughout the county.

Shelby County construction projects 

• FM 139, bridge maintenanceRiprap will be installed at the Tenaha Bayou bridge. 

Shelby County maintenance projects

Sign maintenance and herbicide application will occur in various places throughout the county.

Lufkin Area Office (Angelina, Houston, and Sabine counties)

Angelina County construction projects

• US 59, Redland Project.Bridge work will occur during the day while paving will take place at night. 
• Business (BU) 59/First Street, resurfacing and stripingStriping, line and symbol painting will occur. This will be a mobile operation and drivers should stay alert for workers when traveling.
• FM 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.Dirt work and work on bridge components is planned. With equipment entering and exiting the road, drivers should expect intermittent lane closures. Traffic lights and pilot cars will be used to direct traffic.
• State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.Night work to pave the Feagin Drive entrance and eastbound main lanes will occur Sunday through Tuesday. The next section of road will also be milled at night. Thursday and Friday nights, the Feagin Drive exit and U-turn will be milled and paved. Daytime work will occur on the shoulders.  

Angelina County maintenance projects

Sign maintenance and pothole patching will occur at various locations in the county. Herbicide will be applied along US 59. Drivers should slow down and move over when approaching work crews,

Houston County construction projects

• SL 304, overlay.Slope and shoulder work will continue, requiring intermittent lane closures. Traffic will need to follow a pilot car near the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge where concrete work will take place.  
• FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.Contractors will pulverize the road, bring in flex base and cement treat the road base on the next section of the project near Crockett. Daily lane closures will occur. A pilot car and flaggers will direct traffic.

Houston County maintenance projects

Sign maintenance, road patch work and herbicide application is scheduled.

Livingston Area Office (Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties)

Polk/San Jacinto County construction projects

• US 59, cable median barrier.   The contractor will level in some areas and repair concrete and fencing damaged in traffic crashes elsewhere.

Polk County construction projects

• US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.Workers will tie steel and prepare to pour more bridge deck for another section of the US 287 main lane bridge and a section of the north railroad bridge. Bridge railings will be installed. Pavement treatment will be applied at the north tie-in transitions and the south tie-in main lanes. Milling will occur at the northbound lane entrance and southbound lane exit, and lane closures will occur for pavement markings. Guard fence will be installed at the southbound exit. Shoulder work is planned for the main lanes, and culvert installation will happen at the north tie-in. Shafts for high-mast lighting will be drilled.  
• US/BU 59, Diboll and norther Polk County mill and inlayContractors will continue removing asphalt and concrete to repair cracks. 
• County-road bridge projects.
  • Piney Creek on Carmona Road: bridge forms will be tied and set.  
  • Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: bridge railing work will continue.
  • Piney Creek on Nine Bridges Road: bridge railing will be installed.

Polk County maintenance projects

Sign work, herbicide application and patching operations will occur at various locations on US 59, US 259, US 190, FM 350 and US 287.

San Jacinto County construction projects

• US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.Crews will perform detail surface work on several bridges and continue tying forms for future main lane work. Dirt work will occur at the south end of the project.
• SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.Crews will demolish temporary construction forms and excavate areas for an abutment.
• SH 150, sidewalk project.The contractor will install sign bases.  

San Jacinto County maintenance projects

Sign maintenance will occur throughout the county.

Trinity County maintenance projects

Sign maintenance and patch work will occur on roads throughout the county. A TMA will follow maintenance crews during herbicide application on US 287. Drivers should use caution when approaching and passing the operation.

Reminder to Motorists

Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching TxDOT vehicles, law enforcement, and other vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.

Please remember to buckle up, stay sober, and Drive like a Texan: Kind, Courteous, Safe.

In the Care of Garrison Funeral Home

Gail Marrs Harper, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 1st, 2026.

More than anything, Gail will be remembered for the quiet goodness of her heart. She was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most caring souls those who knew her were ever blessed to meet. Gail possessed an enduring beauty that reflected the kindness, grace, and gentleness that defined her life. Her greatest joy was her family, and her greatest satisfaction came from quietly caring for those she loved. She had a servant’s heart, finding happiness not in recognition but in caring for her family, her friends, her church, and those in need. She noticed the needs of others long before they asked for help, offering quiet encouragement, practical assistance, and unwavering love.

Born in Dawson and raised in Belmead, Texas, near Waco, Gail was the only daughter of Bert and Leola Marrs. She grew up with her three brothers in a close-knit family where weekends often included ten-cent movies and participation in the Methodist Church. Those early years helped shape the Christian faith, love of family, and spirit of service that would guide her throughout her life.

Gail graduated from La Vega High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science from North Texas State University. During both high school and college, she was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Shortly after graduating from college, Gail met the love of her life, Bill Harper, at a USO dance in Dallas while Bill was serving in the United States Air Force. They were married on December 12th, 1959, and shared 57 years of marriage until Bill’s passing on May 9th, 2017. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and enduring partnership.

Gail began her career as a librarian with the Dallas, Pasadena, and Houston library systems, where she especially enjoyed serving as a children’s librarian and leading children’s story time. She later brought her organizational talents to Vinson & Elkins, where she served as a records technician for 25 years until her retirement.

Gail and Bill created the retirement they always dreamed of in East Texas. On their picturesque farm, they enjoyed tending gardens and fruit trees, caring for cattle, dogs, and barn cats, and becoming deeply involved in their local Christian community. They continued to serve through lay leadership, Methodist conference participation, providing weekly altar flowers, and worshiping with several Protestant congregations in their community.

Together they devoted countless hours to serving others through ministries that included preparing hundreds of Christmas shoeboxes each year for seafarers at the Port of Houston, supporting the local children’s shelter, Boys Ranch, providing mosquito nets for families overseas, making pillowcase shirts and dresses for children in need, delivering food baskets to neighbors, and serving as Children’s Advocates in the Nacogdoches area.

An avid reader throughout her life, Gail also enjoyed crocheting and needlework, with several of her creations earning awards at local fairs. She and Bill delighted in making pear butter from fruit grown on their property, canning vegetables from their garden, and sharing both their harvest and their hospitality with family and friends.

Gail was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Harper, and brothers. She is lovingly remembered by her children, William (Bill) Harper Jr., Shirley Harper Bernsen, and McKinley (Mike) Harper; her grandchildren, Cathryngail Harper Ramsey, Amanda Harper, Lindsay Bernsen Wardlaw, Jared Bernsen, and Connor Wade; thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and many dear friends who were blessed by the quiet goodness of her heart.

Gail’s family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her quiet acts of kindness, her steadfast faith, and the unconditional love she shared so freely. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Gail’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison, Texas. Family viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by public viewing at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Concord Cemetery. Following the interment, family and friends are invited to join the family for lunch and fellowship at the Mt. Enterprise Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

The family welcomes flowers or memorial contributions to a Christian ministry or charitable organization serving children, families, or those in need, reflecting Gail’s lifelong faith and commitment to serving others.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gail (Marrs) Harper, please visit Garrison Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Betty Ann (Nash) Dempsey, 86, of Nacogdoches, passed away on July 20, 2026, in Nacogdoches. She was born on March 31, 1940, in Houston to the late William and Dorothy (Pettit) Nash. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

A full obituary will be posted on Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Ann (Nash) Dempsey, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

Click here for Booking Report

Click here for Booking Report

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Paula Diane Swindell, 84, of Nacogdoches, passed away on August 8th, 2026, in Nacogdoches, TX. She was born on December 19th, 1941, in Denton, Texas. 

Paula is preceded in death by her parents, James Agnew and Valera Muriel (Harris) Swindell; and brothers, Sam Swindell, Bill Swindell, Mike Swindell, and Paul David Swindell.

Private services are planned for a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paula Diane Swindell, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

Click here for Booking Report

There’s no better way to wrap up the summer than with a week full of history, family fun, and community celebrations in Nacogdoches!

Don’t miss your last chance to cheer on the Nacogdoches Niners! Tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm, the Niners take on the Piney Woods Timberhogs for their final home game of the season. Bring the family out to the ballpark and help send the team off with a great crowd.

On Friday, make a splash at Splash Kingdom Timber Falls’ Big Wave Goodbye Party from 2–6 pm. Celebrate the final special event of the summer with foam, games, dancing, a live DJ, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Saturday is packed with exciting events! Celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Venerable Antonio Margil in Downtown Nacogdoches from 9 am–7 pm, honoring the legacy of Father Margil through a day of commemorative activities. Also on Saturday, the Fredonia Brewery is hosting their annual Float Fest from 12–10 pm, featuring refreshing floats, great food, local brews, and live entertainment.

Wrap up the weekend on Sunday at the 194th Battle of Nacogdoches Celebration at the Sterne-Hoya House beginning at 2 pm. The free public program will feature a first-person interpretation and honor those who fought in the Battle of Nacogdoches through remembrance, reflection, and celebration.

Weekly fliers by Visit Nacogdoches can be obtained at https://www.visitnacogdoches.org/events

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Nacogdoches Women’s Center is proud to announce that Rachel Self, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, has completed the Professional Certificate Program offered by the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. As an experienced provider with more than 10 years of clinical practice, Rachel is now equipped with advanced expertise in the field of gynecological and reproductive endocrinology.

“At Nacogdoches Women’s Services we are constantly seeking resources to enhance and improve our care and expand our services for women of all ages,” said Kyle McMorries, MD, FACOG. “Rachel’s dedication to completing the ISGRE certification directly underscores her commitment to our patients by staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices in order to provide the most comprehensive patient care.”

This certificate program is geared towards specialists in the field of gynecological endocrinology who aspire to elevate their expertise to an advanced level. With this certification, Rachel can offer a higher standard of care for patients facing gynecologic endocrine disorders, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder that leads to irregular menstrual periods, abnormal ovulation, infertility, excess facial or body hair and/or acne in women.

Nacogdoches Women’s Center provides preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic women’s health and wellness care and comprehensive treatment from adolescence through post-menopause. Providers deliver care using evidence-based practices and meet individual patient needs in a comfortable, efficient, and independent medical office environment.

Nacogdoches Women’s Center is located at 4710 N.E. Stallings Dr. in Nacogdoches. To schedule an appointment, call 936-560-2666. 

Click here for Booking Report

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Graveside service for Charles “Chuck” Hardin, Jr. will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10th, 2026 at Simpson Campground Cemetery with Bro. Jerry Wilson officiating.  A visitation will be held from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10th, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home.

Charles was born and raised in the best part of the world, according to him. He was a typical boy raised by loving parents and siblings that he shared many adventures with as they grew up.  Chuck, as most knew him was fun-loving, hard-working and dedicated to his family.  He loved those closest to him with a heart as big as the state of Texas and would give everything he had to ensure they were taken care of.  He spent his time working, but when he wasn’t he thoroughly enjoyed his time outdoors.  There were many hours around Lake Sam Rayburn looking for arrowheads or simply riding the country roads on his motorcycle.  Chuck was a simple man who gave his all to those he loved.  He was always around if someone needed his help and he was happy to do it.  His family was most important to him and his granddaughter was his “pumpin” and he was “Pa” to her, but they were instant enemies when a game of darts or pool came up.  Having a family that supported him, including his mom and dad, was something he took very seriously and he found great happiness when they were all with him. However, you better be hungry any time he was around because he had an appetite that was never satisfied.  He also found great joy in loving Coco, his granddaughter’s dog (so she liked to think). 

Chuck is survived by his parents, Linda and Charles Hardin, Sr.; grandchildren, Kandi Hardin & Brayden and Bryce McAuthur; great grandson, Landrey Watson; brothers, Anthony Hardin & wife Nancy and Kevin Duncan Hardin and longtime friend, Tammy Jackson and her children, Brooke Jackson and Beth Jackson who he loved as his own.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kacie Hardin and siblings, Charles Wayne Hardin, Lucy Lambert, and Michael Hardin.

Serving as pallbearers are Glenn Burks, David Loving, Brayden Watson, Ricky Harbor, Billy Husband, and Cody Sledge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles “Chuck” Oscar Hardin, Jr., please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

Dear friends,

Thank you all for pitching in to help our water tank in the northeast ward refill. While it will still take a little longer to get the tank water levels where they need to be, you can resume small tasks like washing. However, it will be most helpful if you could wait to water, irrigate, fill pools etc. until Monday.

I won’t be posting any more updates, but your help has been wonderful. Blessings and thanks to all.

By the way, this email list is not monitored daily, so I don’t see your replies right away.  If you need to reach me, either write to my personal email: kbelanger75961@yahoo.com, or call me: 936-552-9395.

Good things,

Kathleen

Previous Message from 8-21-2026:

Dear Friends,

The City of Nacogdoches is experiencing low water levels in the Post Oak tank, and are working to address the issue. However, at this time, the city is requesting that we conserve water until the problem is fixed. I’m adding a map of the area for you, but it includes nearly all of the Northeast Ward. Please help by turning off sprinklers, putting off washing or using minimal water at this time. Please share with your friends and neighbors. I am also asking those of you with neighborhood or subdivision, HOA or other lists to share this message with those in your lists.  It will help immensely as the city fixes things.  I’ll keep you posted!  

I’m attaching a map of the affected area.

Thanks very much,

Kathleen Belanger

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

A memorial service for Charles “Mike” Michael Bennett, 80, of Etoile, TX will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home. Mike passed away on August 19th, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on November 3rd, 1945 in Brownwood, TX to the late Charles Arthur and Iris Laverne (Chrane) Bennett.

A full obituary will be posted on Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles “Mike” Michael Bennett, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

AUSTIN – A Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive is back in custody after being captured in rural Southeastern Oklahoma on Friday – just over a week after announcing he was added to the list.  A Texas Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid for his arrest.

James Lee Kirby, 49, was taken into custody on July 17, 2026, at a remote campsite near Broken Bow Lake in McCurtain Co, Okla. Working off investigative information, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern District of Oklahoma Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, with tactical assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Tactical Team, located and arrested Kirby without incident.

Kirby had been wanted out of Bryan Co., Okla. since Feb. 2, 2026, for failure to appear, resulting from prior charges of first-degree rape and incest. On June 2, 2026, another warrant was issued out of Grayson Co., Texas, for his arrest for one count of aggravated sexual assault and two counts of sexual assault. On Nov. 5, 2024, Kirby was arrested in Grayson Co. for aggravated sexual assault. Several weeks later, he posted bond and was released from jail. In early 2026, while Kirby was on pre-trial release for the first-degree rape and incest charges out of Oklahoma, his GPS monitoring device stopped operating right before the trial date, and he had been missing ever since.  More information about Kirby can be found here.

Kirby’s apprehension was possible through outstanding coordination between multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across state lines, including: the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the United States Marshals Service Eastern District of Oklahoma Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP), the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), the Bryan Co. Sheriff’s Office, and the Grayson Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2026, DPS and other agencies have arrested 49 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 35 sex offenders and eight gang members – with $61,500 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
• Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).

All tips are anonymous — regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists with photos on the DPS website.

­­NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Valdez became Cadet Commander of the Nacogdoches Composite Squadron in a recent change of command ceremony at Texas Wing Headquarters.  Valdez assumed command from Cadet Capt. Abel Ketchen who had been cadet commander since 2022.

Squadron Commander 1st. Lt. Dustin Newquist hands over the squadron colors to new Cadet Commander Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Valdez. Outgoing Cadet Commander Cadet Capt. Abel Ketchen is on the right.

Squadron Commander 1st Lt. Dustin Newquist and the Squadron Color Guard conducted the formal military change of command ceremony at the squadron meeting.

Valdez will be a senior at Nacogdoches High School and is a member of the Squadron Color Guard. He is deciding on where to go to college and has plans to become a pilot.

Ketchen attends Stephen F. Austin University studying business, law, economics and politics.

The Nacogdoches Composite Squadron meets on Monday nights at 6:15 p.m. at the former National Guard Armory at A. L. Mangham Airport which is now the headquarters of the Texas Wing CAP. Youth can start the cadet program at age twelve. For more information about Civil Air Patrol, see www.gocivilairpatrol.com. Prospective members are welcome to attend any meeting.

About Civil Air Patrol

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

A Celebration of Life will be held for Gabriel Celestino Guillen, the infant son of Eduardo and Autumn Guillen, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Laird Funeral Home.

A GoFundMe page has been set up here.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gabriel Celestino Guillen, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Floyd Hern Jopling passed on August 20th, 2026 at the age of 91. He was a resident of Lufkin, TX. 

Visitation will be held at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home, 5400 North Street – Nacogdoches, TX 75965 on August 20th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

Final Resting Place will be at Greenwood Cemetery – FM 138 – Garrison, TX 75946 on August 26th, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Funeral Services will be held for Mrs. Mary Louise Roark at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:00 am with interment following at Old Palestine Cemetery in Alto, Texas. Services will be led by Pastor Ennis Fuller, Eastside United Pentecostal Church.

Mrs. Roark, age 93, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Round Rock, Texas.

The family welcomes friends to join them for a time of visitation on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am, prior to the service at 11:00 am.

Mary Louise Roark was born on August 4, 1933, in Magee Mississippi, to Lawrence Colon Floyd and Ola Louise Gilmore Floyd. Louise was a remarkable lady known for her sweet spirit, gracious hosting, and love for her family, friends, and Jesus.

After graduating from Florence High School in Mississippi, Louise worked as a bookkeeper and spent her free time filled with church activities that included singing in a Gospel Trio. On a fateful night at Louisiana Camp Meeting, she met the man, Elbert Roark, who was to be the love of her life and bring her Mississippi grace to the wonderful state of Texas. After marriage in 1957, together they owned and operated Roark Auto Supply and Machine Shop in Nacogdoches. In the late 1960’s they began a new venture in real estate, developing numerous subdivisions and properties around Nacogdoches County. Together, they were a united team that built businesses, but also endeavored to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every way they could. They were a support system for many churches and ministries through the years, always ready with open hands to serve.

Louise was gifted with exquisite taste and a special talent for hospitality. She opened her beautiful home and her heart, using these gifts to bless her friends, family, and the church community. To be a guest in her home and experience her Southern charm was a true delight. She made everyone who entered feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her graciousness, beautiful smile, and joy were contagious. If she knew you, she loved you—and you loved her.

Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, hospitality, and service. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the many lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly. Most of all, she leaves the precious testimony of a life lived for Jesus and the assurance that she is now resting in the presence of the Lord she loved.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents; Colon and Ola Floyd; step-mother, Mary Saucier Haggard Floyd; husband, Elbert Roark; sister Ann Minton; step-brother Larry Haggard, and grandson Carl Hillhouse.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her son Edwin Roark (Kristi) of Georgetown; and her daughter Jayne Hillhouse (Neal) of Etoile. The legacy of their Gran Gran will live on in her grandchildren: Alexandra Fernbach (Michael); Benjamin Roark; Caleb Roark (Ashleigh); and June Hillhouse (Curt); great-grandchildren, Dustin Webb (Angel); Chase Webb (Jessica); Linsie Bobbit (Justin); Halden Packard; as well as five great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please join us to once again gather with our NHS Class of 1966 classmates from near and far to celebrate our times together!

On Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. a dinner and party will be held at Appleby Sand Mercantile – 6530 FM 2609, Nacogdoches, TX 75965

The event will be catered and the registration fee includes dinner. The registration fee is $40.00 per person.

If you are planning to attend, please send your check with the attached registration form to the following address: Attn: LaDell Jones Ingram – 268 Spring Creek Dr. – Nacogdoches, TX 75965-6928

Also, if you know of any member who has changed his or her home or email address, please forward this webpage to them: https://nacnewsnow.com/article/nacogdoches-high-school-class-of-1966-reunion-60th-year-class-reunion/

In addition, if you were a member of the NHS Band, please note that we are having a Victor Caldwell Years Reunion (1960-1965) on Friday, October 23rd, 2026 at the same venue: https://nacnewsnow.com/article/nacogdoches-high-school-band-reunion-victor-caldwell-years-1960-1965/

Looking forward to seeing everyone!         

Mission Tejas State Park is located at 19343 State Hwy 21E – Grapeland, TX, 75844. Visit the website to learn more!

Dove Season Opens Statewide September 1st for the First Time in History

AUSTIN, TX – For a third year in a row, Texas received significant rain in the spring across most of the state, bolstering the previous year’s healthy dove populations. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist’s estimate both mourning and white-winged doves are near record highs again.

These new population reports are good news for hunters hitting the field on September 1st, 2026, a historic early opening date approved earlier this year.

Surveys Say ‘More Dove’

Spring population surveys conducted by TPWD staff found mourning and white-winged dove numbers continue to trend near historic highs. Combined with strong habitat conditions across much of the state, hunters should expect solid opportunities when the 2026 dove season opens statewide on September 1st.

Estimates place the statewide mourning dove population at 36.7 million birds, a two percent increase from 2025 and just shy of the record high of 37.5 million in 2016. White-winged dove numbers increased ten percent from 2025, with an estimated 12.9 million birds, the highest estimate on record.

Birds may still be scattered across the landscape while food and water remain widely available. As August heat dries things out, hunters are likely to find larger groups gathering at available watering holes. Doves typically feed and water twice a day, so scouting their movement throughout the day is key to a successful hunt. Hunters should focus on agriculture fields or areas with native food sources like sunflower, croton and other annual forbs and grasses.

Historic Change to South Zone Season Opener

The South Zone has historically been restricted by federal regulations from opening in early Sept. due to longstanding concerns about the impacts of hunting on late-nesting mourning doves. After an extensive review of recent biological data, TPWD biologists determined that there was no longer a need to delay the opener and worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to change federal regulations to allow the South Zone to mirror opening day and daily bag limits in the North and Central Zones.

“For over 100 years, the South Zone has opened later than the rest of the state, frustrating a lot of hunters,” said Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD Webless Migratory Game Bird Program Leader. “I’m very excited about the earlier opener, especially in a year when we are seeing record numbers of doves down south, but it will be a big adjustment for both hunters and the birds. We plan to do our due diligence and conduct extra monitoring to assess any impacts to dove populations, as well as get plenty of feedback from the hunting public over the next few years.”

With the earlier start to the regular season, the Special White-winged Dove Days typically held before the regular season opener were eliminated. These changes are allowed under federal regulations on a three-year experimental basis—a common procedure for any major changes to federal migratory game bird regulations. This gives TPWD time to properly evaluate any impacts to doves before the change is made permanent.

Doves in Texas

Texas is home to seven species of native doves and pigeons, including the three legal game species— mourning, white-winged and white-tipped doves.

Texas continues to lead the nation in dove hunting, accounting for 32 percent of the mourning dove and 87 percent of the white-winged dove harvest in the U.S. annually. More than 300,000 hunters take part each year, generating more than $500 million in economic activity.

Preparing for the Season

TPWD reminds hunters to prepare for the early season heat. Bring plenty of water, seek shade during peak hours and be mindful in dense vegetation when retrieving downed birds. Hunters should also be mindful when parking in tall grass to reduce the risk of starting a fire.

Hunters using dogs should watch for signs of overheating in dogs and inspect for wounds before leaving the field. New World screwworm has been detected in Texas, and all hunters are encouraged to report suspicious wounds, or larvae in a wound, to their veterinarian. For more information about movement guidelines and inspections, visit New World Screwworm (NWS) Guidance — AgriLife Alert System.

The regular dove seasons are as follows:

• North Zone: Sept. 1 – Nov. 8, resuming Dec. 18, 2026 – Jan. 7, 2027
• Central Zone: Sept. 1 – Oct. 25, resuming Dec. 11, 2026 – Jan. 14, 2027
• South Zone: Sept. 1 – Oct. 25, resuming Dec. 18, 2026 – Jan. 21, 2027

Full hunting regulations are available on the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app or online at outdoorannual.com.

All dove hunters must carry:

• A valid hunting license
• A Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
• HIP certification (survey completed during license purchase)

Additionally, anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must complete a hunter education course before hunting in Texas. Certification is valid for life and recognized in all states and provinces. Lack of hunter education certification and the Migratory Game Bird Endorsement rank as the two most common hunting violations during dove season. Please make sure you have the appropriate licenses before heading afield this next dove hunting season.

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Two-day training will strengthen the use of expert testimony in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking and non-fatal strangulation

LUFKIN, Texas (August 19th, 2026) — The Family Crisis Center will host the Full Court Press Expert Witness Training, an intensive two-day professional training designed to strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to interpersonal violence and increase the effective, ethical use of expert witnesses in these complex cases.

The training, developed through The University of Texas at Austin’s Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, focuses on building the capacity of attorneys and multidisciplinary professionals to utilize expert testimony in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and non-fatal strangulation.

The program brings together professionals from multiple disciplines to strengthen collaboration between those who prosecute cases and professionals who may serve as expert witnesses. Participants will engage in instruction, demonstrations, case consultation, group work, and hands-on practice designed to increase their ability to effectively communicate the dynamics of interpersonal violence in court.

QUOTE FROM FAMILY CRISIS CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Whitney Burran — “Cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other forms of interpersonal violence can be especially complex. Trauma, coercive control, fear, and perpetrator behavior can affect how a survivor responds, remembers events, reports abuse, or participates in the justice system. Without specialized knowledge, those behaviors may be misunderstood by professionals, judges, or juries. When we strengthen our knowledge, we strengthen our entire community’s response to survivors. We are proud to bring this training to East Texas and create an opportunity for professionals across disciplines to learn together, build stronger partnerships, and ultimately provide a more informed, coordinated response for the clients and families we serve.”

Throughout the two-day program, participants will explore subjects including the ethical role of expert witnesses, perpetrator behavior and coercive control, the neurobiology of trauma, stalking, myths and biases in sexual assault cases, human trafficking and non-fatal strangulation. Participants will also take part in practical exercises involving expert qualification, case consultation, direct examination, cross-examination and redirect.
A key component of the training is moving beyond classroom instruction and giving participants opportunities to practice the skills they may ultimately use in the courtroom. Attorneys and experts will work together on challenging case facts, develop questions, practice testimony and receive feedback intended to strengthen both professional confidence and courtroom effectiveness.

The training is facilitated by Margaret Bassett, LPC-S, Director of Applied Research & Innovative Instruction at the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault at The University of Texas at Austin and owner of IPV Training & Consulting. Bassett has more than 40 years of experience in the field of interpersonal violence, with expertise spanning intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, trauma, safety planning, risk assessment and strangulation. Her experience includes consulting and providing expert testimony in criminal, civil, military, state and federal legal systems.

Bassett has also led statewide and regional expert witness training initiatives and has extensive experience providing case consultation, education and support in cases involving interpersonal violence.

The Full Court Press program emphasizes not only the knowledge required to understand interpersonal violence, but also the ability to translate that knowledge for judges, juries and other members of the justice system. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can bring back to their own agencies and communities.

The course has been approved for 13.75 hours of MCLE, including 2.25 ethics hours; 14.5 CNE hours; and 16 hours of CEU, including one hour of ethics.

Event Details

What: Full Court Press Expert Witness Training
When: August 26-27
Where: Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center Administrative Office 
Hosted by: Family Crisis Center
Trainer :Margaret Bassett, LPC-S, Director of Applied Research & Innovative Instruction at the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault at The University of Texas at Austin and owner of IPV Training & Consulting
Audience: Criminal justice, healthcare, advocacy, and allied professionals who respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, non-fatal strangulation, and other 

ABOUT THE FAMILY CRISIS CENTER OF EAST TEXAS

The Family Crisis Center of East Texas (FCCET) is a non-profit organization that empowers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing crisis intervention and advocacy services. The FCCET also engages the community through education to build awareness and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. Since 1979, the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas (Women’s Shelter of East Texas, Inc.) staffs a full array of professionals specializing in assistance for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Those services included emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, access to food and clothing, information and referral, legal and personal advocacy, child advocacy, counseling, support groups, transitional housing, homeless prevention, financial assistance, child care assistance, and more.  

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– The Stephen F. Austin State University Baja SAE team recently completed its first-ever national Baja SAE New York competition, marking a historic and exciting milestone for the university’s engineering program. 

The annual collegiate design competition sponsored by SAE International, formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers, hosted 102 registered teams from across North America who build and race rugged off-road vehicles.

Over the past year, SFA’s team of student engineers designed and built an off-road Baja vehicle from the ground up, culminating in a 3,871-mile round-trip journey spanning seven states. Pictured, from left, are Joshua Beasley, senior mechanical engineering major from Friendswood; Marshall Beasley, senior mechanical engineering major from Friendswood; Mason Ainsworth, first-year aviation sciences major from Montgomery; Bobby Moore, first-year mechatronics engineering technology major from Waco; and Chris Lymbery, team captain and first-year mechanical engineering major from Nacogdoches.

According to Dr. Dan Bruton, the team’s faculty advisor and professor of physics, engineering and astronomy at SFA, many of the teams have years — and in some cases, decades — of Baja SAE experience and rosters dominated by upperclassmen. By comparison, the SFA team was composed primarily of underclassmen experiencing their first collegiate engineering competition.

“The team’s growth was remarkable,” Bruton said. “They remained resilient under pressure, worked through setbacks, adapted to changing circumstances and represented SFA with absolute professionalism.”

Despite their newcomer status, SFA’s Baja SAE team successfully passed 98 of the 109 items evaluated during the rigorous technical inspection portion of the event.

“For a first-year team composed primarily of freshmen and sophomores, passing nearly 90% of the technical inspection requirements at a national competition is a significant accomplishment and provides a strong foundation for future success,” Bruton said. “If teams were ranked by how much they learned, I would place this group near the very top of the field.”

While the team was ultimately unable to complete the final requirements necessary to participate in the dynamic driving events, reaching this level of technical compliance on their first attempt speaks volumes about their dedication, work ethic and potential.

“Though we might not have been the No. 1 team, what set us apart was our adaptability, the relationships we built, our endless pursuit of knowledge and upholding the highest standards given to us by SFA,” said Chris Lymbery, team captain and first-year mechanical engineering major from Nacogdoches. “We made great friends from other colleges and fantastic memories, but, most importantly, we found that this team is closer to being a family than anything else.”

Lymbery added that the pressure of being the first SFA team to ever attend the event only fueled their drive. 

“No amount of stress, broken parts or bad days stopped this team from prevailing with diligence, teamwork and enthusiasm,” he said. “It was a privilege for me to go, but it was an even greater privilege to work with my fellow students who employed such dedication to our team.”

One of the most impactful aspects of the competition was the deep spirit of collaboration among the universities. Throughout the week, the SFA team actively participated in a culture of mutual support — both receiving assistance and stepping up to help rival teams by sharing tools, lending hardware, providing materials and troubleshooting mechanical issues.

The hands-on experience gained in vehicle design, manufacturing, project management and professional networking will directly contribute to building a stronger, faster and even more competitive vehicle for next season.

The team also expressed gratitude for the leadership that made the journey possible. 

“We are especially thankful for Dr. Bruton and his wife for their dedication and hard work to ensure we had an amazing experience,” Lymbery said. “That support is what got us through the entire trip up there and back.”

While in New York, they visited a statue of one of their heroes, electrical engineer Nikola Tesla, in Niagara Falls. Pictured, from left, are Marshall Beasley, senior mechanical engineering major from Friendswood; Chris Lymbery, team captain and first-year mechanical engineering major from Nacogdoches; Mason Ainsworth, first-year aviation sciences major from Montgomery; Benjamin Barajas, sophomore engineering physics and music double major from Montgomery; Bobby Moore, first-year mechatronics engineering technology major from Waco; Luke Melendez, sophomore, mechanical engineering major from Houston; and Joshua Beasley, senior mechanical engineering major from Friendswood.

To learn more about SFA’s engineering program, visit sfasu.edu/engineering.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

At its August 14, 2026, meeting in Austin, TX, the Texas Medical Board disciplined 17 licensed physicians.

The disciplinary actions included: three orders related to standard of care, one order related to unprofessional conduct, three voluntary suspensions, one Consent Order, three Mediated Settlement Agreed Orders, and six Waiver Orders.

RULES CHANGES ADOPTED

CHAPTER 160. General Provisions: Employee Training and Education
The Board adopted new rule §160.8 authorizing reimbursement for employee training and education expenses under Texas Government Code Chapter 656, establishing policies on eligibility, approval, funding, and repayment obligations without affecting employment status.

CHAPTER 161. Physician Licensure: Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements for License Renewal
The Board adopted amendments to rule §161.35 requiring licensed physicians to complete specific continuing medical education credits on forensic evidence collection and nutrition/metabolic health as mandated by HB47 and SB25, reflecting changes to the Texas Occupations Code sections 156.057 and 156.061.

CHAPTER 183. Physician Assistants: Biennial Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements
The Board adopted amendments to rule §183.16, requiring licensed physician assistants to complete specific biennial continuing medical education credits including two hours on forensic evidence collection and one hour on nutrition and metabolic health, as mandated by HB47 and SB25, with courses recognized by relevant state bodies and provisions for formal and informal CME, exemptions, and military service considerations.

CHAPTER 186. Medical Radiologic Technology: Non-Certified Technician Registration and Practice Requirements
The Board adopted amendment to rule §186.26, relating to Education Standards for Non- Certified Technicians, clarifies that the rule does not require 120 classroom hours, but rather, the educational standard is met upon completion of the minimum hours required by an approved program within each topic area. Specifically, the adopted amendment in subsection (a)(4) further clarifies that, within an approved program, a non-certified technician is required to complete one or more of the units of applied human anatomy on the list, but not all.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Agreed Orders

Standard of Care: 
Ajibade, Dare Victor, M.D., Lic. No. S2710, Houston
Kurdi, Juan, M.D., Lic. No. L4027, Lubbock
Weiner, Richard L., M.D., Lic. No. F9059, Plano

Unprofessional Conduct: 
Lopez, Jesus Antonio, M.D., Lic. No. L1649, San Antonio

Voluntary Suspension:
Jimenez, Jason Phillip, S.A., Lic. No. SA00556, Converse
Silva, Brittan, D.O., Lic. No. U6080, San Antonio
Walker Jr., Marvin M., S.A., Lic. No. SA00690, Mesquite

Consent Orders

Unprofessional Conduct:
Maes, Earl Blair, M.D., Lic. No. N7305, Springfield, MO

Mediated Settlement Agreed Orders

Impairments:
Rodriguez, Filberto, M.D., Lic. No. L1989, McAllen

Standard of Care: 
Lane, Frank Elmer, M.D., Lic. No. G3541, Dallas
Lee, Daniel Christian, D.O., Lic. No. M1875, McAllen

Waiver Orders

Peer Review/Other States’ Actions: 
Harrel III, Nicholas David, M.D., Lic. No. T4638, Scottsdale, AZ
Hurtado, Alfredo William, M.D., Lic. No. W0607, Omaha, NE
Fleming, Karen, M.D., Lic. No. Q9813, Bellaire
Tsai, Tsung-Lin Roger, M.D., Lic. No. N4807, West Hollywood, CA
De Oliveira, Nilto Carias, M.D., Lic. No. U7559, San Antonio
Nguyen, Hieu Pham, D.O., Lic. No. R9525, Atlanta, GA

To view disciplinary orders and Board action history, visit the TMB website, click on “Look Up a License,” accept the usage terms, then type in a licensee’s name. Click on the name shown in the search results to view the licensee’s full profile. Within that profile is a button that says, “Current Board Action.”

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Margie Nell (Williams) Gresham, 89, passed away at her residence in Cushing, TX on Friday, August 21st, 2026.  Arrangements are under the care of Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing, TX.  Arrangements are pending, the service date and time will be posted on Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s website when it becomes available, along with a full obituary.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services, Inc.’s flower store.

“There’s plenty to enjoy around Nacogdoches this week! From unique local experiences and creative activities to shopping, summer treats, and live music, make the most of your weekend in the Oldest Town in Texas.

Every Thursday, enjoy a classic culinary experience at Pemberley’s at the Jones House for their afternoon tea beginning at 4 pm. Settle in for tea, treats, and an elegant afternoon in a charming historic setting.

Friday afternoon, Nac Summer Sips returns to the Downtown Square from 12–5 pm, this week featuring Grumps Shave Ice. Stop by for a refreshing treat while you shop and explore downtown. Friday evening, the SFA volleyball team will be up against UT Tyler in the SFA Shelton Gym beginning at 6 pm. Cheer on the Ladyjacks as they battle it out on the court in this thrilling event!

Saturday morning, get creative with Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative during their mask-making workshop from 9–11 am. Then, head to Old Town Treasures for Welcome Back Jacks Market Days from 10 am–3 pm, featuring local shopping and plenty of Lumberjack spirit.

Keep the fun going Saturday evening with live music at Fredonia Brewery and Madhatter Distillery. Grab a drink, enjoy the tunes, and settle in for a night out in Nacogdoches.

As always, feel free to send this to any friends, family, guests, or visitors! Full list of events available at visitnacogdoches.org/events“

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Marilyn passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026. 

Galatians 2:20 speaks of a life lived through faith in Christ, and Marilyn’s life was a beautiful reflection of that faith. She believed deeply in the power of God’s unconditional love, and she shared that same agape love freely with those around her.

Marilyn was loved by all whose lives she touched. She gave kindness, compassion, love, and acceptance to everyone who had the good fortune to know her. In today’s world, it is rare to find a woman whose values, character, and integrity provide such a beautiful standard by which to live.

Marilyn Mize our mother, grandmother, and Mema was such a woman. Her family will deeply miss her presence, her love, and the special way she made each person feel cared for and accepted. Although we will miss Mema beyond measure, the love she gave us and the lessons she taught us will remain forever in our hearts and minds.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Trudy Roach and her husband, Don; Mitchel Mize and his wife, Gayle; and Nita Dickerson.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kimberly Stewart and her husband, Steve; Christy Thielmier and her husband, John; and Gabriel Mize and his wife, Jeannie; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Cole Delay, Parker Delay, Luke Thielmier, Abigayle Mize, Lance Thielmier, Miles Mize and Sloane Thielmier.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Homer Mize, and her son-in-law, Reagan Dickerson.

A graveside service honoring Marilyn’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17th, 2026, at South Park Cemetery in Pearland, Texas.

We will miss Mema beyond measure, but the love she gave us, the example she set, and the values she instilled will remain forever in our hearts and minds.

Born. Lived. Born Again. Living Forevermore with Christ.

The Lamp-Lite Players announce their GALA for the 54th Season on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at Lamp-Lite Theatre, 4210 Lamp-Lite Lane, Nacogdoches, TX 75964.  The GALA is free, and the entire EAST TEXAS community is invited to the 54th Reception, Membership Meeting, and EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT.

The evening will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., during which time guests may peruse the productions being presented for 2026-2027 and purchase their season passes.  The passes are the ORIGINAL Flex Ticket and may be utilized for any production however the patron wishes to use them.  Beginning with the 2026-27 season, all season passes will be sold online only. The Lamp-Lite Box Office will have volunteers at the GALA to assist patrons with ordering their season passes.  

At 6:45 p.m., Lamp-Lite Board President Ken Untiedt will conduct a short ANNUAL Membership Meeting to elect two new members to the board, hear reports of improvements at Lamp-Lite Theatre, introduce current board members, introduce the 2026-2027 season and directors, and recognize retiring board member Judy Moore, who has served as House Manager for several years.  Season pass holders are invited to participate in the election of board members. Entertainment will be directed by Lamp-Lite Vice-President Davy Thomas.

Productions for the 2026-2027 Season include The Odd Couple, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Harvey, Greater Tuna, and The Fiddler on the Roof.

For more information about the 2026-2027 Lamp-Lite Players’ 54th Season and GALA, visit the website www.lamplitetheatre.com or email lamplitetheatre@gmail.com. Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Lamp-Lite Theatre.

NACOGDOCHES, TX – Texas Folklife, in partnership with the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music and the City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites Division, will present Cruzando Caminos: Singing Spanish Poetry in the South on Friday, September 11, at Zion Hill Baptist Church Historic Site in Nacogdoches. See poster and read more below.

Cruzando Caminos, meaning “crossing paths,” brings together artists representing distinct musical traditions connected through centuries of Spanish-language verse. At the center of the program is the décima, a ten-line poetic form that originated in Spain and traveled throughout the Spanish-speaking Americas, developing new musical traditions as it moved across regions and generations.

The tradition has a significant connection to Nacogdoches and El Camino Real. Décimas were being sung in Nacogdoches as early as 1797, when El Camino Real connected this area of East Texas with Louisiana, Mexico, and the wider Spanish-speaking world.

“We are excited to once again work with Texas Folklife and to welcome this program to Zion Hill,” said Veronica Amoe, Historic Sites Manager for the City of Nacogdoches. “Cruzando Caminos connects musical traditions from across the Americas with our local history and highlights traditions documented in Nacogdoches more than two centuries ago.”

The evening will feature local artists Juan Carlos and Jeana Ureña, who will open the program, alongside Will Buckingham and Shane Lief of the Louisiana Décima Project; San Antonio-based son jarocho singer Keli Rosa; and Chilean artist Isabel Mekis. Together, the performers represent traditions spanning Texas, Louisiana, Mexico, Central America, and South America, with shared roots in the décima tradition.

The program begins at 5:00 p.m. with an opening reception featuring food trucks with food available for purchase and an opportunity for guests to meet the artists.

At 5:45 p.m., Dr. Hannah Snavely, an ethnomusicologist and professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, will moderate an artist talk exploring the history and movement of the décima and providing context for the musical traditions represented during the evening.

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Each artist or group will perform and introduce the audience to their own musical tradition before all five come together for a collaborative finale.

Cruzando Caminos will take place at Zion Hill Baptist Church Historic Site, 324 N. Lanana Street in Nacogdoches. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. To learn more and register for the event, visit texasfolklife.org. The registration link, additional event details, and information about Zion Hill Baptist Church Historic Site can also be found at nactx.us/historicsites.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University faculty, staff and students along with members of the Gandy family and the Nacogdoches community celebrated the unveiling of the Dr. Bill and Barbara Gandy Makerspace in SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at the Cole STEM Building July 16. 

Pictured, from left, are Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics; Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president; and Barbara and Dr. Bill Gandy.

“One of the reasons I feel so connected to SFA is because I got a really wonderful education here,” Bill Gandy said. “We’re glad to give back.”

Bill, a 1968 SFA graduate and retired dentist, and Barbara also have invested in the university through donations to athletics, fine arts, SFA Gardens and scholarship programs.

“This incredible addition to our STEM college is part of the Gandy family’s never-ending commitment to make SFA a better place,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president.

Members of the Gandy family joined Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president, far left, and Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, far right, in honoring Barbara’s (fourth from right) and Bill’s (third from right) ongoing support of SFA students.

One of several makerspaces on campus open to all SFA students, the Dr. Bill and Barbara Gandy Makerspace offers students a gathering point, cutting-edge technology and mentor help to apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts to construction, electronics, robotics, woodworking, metalworking, laser cutting and programming projects. An upcoming expansion of the facility and additional equipment will help it serve more students who are working on projects ranging from coursework to entries for national competitions.

“How fortunate we are to have donors who care so much about our students and believe in them,” said Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “Bill and Barbara make sure our students have what they need to be successful.”

Though mostly reserved for SFA student use, the makerspace hosts children attending summer camps. To learn more about the makerspace and SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics, visit sfasu.edu/cosm.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

The Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association will host its 2026 HOMECOMING RECEPTION AND ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Friday, September 25th, 2026, 5:00-5:45 p.m., in the NHS Alumni Association Office, Room 500, in the Fine Arts Building of Nacogdoches High School, 4310 Appleby Sand Road, Nacogdoches, Texas. The Johnson Family will be recognized as a family with three generations of NHS Golden Dragon graduates. The family will also be recognized during a pre-game ceremony at the football game in Dragon Stadium.

During the meeting NHS Alumni and Friends will vote on new board members and officers for the board, hear reports on finances, partially- and fully-endowed scholarships, including four new scholarships established in 2026, and participate in a drawing for a $100 gift card. They also say “Happy Birthday” to the members of Class of 1974, who turned 70 during the 2025-2026 year and celebrated with the Classes of 1969-1979 this past summer. Graduating Classes of NHS celebrating anniversary reunions this fall will also be recognized, including the Classes of 1966, 1976, 1981, 1986, and 2006 and the Band from the Caldwell Years.

Members of the 2025 NHS Alumni Association Board of Directors include Katherine Parrish Whitbeck, Ed.D., 1978, President; Pam Sitton Latham, 1974, 1st Vice-President; Jan Dobbs Barton, 1974, 2nd Vice-President; Larry King, 1977, Secretary; Larry Mann, 1966, Treasurer; Philip Blackburn, 1979, Immediate Past-President; Elizabeth Holland Baker, 1983; Ja’Brandon Chatman, 2025; Lorelai Tualla Gotcher, 1998; Catherine Fenci Oliver, 1984; and Grady Truchelut, 1993. 

More information about the NHS Alumni Association is available by emailing nhsalumni@nacisd.org

AUSTIN – A Texas June marks the beginning of increased temperatures and the risk of heat-related illness, so Texas State Parks presents seven tips to help park visitors beat the heat and enjoy the beauty that Texas offers.

In 2025, 169 heat-related incidents were reported across Texas’s state parks and six of them involved pets.

Although we are approaching peak heat season, there are steps that reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Here are the top seven hacks:

Hydrate – For every hour you spend in the heat, drink 16 ounces of water. While participating in strenuous activities, such as hiking, increase your intake to 32 ounces, and don’t forget about your four-legged friends.

Wear SPF – Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently. It’s best practice to reapply every couple of hours and after swimming and sweating.

Dress Smart – Light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing; a hat and wet bandana keep you cool in the sun. For pets, cooler times of day prevent blistering on the paws and booties shield them from the hot ground. A quick test is to touch the ground with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it for five seconds, the surface is too hot for your pets’ paws.

Stay Salty – Food keeps energy up and replace salt lost while sweating. Snacks like jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit are great ways to nourish your body while on the trail.

Bring a Buddy – Two brains are better than one. Utilize the buddy system by having someone with you on the trail, allowing you to look after each other in hot conditions.

Plan Ahead – Study the trail map beforehand and keep it close by, especially in areas with low service. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. Remember to rest in cool, shaded areas when necessary. Share your plan with someone and let them know when you should be back.

Pup Safety – Dogs feel the heat just as much as we do, so practice good habits for yourself and your pet. Bring enough water and snacks to ensure your furry friend is safe on the entire hiking trip. If you hold your hand to the ground and can’t leave it there for more than a few seconds, you may need to rethink bringing your furry friend along or use dog booties to protect their paws.

August 19, 2026 – A federal jury in San Antonio has convicted Joshua Allen and Michael Cox, both of Lubbock, Texas, on all four felony counts charged against them for their roles in a multimillion-dollar investment fraud scheme involving Ferrum Capital and related entities.

The convictions follow an extensive federal investigation conducted with significant assistance from the Texas State Securities Board’s Enforcement Division. As part of the investigation, TSSB Assistant Director Greta Cantwell served as a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Antonio Division, working alongside federal investigators from the IRS Criminal Investigation and FBI to investigate the securities offerings, trace investor funds, review financial and business records, and develop evidence relating to the alleged fraud.

Following a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Allen and Cox were each found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and securities fraud. The verdicts were returned on August 18, 2026.

Allen and Cox jointly owned and controlled Ferrum Capital, LLC, Ferrum II, LLC, Ferrum III, LLC, and Ferrum IV, LLC. According to federal court records, Allen, Cox, and others solicited hundreds of investors to invest tens of millions of dollars in the Ferrum entities. Investors were provided false and misleading information about how their money would be used and the safety and security of their investments. Rather than being used as represented, substantial investor funds were diverted to make payments to earlier investors and for the benefit of Allen, Cox, and others.

The investigation required the review and analysis of extensive financial and investment records relating to the Ferrum entities and the investments sold to victims. The TSSB Enforcement Division contributed its experience investigating complex securities offerings and financial fraud to the federal investigation and worked in coordination with the FBI, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.

“This verdict is the culmination of a substantial investigation involving close cooperation between state and federal law enforcement,” said Deputy Securities Commissioner Cristi Ramón Ochoa. “The Texas State Securities Board is committed to using its specialized securities expertise to assist our law enforcement partners in identifying investment fraud and holding those who defraud investors accountable.”

The convictions follow the guilty plea earlier this year of former San Antonio-based investment adviser Brooklynn Chandler Willy. Willy, the owner of Queen B Advisors LLC, doing business as Texas Financial Advisory was a sales agent for the Ferrum investments. Willy pleaded guilty in March to ten federal felony counts arising from her participation in the Ferrum investment scheme.

The federal prosecution grew out of a coordinated investigation into the activities of Allen, Cox, Willy, and the Ferrum entities. TSSB’s participation in the investigation reflects the agency’s continuing commitment to working with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate securities fraud and protect Texas investors.

Following the verdict, U.S. District Court Judge Fred Biery ordered Allen and Cox remanded into federal custody. Sentencing is currently scheduled for later this year.

The Texas State Securities Board is the state agency responsible for regulating the securities industry in Texas and protecting investors from fraud.

Investors with questions or concerns regarding this matter may contact the TSSB Enforcement Division at enforceinfo@ssb.texas.gov or 512-305-8392.

AUSTIN – Texas Game Wardens maintained a strong presence on lakes, rivers and coastal waters across Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. They contacted more than 10,800 vessels while participating in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol and drug related incidents and fatalities through awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence on the State’s waterways.

Between July 3-5, 417 game wardens contacted 10,817 vessels, issued 1,466 citations and 1,974 warnings for various boating safety violations, filed 62 boating while intoxicated (BWI) charges and four driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges. Wardens also made 20 additional arrests for various other offenses.

The 62 BWI charges represent the highest number filed by Texas Game Wardens during the Fourth of July holiday weekend since 2019.

Despite responding to 25 boating incidents over the weekend, game wardens did not receive any reports of boating-related fatalities, although numerous incidents involved serious bodily injury. There were also two open-water drownings; one at Lake Hawkins in Wood County and one at Lake Palo Pinto in Palo Pinto County along with numerous calls for boating assistance statewide.

“Thousands of Texans and visitors safely enjoyed time on the water this holiday weekend, and we’re grateful the majority of boaters made responsible decisions by wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol and watching out for each other,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement Division director. “At the same time, the two lives lost are a sad reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike and the importance of remaining vigilant.”

In addition to boating safety enforcement, game wardens responded to numerous significant incidents, including several vessel collisions, a reported hit-and-run involving a personal watercraft, medical emergencies, arrests for possession of controlled substances, multiple suspected human trafficking cases discovered during calls for service and proactive enforcement, and the rescue of a kayaker who had been in the water for approximately three hours without a life jacket after capsizing.

Boating safety education was a priority throughout the weekend. Through TPWD’s Adopt-A-Ramp program, our invaluable volunteers made 393 contacts with boaters at Joe Pool Lake, Lake Lavon, and Lake Bastrop, sharing information about boating laws, life jacket use and safe boating practices before people launched.

As part of the outreach effort, TPWD also hosted a Fill the Boat life jacket donation event at Cedar Hill State Park. The event collected 23 adult life jackets, three youth and infant life jackets and three canine life jackets. Once inspected, the donated life jackets will be distributed to area life jacket loaner stations to help make safety equipment more accessible to the public.

“Texas Game Wardens did exactly what Operation Dry Water is designed to do by identifying and removing impaired operators before someone gets hurt,” said VanderRoest. “While we’re proud of the work wardens accomplished this weekend, the safest holiday weekend is one where everyone chooses to avoid alcohol and drugs on the water.”

Texas Game Wardens will continue proactive boating safety patrols, education efforts and outreach throughout the summer, encouraging everyone on the water to wear a properly fitted life jacket, designate a sober operator, monitor changing weather conditions and complete boater education.

More information about boating safety, boating laws and boater education requirements is available at https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/.

Watch our communication channels for future opportunities to help us Fill the Boat. A life jacket you donate could be the one that saves someone’s life.

About Texas Game Wardens

Texas Game Wardens, within the Law Enforcement Division of TPWD, are responsible for enforcing laws related to the conservation and management of natural resources and public safety through community-based law enforcement. Their mission is to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Additionally, they play a crucial role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, exemplifying their commitment to protecting both the environment and the people of Texas.

If you witness a fishing, wildlife or boating violation in progress, please call 1-800-792-GAME (4263) immediately and report it to Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’ Wildlife Crime-Stoppers Program. You can also text your tip by sending the keyword TXOGT plus your tip to 847411 or through the Texas OGT App, available for iOS and Android devices. Dispatchers are available 24/7.

Presented by Brookshire Brothers, the Texas State Forest Festival is an East Texas tradition that attracts over 13,000 people to Lufkin/Angelina County with thrilling competitions, yummy festival food, fun carnival rides, exciting shows & so much more!

This year, the four-day festival will be held from September 17th through the 20th, 2026 at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center.  Annually, the Texas State Forest Festival requires over 200 volunteers working about 2,500 hours to stage the event, and continues to be one of the premier annual events in Deep East Texas!

Hours:

Thursday & Friday, September 17th & 18th – 5 PM – 10 PM 

Saturday, September 19th – 8 AM Fun Run

Saturday, September 19th – Regular Hours 10 AM -10 PM

Sunday, September 20th – 11 AM – 5 PM

General Admission – $8 (Kids 3 and under FREE)

​CARNIVAL

Thursday, September 17th – 5 PM – 10 PM

Friday, September 18th – 5 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, September 19th – 12 PM – 10 PM

Sunday, September 20th – 12 PM – 5 PM

​Unlimited Rides Wristbands

Thursday/Friday – $30

Saturday (ALL DAY) – $50

Saturday (12 PM – 4 PM) – $30

Saturday (5 PM – 10 PM) – $30

(Saturday 4 PM – 5 PM will be by tickets)

Sunday – $30

Recent guest speakers for the Nacogdoches Newcomers and Friends’ recent monthly luncheons were Rachel Luna Cline, M.D. from the Bluebonnet Clinic and Ashley Morgan, executive director for the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Dr. Cline shared information about women’s health and Morgan presented updates about events happening in Nacogdoches. Kathy Baker McGough presented a copy of the record “Nacogdoches,” that her brother Tom Baker wrote while he was stationed in Tripoli, to Morgan.  For more information about Nacogdoches Newcomers and Friends, email nacogdochesnewcomers@gmail.com.

NNF Vice-President Dawn Bridwell and Rachel Cline, M.D.

Pictured left to right are NNF Vice-President for Programs Dawn Bridwell, Member Kathy McGough, CVB Executive Director Ashley Morgan, and NNF President Sharon Bradberry 

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Funeral service for Rankin Armstrong “Army” Curtis, Jr., 85 of Nacogdoches will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21st, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church with Bro. Dale Morton officiating.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20th, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church.

Mr. Curtis passed away on Sunday, August 16tth, 2026 in Garrison.  He was born on July 14th, 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Army”, as most knew him, was hard working and enjoyed meeting and collaborating with friends through his experiences with Ham Radio, which he was active in throughout his entire life.   Army participated not only in contests but also in emergency situations and running phone patch operations to offshore naval personnel and their families.  He was an expert in electrical power distribution and antennae design.  He had a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a very successful career beginning at El Paso Electric and then at Hawaii Electric Company in Honolulu and Hilo where he remained for 27 years.  During his time in Hawaii, he helped to implement the first computer system for the company.

Army met and married Patricia Smith, and together they raised their son and daughter with strong values and ethics. He and Patricia shared many joyful memories while square dancing, traveling in their RV, and taking cruises. Their greatest joy, however, was being grandparents. He cherished every moment with those he loved.

Army was a past member of Rotary International, Shriner’s Club, Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club, American Radio Relay League and an honorable Master Mason in Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Curtis of Nacogdoches; daughter, Cynthia Anne Iokepa of Glendale, Arizona; son, Army Curtis III & wife Janet of Nacogdoches; grandchildren, Lorna Curtis of Charlotte, North Carolina, Alex Curtis of Galveston, Victoria Beyeler & husband Samuel of Flagstaff, Arizona and Jake Esveld of Mesa, Arizona and brother, Don Curtis of Phoenix, Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rankin Armstrong, Sr. and Elizabeth Sattler Curtis and brothers, George “Bud” Curtis and Charles “Chuck” Curtis.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Curtis’ honor to Christ Episcopal Church School at 1428 North Mound Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 or Nacogdoches Treatment Center at 119 Hughes Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

Serving as pallbearers will be Darrell Thornton, Mark Phillips, Steve Bartlett, Andy Delgado, William Rascher and Jeff Clark, who are all fellow members of the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rankin “Army” Armstrong Curtis, Jr., please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

A funeral service for Linda Sue Pugh, 78, of Joaquin will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches with Bro. Don Sewell officiating.  A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 pm.

Mrs. Pugh passed away on Friday, August 14th, 2026 in Nacogdoches, TX.  She was born on August 24th, 1947 in Henderson, TX.

A full obituary will be posted Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Sue Pugh, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store

July 15, 2026 – Many Texas State Parks are experiencing heavy rains and subsequent flooding. Parkgoers are advised to check the state park map for alerts and to be weather wise for areas they plan to visit.

Park alerts share the most up to date information for each property including area and full park closures. Patrons are advised to avoid flooded roadways. Always remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” TPWD Emergency Management recommends checking TxDOT’s “Drive Texas” before traveling in weather for road closures.

Images below are of impacted State Parks and Texas Game Wardens conducting swift water and flooding rescues. Images were provided by Texas Game Wardens and can be found with others on the TPWD Flickr Account.

AUSTIN, TX – Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office secured a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for a man convicted of brutally murdering a Houston County resident during a home invasion. Robert Lee Steveson, 66, was found guilty by a Houston County jury on Friday, August 7th, 2026 after a week-long trial for the offense of Capital Murder. 

On the evening of May 21, 2024, Steveson broke into the Crockett home of his neighbor, longtime resident Herbert “Andy” Allen. Steveson, who was on parole for a 1979 murder and multiple sexual assaults, attacked Mr. Allen inside the home, striking him in the head more than 18 times and killing him. The murder weapon, described by the medical examiner as a heavy object with a sharp edge, was never recovered. 

It was presented by multiple witnesses at trial that Mr. Allen was known to carry large sums of money in a blue bank bag. When law enforcement discovered Mr. Allen’s body, the bank bag and money were missing from his home.  

A few weeks after the murder, the Crockett Police Department received a tip from a local citizen of Crockett who stated that Steveson was seen with large sums of cash shortly after the murder. During a subsequent interview at Steveson’s home, investigators discovered a partially burned blue bank bag in an outdoor burn barrel. The bag contained charred documents believed to belong to Mr. Allen. The missing cash was never recovered. 

Following the trial, the 349th Judicial District Judge Mark Calhoon sentenced Steveson to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  

“This career criminal brutally murdered an innocent Texan in his own home, and now he will spend the rest of his life behind bars where he belongs,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I remain committed to seeking justice for all victims in this state. I also would like to commend the Crockett Police Department, who worked closely with my office in this case, for their tireless work and professionalism to see that justice was done.”  

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Amanda Dillon, Assistant Attorney General Jamie Tillman and Attorney General Investigator Sgt. Brian Seales with the assistance of the Houston County District Attorney Daphne Session. 

LAKE JACKSON – Join Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Coastal Fisheries staff and volunteers on Saturday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the annual Shark Celebration at Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson.

Event poster from Sea Center Texas – Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Facebook page.

For the past eight years, Sea Center Texas has hosted the Shark Celebration event to coincide with the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.

“The goal of this event is to highlight sharks as important components of a healthy marine ecosystem,” said Juliana Moore, Sea Center Texas Visitor Center Coordinator. “We’d love for our guests to leave with a new appreciation and respect for sharks.”

Admission to the event is free, and attendees receive a unique opportunity to spend the afternoon learning about shark science, chat with knowledgeable shark researchers, test athleticism against the superpowers of the ocean’s top predators and participate in various shark-related activities.

This year’s activities include:

• A shark scavenger hunt that offers prizes for the first 100 winners.
• “Shark performance” stations, where visitors will learn about shark speed, bite force, leaping abilities and electroreception. 
• A shark ice table with real shark specimens that attendees can touch and interact with. These sharks came from TPWD’s resource surveys along the Texas coast!
• A sand trough filled with buried shark teeth – participants use shovels and sand sifters to hunt for teeth that they can keep. A neighboring station teaches about the different kinds of shark teeth and helps guests identify what they found.
• Face painting
• Shark-themed crafting station 
• And more!

In addition, exhibits by Texas A&M University Galveston’s Shark Biology and Fisheries Science Lab, Moody Garden’s Aquarium, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Gulf Great White Shark Society, TPWD field offices and the Brazosport Museum will also be on display.

Sea Center Texas is a public aquarium, marine fish hatchery and education center operated by TPWD. Admission to the center is free of charge and averages 60,000 visitors annually. The education program and hatchery tours at Sea Center reach 30,000 youths across the state, and the fish hatchery produces about 15 million red drum and spotted seatrout fingerlings that are stocked in Texas bays each year. Their volunteer program consists of over 150 individuals who donate more than 12,000 hours of service annually.

For more information about Sea Center Texas, visit the center’s website.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in collaboration with several local, state and federal agency partners, successfully recovered a Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radioactive source in Midland Co. over the weekend.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, a DPS Corporal assigned to the Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection (Rad/Nuc) Unit was conducting routine patrol duties when he received an alarm from his vehicle-mounted radiation detection system near S County Road 1210. Utilizing additional radiation detection equipment, the Corporal conducted a systematic survey of the area and determined that a Cs-137 radioactive source was emitting radiation from beneath the ground. After confirming the presence of the source, the Corporal requested assistance from local, state and federal partner agencies to coordinate a safe recovery operation.

The next day, DPS’ Rad/Nuc Unit and other responding agencies – including the FBI, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, Midland Health Department, Midland Emergency Management and Chevron security representatives – conducted radiological assessments and developed an excavation plan to begin specialized recovery operations. Continuous radiological monitoring was conducted throughout the operation, and designated hot and cold zones were established to ensure the safety of all personnel. Radiation exposure levels were closely monitored, and personnel rotations were conducted in accordance with established safety protocols.

Eventually, the Cs-137 source was successfully located approximately 6 to 8 inches below the surface. The recovered item was identified as a 100-millicurie sealed radioactive source manufactured in April 1967. After the source was documented and radiation readings were verified, it was safely recovered without incident. The operation concluded with no injuries, no personnel contamination and no threat to the public.

This successful recovery highlights the DPS Rad/Nuc Unit’s specialized partnerships with local, state and federal agencies to conduct emergency response and hazardous material recovery operations.

About DPS’ Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit

DPS’ Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection (Rad/Nuc) Unit is comprised of one Lieutenant, one Sergeant and six Corporals with advanced training stationed throughout Texas.  Their primary mission is to detect and interdict radiological and nuclear material out of regulatory control to prevent dangerous attacks and mass casualty incidents. This work is performed using vehicle-mounted radiation detection systems, backpack detection systems, radioisotope identification devices, personal radiation detectors (PRD) and unmanned aircraft system-mounted radiation detection systems.  In addition to routine patrol duties, DPS’ Rad/Nuc Unit personnel also conduct prevention operations and screenings for large-scale events and dignitary visits alongside other DPS divisions and state and federal law enforcement partners.

The DPS Rad/Nuc Unit is currently issuing a PRD to every DPS Trooper throughout the state and training them to serve as primary radiological and nuclear threat screeners.

AUSTIN, TX – In recognition of National Aviation Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is highlighting a unique capability within its Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) that helps safeguard Texans from radiological and nuclear threats. By pairing advanced airborne detection technology with the expertise of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Division’s Radiation/Nuclear Team, DPS is enhancing its ability to detect potential threats from the air while supporting homeland security missions across Texas.

The airborne detection program integrates specialized radiation-detection sensors mounted on DPS helicopters with real-time data transmission, enabling aircrews to rapidly survey large areas and provide immediate information to personnel on the ground. The capability has already supported security operations at major events, including FIFA-related venues in Houston and Dallas, and will be used in upcoming security planning for other large-scale public events in Texas.

“National Aviation Day is an opportunity to recognize not only the dedicated men and women who take to the skies every day, but also the evolving role aviation plays in protecting Texans,” said Aircraft Operations Division Chief Pilot Stacy Holland. “Our aircraft are more than transportation platforms — they’re force multipliers. By integrating advanced radiation detection technology into our helicopters, we’re able to support our law enforcement partners with faster situational awareness, greater coverage and another layer of protection for the public.”

The airborne radiation detection equipment was acquired through the City of Houston’s Securing the Cities (STC) federal grant program, managed by the Houston Office of Homeland Security. Working alongside the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service of THP Division, Aircraft Operations personnel developed a plan to modernize and deploy the system aboard the department’s Bell 412 helicopter. The project included installing specialized mounting equipment, integrating real-time data transmission via satellite connectivity, and validating the system through extensive calibration and training.

“Protecting Texas from radiological and nuclear threats requires strong partnerships and constant innovation,” said Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Major Omar Villareal. “Our Radiation/Nuclear Team has years of experience operating detection equipment on the ground. Expanding that capability into the air significantly increases our ability to identify anomalies and support large-scale public events. This partnership with AOD strengthens our preparedness and gives responders another critical tool to help keep Texans safe.”

DPS’ Bell 412 helicopter provides the payload capacity necessary to carry the specialized detection equipment while transmitting sensor data in real time — eliminating the need to wait until after a flight to analyze results. The capability allows DPS to rapidly establish radiation baselines around stadiums, transportation corridors and other critical infrastructure while supporting state and local homeland security partners.

Although the system remains in its operational onboarding phase, it has already been used to conduct baseline surveys around FIFA venues in Houston and Dallas. During testing, expected readings have been detected near hospitals and other facilities that legally use radioactive materials, confirming the system’s sensitivity and effectiveness.

As DPS continues expanding the program, the department plans to deploy the technology aboard both its Bell 412 and Bell 407 helicopters, further strengthening Texas’ ability to detect and respond to emerging homeland security threats from the air.

About the Aircraft Operations Division (AOD)

DPS’ AOD is one of the largest airborne law enforcement units in the country, with 13 duty stations, 28 aircraft with state-of-the-art technology and more than 100 personnel. AOD is composed of 50 police pilots and 35 Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs). AOD is responsible for licensing, training and regulating over 400 of the Department’s UAS Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) program. The Department owns over 420 UAS systems (drones) which are used in missions such as border security, Capitol security, traffic accident reconstruction and crime scene investigation, along with many others. AOD Pilots and TFOs are commissioned DPS officers, except for 3 non-commissioned pilot positions. Pilots hold a minimum commercial pilot license with instrument ratings and receive recurring pilot training from the AOD training staff. During their time at DPS, Pilots also receive additional training in both airplanes and helicopters for Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII), Multi-Engine and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) ratings.

DPS’ AOD was voted the Excellence in Police Aviation Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) four times in the last 15 years. AOD is a cornerstone of DPS, playing a vital role in everyday operations.

Click here to view footage of the technology.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Diana Clark, 76, of Nacogdoches, TX, was called to her heavenly home July 16th, 2026

Diana had a passion for helping and taking care of others. So much so that she decided to settle on a career doing just that starting in 1979, working at Memorial Hospital. She worked several positions over the years from a nurses aide up through working in the dialysis department before finally retiring. 

Above all Diana will be remembered for her love for God and her family, most of all her grandchildren. She always liked being surrounded by animals and enjoyed gardening, particularly beautiful flowers and other plants.  She took pleasure in reading and doing all types of puzzles to relax during her spare time.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, L.E. Box and Joyce Box, her brother Nathan Box, and husband Charles Clark.

She is survived by her children Cassandra Hammersley and husband TJ, Billy Cooper and wife Cindy, and Angie Jones and husband Josh; her brother John Box and wife Marie; her 5 grandchildren Dannielle, Cheyenne, Madison, Bryce, and Faith; 4 great-grandchildren, 3 nephews, 1 neice, and many great nephews and neices.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Gravel Ridge Missionary Baptist Church on FM 225 in Nacogdoches.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diana Joy (Box) Clark, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

Adopt A Child – Why Not You?

The children in the following link were registered or new information was added to their profile/photograph during the last two weeks: Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) children registered or updated between 8/4/2026 and 8/17/2026

Additional information including Contact information is available by clicking here.

DPS Reminds College Students to Keep Safety Top of Mind

AUSTIN, TX – As college students begin returning to campus for the start of the fall semester, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages students to make smart decisions and remain aware of their surroundings both on and off campus. Whether heading to class, attending football games or exploring a new city, a little preparation and vigilance can go a long way to ensure a safe school year.

“Starting college is an exciting time, but it also comes with new responsibilities and new environments,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “Whether you’re walking across campus, driving to class or going out with friends, always stay aware of your surroundings, make responsible decisions and never get behind the wheel impaired. Your safety—and the safety of those around you—depends on the choices you make every day.”

Campus Safety Tips:

• Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as walking while looking at your phone or wearing headphones at high volume.
• Walk in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night, and travel with friends whenever possible.
• Save campus police and local law enforcement phone numbers in your phone and familiarize yourself with emergency call boxes and campus safety resources.
• Lock your dorm room, apartment, and vehicle, even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the area and report suspicious activity immediately.

Driving Safety Tips:

• Never drink and drive or ride with an impaired driver. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or call a trusted friend.
• Always wear your seat belt and make sure every passenger is buckled up.
• Obey speed limits and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Remember, texting while driving is illegal in Texas.
• Be extra cautious around pedestrians, bicyclists and scooters near college campuses.
• Give yourself extra travel time during move-in weekends, football game days and other campus events when traffic is heavier than usual.

Personal Safety Tips:

• Keep your cell phone charged and share your location with trusted family members or friends when traveling alone.
• Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return if you’re going out at night.
• Be cautious when meeting people you’ve only interacted with online.
• If attending parties or social events, never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.

DPS also reminds college students, parents, faculty and staff about valuable public safety resources available throughout the school year.

• The iWatchTexas program is a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity in schools and communities to help prevent dangerous attacks. Everyone is urged to download the free iOS or Android iWatchTexas mobile app before the start of the school year. Tips can be reported via the website, the mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can view this how-to video.

Remember, iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency on a school campus or in a community, call 911. Also, the program can be used to report suspicious activity in areas in addition to schools.

• The Texas School Safety Center is another useful tool for school security. It’s part of Texas State University and offers valuable resources on school safety for parents and members of the school community. It’s designed to be a central location for research, training and technical information for all school districts, charter schools and community colleges in the state. The Texas School Safety Center has staff experienced in school safety and can provide technical assistance or training, conduct program evaluations or offer resources to schools. Classes are also available online for the community.

• The Active Shooter Alert System is not school-specific but could be used in the event of a shooting at or near a school. The alert system is designed to notify people near an active shooter situation through cell phones, local broadcast media and Texas Department of Transportation Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). These alerts are used to encourage people to avoid the area or shelter-in-place, when a situation arises.

DPS will issue an Active Shooter Alert when an agency submits a request that meets the requirements. Those include an active shooter in the agency’s jurisdiction, determining that the alert would assist people near the active shooter’s location, verification of the active shooter situation through a preliminary investigation by the requesting agency and that the shooter’s last known location is identifiable.

• Trained in media relations and public speaking, DPS Safety Education Service Lieutenants and Sergeants are charged with educating the public and serving as Public Information Officers to the media regarding public safety in Texas. Additionally, these officers regularly offer presentations to schools on drug use prevention, traffic safety, underage drinking, situational awareness and other education and awareness programs.

To request a DPS Safety Education Service Lieutenant or Sergeant to speak at your school, please visit the DPS website here.

Physical copies will be available in local stores around the 1st of July, and free as always!

Click here for Booking Report

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home

Steven “Bear” Thaddaeus Kimbrough, born in Houston, Texas, to Nancy Joyce Anderson Kimbrough and Thaddaeus Kimbrough, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Steven was a proud employee of Nacogdoches Sheet Metal and Plumbing, working on HVAC systems. He also found great happiness in the outdoors and in working with his hands. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and craftsmanship, passions that reflected his appreciation for nature and his dedication to creating and building. He was also an active member of several organizations, including Ducks Unlimited (DU), Delta Waterfowl, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), and Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS). 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Darleen “Dee” Kimbrough; his sons, Steven Thaddaeus Kimbrough and wife Kimberly, Robert Keith Kimbrough and wife Billie Jean, and Chance Kimbrough and wife MaryAnna. He was a proud grandfather to Atticus Kimbrough, Hannah Cook, Caitlin Kimbrough, Karis Mosley, Kaitlynn Hargraves, Cheyenne Martin, Sierra Mitchell, Taylor Parker, Robert Kimbrough, Colton Kimbrough, Dillon Lake, Kody Johnson, Ella Kimbrough, and Kreek Johnson, as well as 15 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

Steven is also survived by his siblings: sisters Nancy and husband Jim Heron, Jeanette and husband Joe Pena, Donna and husband Wesley Jordan, and Jodie and husband Craig Raif; brothers Richard Kimbrough and fiancée Gwyn Forgue, and Paul Kimbrough and wife Susan; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy and Thaddaeus Kimbrough; his nephew, Zachary Kimbrough; and his great-grandson, Mason Mosley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting fallen first responders and their families, eradicating veteran homelessness, and building mortgage-free smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans.

Steven will be remembered for his strength, his devotion to family, his generous spirit, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at Clawdaddy’s Mkt General Store & Event Center on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. 

Clawdaddy’s Mkt General Store & Event Center is located at 628 NE Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

DONATIONS

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Physical copies will be available in local stores around the 1st of July, and free as always!

AUSTIN, TX – Attorney General Ken Paxton sent letters to over 110 different Texas cities to notify them that they are prohibited from raising ad valorem taxes above the no-new-revenue tax rate. This action follows Attorney General Paxton’s investigation of over 1,000 Texas cities and his previous letters stopping other cities from illegally raising taxes.  

During the 2025 legislative session, SB 1851 was passed and then enacted into law. This law bars cities from raising property taxes above the no-new-revenue rate if they do not meet Texas’s financial statement audit and transparency requirements. In April, Attorney General Paxton demanded documents from over 1,000 municipalities as part of an ongoing investigation to determine statewide compliance with SB 1851. That led to the identification of over 130 cities that failed to comply with the statutory requirements for the new fiscal year. In May, Attorney General Paxton notified those 130 cities that they are subject to the enforcement provisions and penalties established under SB 1851 and may not adopt property tax increases above the no-new-revenue rate.  

Now, over 110 additional cities have joined that list of cities and are barred from illegally raising taxes. Letters were sent to an additional list of non-compliant cities, and the investigation remains ongoing. The OAG will continue to take additional action and make further determinations as more cities are found to be out-of-compliance with audit requirements.   

“I am continuing to fight to stop cities from unlawfully raising taxes on hardworking Texans,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office has been investigating cities across Texas. Now, over 110 new cities have been notified that they must not raise property taxes in violation of state law. I will continue to make sure that taxpayers are protected from unlawful tax increases.” 

The following cities have been sent violation determination letters: Adrian, Annona, Aransas Pass, Avery, Blackwell, Blossom, Bogata, Bonney, Brazoria, Brownsboro, Charlotte, China, Clifton, Clint, Cottonwood Shores, Cotulla, Cranfills Gap, Cresson, Cumby, Darrouzett, Detroit, Dickens, Dish, Edgecliff Village, Electra, Florence, Friona, Gallatin, Godley, Goldthwaite, Goodlow, Goodrich, Gorman, Grand Saline, Granger, Greenville, Gruver, Hallsburg, Hallsville, Hawk Cove, Hawkins, Hawley, Hereford, Hilshire Village, Hudson, Indian Lake, Ingram, Itasca, Ivanhoe, Jones Creek, Kempner, Kendleton, Kennard, Kingsbury, Kress, La Villa, Ladonia, Linden, Log Cabin, Lone Star, Lyford, Mason, Mathis,  Mission, Moody, Morgan, Munday, New London, Newton, Nordheim, Oakwood, Odem, Oglesby, Overton, Palacios, Pasadena, Pattison, Peaster, Penitas, Pine Forest, Point Comfort, Port Isabel, Presidio, Rancho Viejo, Rice, Robinson, Roman Forest, Round Mountain, Round Top, San Leanna, Sanford, Santa Fe, Seadrift, Simonton, Spearman, Springlake, Stockdale, Stockton Bend, Stratford, Strawn, Sunset Valley, Taylor Landing, Throckmorton, Toyah, Trinidad, Tulia, Uhland, Vega, Vinton, Weimar, Winfield, Winnsboro, Woodcreek, Woodsboro, Wortham, Yorktown. 

To see the other cities that previously received a letter, click here.

Lufkin District Construction Updates

Good afternoon,

Below is a description of the work planned for July 20 through July 24 in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.  

TxDOT will host a virtual public meeting with an in-person option at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. The public is invited to come learn about the US 59 Livingston Upgrade North (Future I-69) project.  

The virtual meeting will be available by searching “Livingston Upgrade North” at TxDOT.gov. The in-person option will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Polk County Commerce Center, 1017 HWY 59 Loop North, Livingston, Texas.  

Area Office Projects

Lufkin Area Office (Angelina, Houston, and Sabine counties)

Angelina County

• US 59, Redland Project.
  Construction and cement treating the northbound frontage road will occur.
• Business (BU) 59/Timberland Drive, resurfacing and stripingNight operations to mill, lay and stripe the road will continue. Lane closures will occur. 
• FM 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.
  Deck panels will be installed. Dirt work and bridge caps will occur, requiring intermittent lane closures.  
• US 69, cable median barrier.
  Contractors will continue working on the barrier on US 69 south of Zavalla and US 59 south of Livingston. 
• State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.
  Nighttime work to pave southbound SL 287 will begin Sunday, July 19 and will require lane closures. Milling will continue at the entrance ramp from College Drive and Feagin will occur during the day. The entrance ramp and U-Turn at Feagin Drive will be closed for the duration of this phase of the project. Drivers will utilize the detour provided and need to watch for construction personnel and equipment entering and leaving the area. 

Houston County

• SL 304 overlay.
  Slope and shoulder work will continue, requiring intermittent lane closures.  
• FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.Prime coat will be applied and widening operations will continue. Daily lane closures will occur.  

Livingston Area Office (Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties)

Polk and San Jacinto counties

• US 59, cable median barrier.
  Work on the barrier will occur between Livingston and Goodrich. 

Polk County

• US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.
  The contractor is preparing for the final deck pour on a portion of the US 287 bridge and will set expansion joints and deck panels at another location. At the south railroad bridge, work will occur on the southern approach slab. At the north bridge, they well set panels and build forms. Pavement priming and bridge-rail installation will occur at several locations. Shoulder and earth work is planned at the south and north tie-ins. Shafts for signage will be drilled in various locations. 
• FM 2610 at Menard Creek.
  Finishing work on the bridge structure, guardrail installation, and hot mix preparation will occur.  
• County-road bridge projects.
  • Piney Creek on Carmona Road: column preparation will continue. 
  • Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: bridge deck work will occur. 

San Jacinto County

• US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.
  The contractor will install U-turn bridge deck panels, add stabilizing sand and embankment in several locations, and install concrete barrier at the FM 2914 exit ramp.    
• SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.
  Preparation and layout for the next phase of drill shafts will occur.   
• SH 150 sidewalk project.
  Excavation ahead of sod placement is planned. 

Nacogdoches Area Office (Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Shelby counties)

Nacogdoches County

• US 59 intersection improvements at SL 224.
  Work on milestone items will continue.  
• SH 7 and CR 724, Morral Bayou bridge project.
  The contractor is removing embankment and the detour bridge. 
• SH 21, safety treatmentThe contractor will work on driveway and side-street transitions, with daily lane closures. 

Sabine County

• US 96, road rehabilitation
  Soil improvement work will continue. Drainage inlets will be installed. Daily lane closures are expected.  

Shelby County

County road bridge projects. 

• Silt fence will be removed at the CR 3689 and CR 1440 bridges. The contractor will place seed at both locations. 
• Guard-rail work will be performed at various county-road bridge locations.

Reminder to Motorists
Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching TxDOT vehicles, law enforcement, and other vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.

Please remember to buckle up, stay sober, and Drive like a Texas: Kind, Courteous, Safe.

Click here for Booking Report

Click here for Booking Report

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Nine students in Stephen F. Austin State University’s animation program earned awards in the 2026 ACM SIGGRAPH SpaceTime International Student Competition, including first place, a second-place tie and seven honorable mentions. The students were mentored by Benjamin Anderson, assistant professor of animation.

Malachiyah Armstrong, animation senior at Stephen F. Austin State University, earned first place in the international 2026 ACM SIGGRAPH SpaceTime competition. Armstrong was one of nine SFA students recognized in the competition. 

ACM SIGGRAPH’s, or Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques’, SpaceTime International Student Competition is an event centered on the creation of a graphic poster for the SIGGRAPH conference. Students at the secondary and postsecondary levels may submit work based on an annually selected theme using computer-based media. Entries are evaluated by an international panel of jurors, and accepted works are displayed in the competition’s online gallery.

Malachiyah Armstrong, senior from Flint, earned first place. Drake Nelson, recent graduate from Conroe, tied for second place.

Honorable mentions were awarded to Brannon Boyd, junior from Aubrey; Carl Andrew, junior from Nacogdoches; Dahlia Gonzalez, recent graduate from Tatum; and Haylen Link, recent graduate from Palestine.

Also earning honorable mentions were Skylar McCrary, senior from Huffman; Stanley Teal Jr., recent graduate from Nacogdoches; and Trey Tamez, senior from Fate.

“This result places SFA among the top-performing schools in the competition’s international digital art poster category and reflects very positively on our students and program,” Anderson said.

Armstrong and Nelson also were selected through SIGGRAPH’s competitive student volunteer application process and attended the SIGGRAPH 2026 conference with Anderson in July at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Student volunteers support conference operations and receive full conference registration, networking opportunities and access to career-development experiences.

“Our students have been actively participating in the conference as SIGGRAPH student volunteers while also engaging with major animation studios and technology companies that have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for our students and our program,” Anderson said.

During the conference, Anderson worked with members of the SIGGRAPH Education Committee, mentored SFA students and met with industry partners to expand professional opportunities for students and support the animation program’s future initiatives.

SIGGRAPH is an international conference focused on computer graphics and interactive techniques. It brings together artists, researchers, developers, educators and industry professionals working in animation, emerging technology, artificial intelligence, immersive experiences and related fields.

For more information about SFA’s School of Art and its animation program, visit sfasu.edu/art.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

James Warren “Jim” Ash, 67, of Woden, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, August 13, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date and will be posted on Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James “Jim” Warren Ash, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Freddie Verilea Corley Mack, 90, of Alto, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026.

Born on February 6, 1936, in Midway, Texas, to Fred and Mary Corley, Freddie was raised in the community she always held close to her heart. She later made Alto her home, where she spent the majority of her adult life surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors.

Freddie devoted much of her life to caring for others. As a caregiver, she lovingly served many families by providing compassionate care to their elderly loved ones. Her nurturing spirit, selflessness, and kindness touched countless lives and reflected the way she lived each day.

Freddie could often be found tending to her yard and animals, cooking meals, or caring for others around her. She never met a stray animal she didn’t want to feed and always made sure the wildlife around her home was cared for as well. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved each of them dearly and never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will remain treasured memories for all who knew her.

Freddie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Archie Mack; her parents, Fred and Mary Corley; and her sister, Maxine McMurrough.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Mark Cannon and wife Tara of Alto, Texas; Randy Cannon and Christina of Crosby, Texas; and Victor Cannon and Denise of Alto, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Karra Cannon, Denise Cannon, Allen Cannon, Anthony Cannon and wife Ashley, Amanda Carroll and husband Brian, Brittany Welch and husband Brad, and Casey Cannon and wife Abigail; and by her cherished great-grandchildren, Tristen Welch, Dyess Welch, Emory Welch, Ellee Welch, Payton Cannon, Colt Cannon, Charley Cannon, Savannah Robinson, Aaliyah Robinson, Ja’korian Freemount, Jacob Cannon, Kenleigh Sitze, Madelene Williams, Emily Gonzalez, Jax Cannon, Kendall Cannon, Savannah Cannon, and Hudson Cannon, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home in Alto. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Elwood Cemetery near Midway, Texas.

Freddie’s life was a beautiful example of love, service, and devotion to family. She was happiest when caring for others—whether tending to those in need, making sure the wildlife was fed, working in her yard, preparing meals for those she loved, or spending time with the family she treasured so deeply. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

“Her hands were always busy caring for others, and her heart was always full of love for her family.”

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services, Inc.’s flower store.

Click here for Booking Report

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

A memorial service for Mr. Wycough will be Saturday, August 8th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Chapel. No visitation is scheduled.

Michael Lynn Wycough, Sr., 75, of Alto, Texas passed away Tuesday July 28th, 2026 in Jacksonville, Texas. He was born May 26th, 1951 in Houston, Texas to Press and Mildred Cooper Wycough.

A full obituary will be added as soon as it is available.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services, Inc.’s flower store.

Don’t miss these weekend events!

“Saturday morning, head to Homer Bryce Stadium for Meet the Jacks Family Fan Fest beginning at 9 am. Meet SFA athletes, enjoy family-friendly activities, and get ready for another exciting year of Lumberjack athletics. Saturday evening, make your way to Slash-O-Meadery for an evening of live music, locally made mead, and an extra special addition: Highland cows!

Wrap up your weekend with Sunday brunch at one of Nacogdoches’ local favorites, including Aperitivo Café & Gelato, 1st City Café, Maklemore’s Ale House & Bistro, and more. It’s the perfect way to end a fun-filled weekend in Nacogdoches!

As always, feel free to send this to any friends, family, guests, or visitors! Full list of events available at visitnacogdoches.org/events“

National Night Out is an annual community-building event that encourages residents to come together with their neighbors and local law enforcement to strengthen relationships and promote crime prevention.

Neighborhood Watch groups and residents throughout the City of Nacogdoches are encouraged to host neighborhood block events on the evening of October 6th, 2026. These events provide an opportunity for neighbors to meet one another, get to know local law enforcement officers, and work together to make their neighborhoods safer.

Residents interested in hosting a National Night Out event should register with the Nacogdoches Police Department by Friday, September 25th, 2026. When registering, please provide the event’s start and end times, location, contact information, and any special requests or activities planned.

Nacogdoches Police Department officers and other first responders will visit registered neighborhood events throughout the evening.

National Night Out is a night when residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors, and spend the evening getting to know their neighbors for crime prevention and community involvement.

Anyone interested in hosting a National Night Out event or learning more about starting a Neighborhood Watch Program in the City of Nacogdoches should contact Sgt. Brett Ayres with the Nacogdoches Police Department by email at ayresb@nactx.us.

The Nacogdoches Police Department encourages everyone to participate and help make National Night Out 2026 a successful celebration of our community.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Joseph Eugene Butters, 78, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 27th, 2026. He was born on April 19th, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He dedicated much of his working life to serving others as a firefighter and paint contractor. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Joe lived his faith with humility, compassion, and a servant’s heart. Whether caring for his family, helping a neighbor, or encouraging a friend, he believed his greatest purpose was to love others as Christ loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara “Suzie” Butters, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion. His greatest priority was always making sure Suzie was cared for, and his unwavering love for her was evident to everyone who knew them.

Joe is also survived by his loving daughter, Monica, and son-in-law, Rodney Sigler; his cherished grandchildren, Chance, Stormie, Hallie,  Reese and her husband, Jackson; his treasured great-grandsons, Blake and Walker Verdugo; and other beloved family members.

He is survived by his sister, Jean Wells, and her husband, Jimmy, along with their family: Judi, Wyatt, Randall, and Whitney. He is also survived by his brother, David Butters.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Eria Mae Butters, and by his brothers, Bill, Bobby, and Lee Butters.

To know Joe was to know laughter. His infectious laugh could brighten any room, and his sense of humor brought smiles to countless faces. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether someone needed advice, a meal, a favor, or simply someone to listen, Joe was there without hesitation. Giving to others wasn’t just something he did—it was simply who he was.

Family was the center of Joe’s world. You could always find him in the stands cheering on his daughter and, later, his grandchildren at every performance and competition, whether they were twirling, cheering, powerlifting, playing football, or showing livestock. He never missed an opportunity to support the people he loved, and he would travel any distance just to spend time with his family. His greatest joy was seeing those he loved grow in both life and faith.

Some of his happiest memories were made during summers at the beach, surrounded by family, cooking meals for everyone, telling funny stories, and creating moments that will be treasured forever. Around Joe’s table, everyone was family, and every gathering was another opportunity to share laughter, encouragement, and God’s goodness.

Joe will be remembered for his generous heart, his unwavering devotion to his family and friends, and his willingness to help anyone in need. As an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church, he faithfully served the Lord by encouraging others, praying with them, and living out the Gospel through everyday acts of kindness. His life was a testimony that faith is best shown by the way we love others.

His legacy lives on in the family he adored and in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in knowing he is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ and healed.

If Joe could leave one final message, it would be this: Share the love of Christ in everything you do, pray sincerely for others, love deeply, laugh often, take care of one another, and never miss an opportunity to spend time with the people you love.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned soon.  An update on that will be posted on Laird’s site.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations be made to their church, First Baptist in Nacogdoches or your favorite charity in honor of him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Eugene Butters, please vist Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

Contact David Stallings by phone at (936) 554-5822 or by email at AroundTheTown@mail.com to learn more.

AUSTIN, TX – State Representative Joanne Shofner (R) has been appointed to the newly established House Subcommittee on Maternal Health, Menopause and Access to Evidence-Based Medicine, formed by Chairman Gary VanDeaver of the House Committee on Public Health following supplemental interim charges from Speaker Dustin Burrows. Representative Katrina Pierson will chair the subcommittee, joined by Representative Liz Campos and Representative Joanne Shofner.

“I appreciate the trust Speaker Burrows and Chairman VanDeaver have placed in me to help lead this important work alongside my friend, and new Chairwoman, Rep. Katrina Pierson.” said Rep. Shofner. “East Texas knows that wisdom, not bureaucracy, should guide our approach to women’s healthcare. Women in rural communities face unique challenges that I am eager to address, and I’m honored to champion the women and mothers of House District 11 on this subcommittee.”

Under the Speaker’s supplemental interim charges to the Committee on Public Health, the subcommittee will study:

1. Study opportunities to increase preventive efforts and early detection of hormone imbalances, including the provision of baseline reproductive hormone testing.
2. Study the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat perimenopause or menopause symptoms and reduce associated risks. Evaluate HRT coverage availability and identify and recommend methods to expand access to physician-prescribed HRT. Review additional access barriers that limit patients’ and their doctors’ freedom to choose the best course of care.
3. Review ways to reduce administrative barriers for new parents, including automatic insurance enrollment of newborns.
4. Evaluate the benefits of iron and other essential supplements for pregnant women. Identify methods to expand access to supplementation and related testing, and prenatal nutrition.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Healthy Texas Women and related women’s health programs and identify ways to enhance services for eligible Texans.
6. Review parental leave policies for state employees. Specifically, consider if additional leave should be permitted when a newborn is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

The subcommittee is expected to hold hearings and gather testimony from medical experts, advocacy organizations, and Texans directly affected by these issues before reporting its findings and recommendations

AUSTIN, TX – Summer is winding down and fall is on the horizon which means it’s time for hunters and anglers to renew hunting and fishing licenses. Before taking the boat out or hitting the field, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds hunters and anglers to purchase their new licenses for the 2026-27 season.

Current-year Texas hunting and fishing licenses (except the Year-from-Purchase All-Water Fishing Package) expire at the end of August. Licenses for the 2026-27 season go on sale August 15th, 2026.

Texans purchase more than 3 million hunting and fishing licenses annually, directly funding a magnitude of conservation efforts and recreational opportunities. Fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river access sites and conservation law enforcement by Texas Game Wardens are just some of the many projects made possible by license sales.

A variety of licenses are available and can be purchased through the official TPWD website, or in-person at retail locations throughout Texas or TPWD offices. A $5 administrative fee applies to online purchases.

Updated identity verification rules are now in effect for Texas hunting and fishing license purchases to combat residency fraud and support TPWD law enforcement. Additional information can be found at the License ID Validation FAQ page or the Purchase Requirements for Licenses, Endorsements and Tags page on the TPWD website.

All recreational licenses and endorsement stamps also have a digital option. The digital license option is available through online purchase only when licenses go on sale on August 15th. Digital license holders must keep their digital license available via mobile device while in the field or on the water as they will not receive a printed license or tags. License holders must access and use their digital tags through the Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app. Digital licenses can be viewed through the Texas Hunt & Fish and TPWD Outdoor Annual mobile apps.

For repeat license buyers, TPWD offers an expedited checkout process, allowing customers to re-purchase licenses bought in recent years.

Paper license holders may show an electronic copy of their license but must possess and apply physical tags for animals that require tagging. Several options exist for customers to provide proof of licensure other than their physical license, including: (1) an electronic photo of their licenses, (2) an emailed receipt of their purchases; (3) their account in the online license sales system; (4) by connecting their license to the Outdoor Annual or Texas Hunt & Fish mobile apps.

Hunting and fishing regulations for the 2026-27 season are available online at outdoorannual.com, or via the free Outdoor Annual mobile app. Once downloaded, the app works without internet connectivity, making it easy for hunters and anglers to view regulations in even the most remote locations. Other features include license lookup, location-based functionality such as “Hunting Seasons and Regulations by Location,” “Where to Fish,” and more. A limited supply of printed booklets will be available at select TPWD offices. Hunters and anglers are encouraged to call their local offices to check availability.

The Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app enables electronic submission of mandatory harvest reports, including alligator gar harvest reporting, and supports digital tagging of harvested deer, turkey, oversized red drum and spotted seatrout for digital license holders. The app also allows hunters to complete their on-site registration for many TPWD public hunting lands. Hunters can hunt on more than one million acres of public land with the purchase of an annual public hunting permit.

When buying their license, resident hunters and anglers may wish to purchase an entry in the Lifetime License Drawing. Three lucky winners will win a Lifetime Super Combo License and never need to buy a Texas hunting or fishing license again. Entries are $5 each and can be purchased online, or at any license retailer. The first entry deadline is September 30th, 2026.

When making their purchase, license buyers can also add a donation of $1, $5, $10 or $20 to help support the Hunters for the Hungry program, the Fund for Veterans Assistance or Operation Game Thief. Donations to the Hunters for the Hungry program provide hunters with a way to donate legally harvested deer to participating processors. The processed meat goes to local food banks to feed Texas families in need. Donations to the Fund for Veterans Assistance program provide grants to veteran service organizations and nonprofit charitable institutions, assisting veterans and their families at the community level throughout Texas.

Operation Game Thief is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on protecting Texas’ wildlife and natural habitats through community engagement, outreach and education. It serves as Texas’ wildlife crime stoppers program.

For frequently asked questions about Texas hunting and fishing licenses, visit the TPWD website.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Mass of Christian Burial for Waymon “Wayne” Triana, Sr. will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Moral Catholic Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Triana passed away on Thursday, August 6th, 2026 in Dallas.  He was born on January 27th, 1948 in Nacogdoches.

A full obituary will be posted on Laird Funeral Home’s website as soon as it becomes available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Waymon “Wayne” Triana, Sr., please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

Rep. Vikki Goodwin will host a Healthcare Town Hall for local residents on Friday, August 21st, 2026 to introduce her Texas Cares plan, hear personal stories, and answer questions from voters.

TIME: 6:00 PM CST

LOCATION: Mast Hall 317 East Main St Nacogdoches, TX, 75961

DETAILS: Town Hall featuring regional candidates, Q&A with Rep. Goodwin

Mobilize Link: https://www.mobilize.us/texasdemocrats/event/1006136/

Click here for Booking Report

Austin, TX – The Texas Library and Archives Foundation has today announced it is accepting applications for its annual Martha Wong and Gloria Meraz-Mark Smith Scholarships. Both scholarships will award a reimbursable grant of $5,000 that may be used for tuition or required textbooks. Through these awards, the Foundation encourages Texans to pursue a career in the library field.

The scholarships have been generously funded by Dr. Martha Wong, Chair of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Funds will be used for the January 2027 semester. Eligible applicants must live in Texas or work in a Texas library and be pursuing a degree from a Texas library/information science graduate program or school library certification program.

For full grant details and to apply online, visit the Foundation’s website at www.txlaf.org/scholarship. The deadline to apply is 12:00 midnight (central) on September 15th, 2026.

Applicants will be notified by November 2nd, 2026. Questions may be emailed to txlafinfo@tsl.texas.gov.

Wong, of Houston, has served on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission since 2015 and was appointed chair by Gov. Greg Abbott in January 2020. A longtime educational leader in Texas and the greater Houston area, she is a former educator and administrator, including principal at Kolter Elementary, HISD Associate Superintendent for Staff Development, Houston City College Southwest Community Resource & Development Director and Associate Professor at Baylor University School of Education. Wong, a community volunteer, former state representative and Houston city council member, is a member of the Houston Association of Retired Teachers and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She has previously served as a board member for the Neuhaus Education Center and University of Houston Alumni Organization. Inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1994, she has also been recognized as a Distinguished University of Houston Alumni by the UH Alumni Association and the College of Education. Wong graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Texas at Austin. She earned her master’s and doctoral degree in educational administration from the University of Houston.

Meraz is Director and State Librarian at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which provides support and programs for libraries statewide, oversees the State Archives, assists state and local government agencies in the management of their records and manages the Talking Book Program. Meraz has served as head of the agency since September 2021. Previous to her appointment, she served as the Assistant State Librarian, where she led communications and government relations for the agency. Before joining TSLAC, she worked with special collections in universities throughout the State and led efforts to support increased funding for libraries, educational initiatives, and policies that helped people have access to information resources.

Smith was the Director and Librarian of TSLAC from 2013 until his retirement in 2021. His career, spanning more than 40 years, included managing public library services in various communities in New Jersey, California, Oregon and Texas, and as the director of communications for the Texas Library Association. Smith has authored three books and numerous articles on library topics and has been a long-time library advocate, a role that has continued after retirement. He served as a member of the Austin Library Commission—including two years as chair—from 2022-2025 and currently serves on the boards of directors of the Tocker Foundation and Amigos Library Services. Smith was named a Texas Library Champion by the Texas Library Association in 2024 and was California Library Association Member of the Year in 2003. He holds a BA and an MLIS from the University of Texas at Austin.

ABOUT TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE COMMISSION

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information they need to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.

Click here for Booking Report

Click here for Booking Report

Join us as we welcome the newest apparatus to our fleet!

You’re invited to take part in a time-honored fire service tradition: pushing a new fire engine into its bay. The custom dates back to the days of horse-drawn apparatus, when firefighters returning from a call had to unhitch the horses and push the equipment back into the station by hand. Today, departments across the country carry on the tradition to honor that history, and we’d like you to be part of ours!

Be among the first to see this engine in person!

This event will take place on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Nacogdoches Fire Station 3 – 408 SW Stallings Dr. – Nacogdoches, TX 75964

The Boil Water Notice for customers on the south end of Nacogdoches has been lifted. See additional information below.

On July 25th, 2026 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Nacogdoches public water system, TX 1740003, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of July 28th, 2026.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Water Utilities Manager, Bart Allen at (936)-564-5046 located at 3628 Rayburn Dr. – Nacogdoches, TX 75964.

The public water system customers and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Executive Director shall be able to reach the public water system at the number listed in this notice. If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s 2026-27 University Series returns with a lineup of nationally acclaimed artists. All performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium, Griffith Fine Arts Building.

Zak Mirz, renowned magician (pictured above), will be one of many artists to perform during Stephen F. Austin State University’s 2026-27 University Series. The series will feature a lineup of nationally acclaimed artists, and all performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium, Griffith Fine Arts Building.

This season, themed “A Season in Harmony,” brings a wide range of performances to Nacogdoches, from Chicago blues and holiday traditions to stand-up comedy, soul-pop and interactive magic. The lineup includes The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Will Hearn’s “Grand Ol’ Christmas Show,” “Seasonal Celebration” with vocalist Christie Dashiell, Pete Lee, Jon Lampley and Zak Mirz.

“It’s an honor to be able to bring these incredible acts to our community,” said Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts. “I think patrons will enjoy the variety and blend of acts that make up this year’s season.”

Sept. 24 – The Fabulous Thunderbirds

The Fabulous Thunderbirds will kick off the series with “A Tribute to Chicago Blues.” Led by legendary harmonica player and frontman Kim Wilson, the performance pays tribute to the Chicago blues sound while showcasing the band’s signature style and hits.

Nov. 21 – Will Hearn’s “Grand Ol’ Christmas Show”

Will Hearn’s “Grand Ol’ Christmas Show” brings a retro radio-style holiday performance to the stage, featuring Christmas classics, sketch comedy and Americana music. The original production by The Grand Ol’ Production Company blends nostalgia and contemporary humor in a lively holiday tradition.

Dec. 5 – “Seasonal Celebration” with vocalist Christie Dashiell

Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Christie Dashiell joins the SFA Choirs for a collaborative “Seasonal Celebration” performance blending jazz, gospel, soul and choral artistry with expressive storytelling and rich vocal warmth.

Jan. 29 – Pete Lee

Comedian Pete Lee will bring his joyful humor to Nacogdoches. Lee was the first standup comedian to receive a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and has appeared on “Last Comic Standing,” “Late Show with David Letterman,” Comedy Central, and TruTV.

Feb. 26 – Jon Lampley

Jon Lampley, a trumpet and sousaphone player, singer-songwriter, composer and bandleader, will perform as part of the series. Known for blending jazz, soul, gospel and contemporary roots music, Lampley has performed nightly with “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” house band and has built a reputation as a dynamic frontman and collaborator.

April 24 – Zak Mirz

Magician Zak Mirz will close the series with an interactive magic performance. A “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” winner and “America’s Got Talent” semifinalist, Mirz is known for combining illusions, audience participation and heartfelt storytelling in performances for all ages.

Tickets for new season ticket purchases go on sale August 17th, 2026. Single tickets go on sale September 1st, 2026. Reserved seating for University Series performances ranges from $20 to $35, with discounts available for seniors, students and children.

To purchase tickets, visit sfasu.edu/boxoffice or call (936) 468-6407.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

Physical copies will be available in local stores around the 1st of August, and free as always!

Mission Tejas State Park is located at 19343 State Hwy 21E – Grapeland, TX, 75844. Visit the website to learn more!

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Joyce Marilee Dorsett, aged 66, of Texas, passed away on July 29, 2026. She was born on August 8, 1959, in Big Spring, Texas, to Billie Jo Fountain and Billy F. Jones.

Joyce graduated from Woden High School and went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, eventually becoming a DSD Coordinator at Brookshire Brothers.

She found happiness in caring for horses, dogs, and animals of all kinds. She also enjoyed baking for loved ones and reading her favorite books. 

She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Dorsett; her sisters, Judy Jones, Jeri Blair and Husband Rod, Jorja Jacobs and Husband Thurman, Sherry Smith and Husband Glenn; her grandson, Karter Hammack; her granddaughter, Jenna Dorsett; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Dorsett; her mother, Billie Jo Fountain; her father, Billy F. Jones; and her sister, Jana Jones Fountain.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on August 29th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors – 5400 North Street – Nacogdoches, TX 75965

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Nacogdoches Animal Shelter in Joyce’s memory.

Joyce will be remembered and missed dearly by all her loved ones.

Only Two Months Until the Conference—Register Today!

The 37th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Conference is just two months away! Join us October 12–14, 2026, at the Amarillo Civic Center for three exciting days of training, collaboration, and networking.

Attendees will enjoy engaging breakout sessions, dynamic keynote presentations, valuable networking opportunities, vendor exhibits, and relevant training designed for Crime Stoppers professionals, law enforcement personnel, and board members from across Texas.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and share ideas with the statewide Crime Stoppers community. We look forward to welcoming you to Amarillo this October!

Registration Here!

NACOGDOCHES, TX — SFA Athletics invites fans and families to kick off football season at Meet the Jacks Family Fan Fest presented by the Fredonia Rotary on Saturday, August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The morning will give Lumberjack fans the chance to meet the SFA Football team, enjoy family-friendly activities, and celebrate the start of another exciting season in Nacogdoches.

The event will feature inflatables, competitions, opportunities to meet the football team, and more. Fans of all ages are encouraged to wear purple, bring the family and join the Lumberjacks for a fun morning built around community, connection and SFA pride.

Fans can also get ready for the season by securing their SFA Football season tickets. Season tickets are available for only $99 and include a free concession voucher at every regular season home game valued at approximately $60, making it one of the best values in East Texas.  Lock in your seat now and be part of the championship energy at Homer Bryce Stadium all season long.

Event Details
What: Meet the Jacks Family Fan Fest presented by the Fredonia Rotary
When: Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Activities: Meet the SFA Football team, inflatables, competitions and family fun

The 2026 season will be the eighth for head coach Colby Carthel and the 100th for the SFA football program. The Lumberjacks are coming off a historic 2025 campaign that saw SFA capture the program’s fifth SLC title and first since 2010, while making the program’s ninth FCS postseason appearance. That title came behind the program’s first eight-win conference season and first perfect finish in league play in 99 seasons. The Jacks reached double-digit wins for the fifth time in program history, and the 11 victories last fall are the most since the ’95 campaign.

FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.

In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

Surrounded by the peace of God that passes all understanding, Tommy “Lynn” Fountain, 80, of Melrose, Texas, passed from this life into his eternal home with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 9, 2026.

Lynn was born in Nacogdoches on April 23, 1946, to AD and Alma (Perry) Fountain. He was a 1964 graduate of Chireno High School. It was during his school years that he met and fell in love with Susan Sullivan. The two married in 1965 and spent the next 61 years building a wonderful life and a beautiful family together. They made their home in Melrose, surrounding themselves with many lifelong friends from across the community. Lynn owned and operated Industrial Electric Motor Service for over 40 years.

Outside of work, Lynn pursued many passions. He loved helping his children and grandchildren raise and show livestock—a passion he took very seriously, often working even harder than the kids. For Lynn, it was truly a labor of love for both the children and the animals.

As a wonderful and doting father, Lynn was always proud of his children and celebrated their accomplishments, from Boy Scout projects with Todd to softball and basketball games with Allison. He was an equally loving grandfather. Known affectionately as “Big Daddy,” he loved his three grandchildren beyond measure and would do absolutely anything for them. When his youngest grandchild, Callie, was diagnosed with cancer, he spent every Wednesday with her, taking her out for pizza. While he lifted her spirits and kept her laughing, she likely never realized that she was the one lifting him. That was simply who he was with his grandbabies: a clown, a nurse, a provider, and a best friend all rolled into one.

The cherry on top of his life was his two beautiful great-granddaughters. Just when Big Daddy thought life couldn’t get any sweeter, they arrived and became the light of his life for the last six years. His family will ensure they always remember his love, humor, strength, courage, and determination.

Our Big Daddy possessed many attributes that made him one of a kind. Widely known for his deadpan comedy and sharp sense of humor, he kept everyone around him in stitches and could spin an unforgettable tale. He was also known for his brute strength, once winning a competition by carrying over 400 pounds—a sight people never forgot. A naturally gifted craftsman, he could design and build anything, creating several engineering marvels and clever contraptions over the years. He even built his own house from the comfort of his wheelchair, using homemade scaffolding to lift himself wherever he needed to work.

Lynn is survived by his wife of 61 years, Susan (Sullivan) Fountain; his son, Todd Fountain and his wife, Tricia of Woden; his daughter, Allison Fountain Johnson and her husband, Rex of Center; his grandchildren, Katie Warner and her husband, Kyle of Center, Zachary Fountain and Madalyn Maher of Trophy Club, and Callie Johnson of Nacogdoches; and his great-grandchildren, Tatum and Reagan Warner. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Martinez and her husband, Edgar of Martinsville; his nephew, Jeffrey Sullivan; and his niece, Helena Ormsby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, AD and Alma Fountain; his mother- and father-in-law, Oswald and Elizabeth Sullivan; and his brother-in-law, John Sullivan.

Pallbearers: Zachary Fountain, Kyle Warner, Bobby Husband, Mark Harkness, Mark Meador, Jeffrey Sullivan, Edgar Martinez, and Jose Orellana.

Honorary Pallbearers: Danny Harkness, Charles Wayne Meador, Ronnie Strahan, Ricky Taylor and Waylon Hughes.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 13th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m.  – 7:00 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, TX.

Services will be held Friday, August 14th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Dale Morton officiating and Rusty Poe delivering words of remembrance.

Interment will follow at Lower Melrose Cemetery.  Following the interment, family and friends are invited to join us at the Melrose Baptist Church Family Life Center for fellowship.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Melrose Volunteer Fire Department at 2409 CR 331, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961, who provided wonderful care to Lynn during times of crisis, or to the Melrose Cemetery at P.O. Box 630438, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lynn Fountain, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

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NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Dr. Neal Weaver, president of Stephen F. Austin State University, will deliver the commencement address to all bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral candidates during SFA’s summer commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 6th, 2026 in Johnson Coliseum.

“We are looking forward to celebrating our group of summer graduates,” Weaver said. “We’re excited to see where their hard work and perseverance will take them, and we wish them continued success as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”

The public is invited to attend the graduation ceremony.

Degrees to be awarded include 179 bachelor’s, 83 master’s and 11 doctoral degrees. Sixty-five students will graduate with honors, including 29 cum laude, 25 magna cum laude and 11 summa cum laude. One student will graduate with the university scholar designation. 

For more information, visit sfasu.edu/graduation.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of bingo, boots, bright lights, and big prizes! Texas Neon Nights Bingo is more than just a fun evening out—it’s an opportunity to invest in the future of local youth through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas.

Your Night Includes:

• Bingo with exciting prizes
• Live & Silent Auctions
• Raffle Drawings
• A delicious Texas-inspired dinner
• Great company and an even greater cause

Join the Fun:

• Reserved Table for 8 – $800 (includes dinner & bingo for eight guests)
• Individual Tickets – $125
• Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Every dollar raised helps provide safe places, caring mentors, academic support, leadership opportunities, and life-changing experiences for the young people we serve across Deep East Texas.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to Be Bold. Be You. SHINE. Your support helps make that possible every single day.

Reserve your table or tickets today! Call (936) 560-6844. This event will take place on August 22nd, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at The Fredonia Hotel – 200 N. Fredonia Street – Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Come for the bingo. Stay for the fun. Help our kids Be Bold. Be You. SHINE. 

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information about the 1996 murder of Juan Leon Laureles, 30, in Brown Co.  The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.

On May 10, 1996, at about 12:30 a.m., the Brown Co. Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle fire along FM 2126 near the railroad crossing/Brownwood Rifle and Pistol Range access road. When they arrived, deputies found Laureles’ body next to the burning vehicle. Laureles had been shot in the back of the head, and his 1988 Ford Thunderbird had been set on fire. They also discovered Laureles’ credit card had been stolen and used at a Bealls Department Store in the area later that day. 

Over the years, investigators have pursued numerous leads in this case – but no arrests have ever been made. Now, 30 years later, the Brown Co. Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers are seeking help from the public as they continue to actively investigate Laureles’ murder. Authorities believe members of the community have critical information that could solve this case, including details about Laureles’ 1988 Ford Thunderbird or other vehicles traveling in the area on the night of his death. Investigators are also interested in any tip information about the transactions made on Laureles’ stolen credit card.

To be eligible for cash rewards for this case, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of these two methods:

• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Submit a tip online through this link only and select “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” in the type of crime and offense type sections. 

As part of a DPS public awareness program, one case from the Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation (Cold Case) Program is featured bi-monthly to generate new investigative leads and bring attention to these cold cases. Texas Crime Stoppers rewards are increased up to $6,000 for featured cases to generate additional tips. The higher reward will only be paid if the tip is submitted before the next cold case is featured.

The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program was created to assist Texas law enforcement agencies in investigating unsolved homicides or violent serial crimes. Since there is no statute of limitations for the offense of murder, investigators pursue these cases to a successful resolution or until no viable leads remain.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

In Loving Memory of Dennis “Keith” Ross,

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday August 8th, 2026 at 11am at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Mt  Enterprise with Rev. Underwood officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate a contribution to the “Jaspers Benefit” account that has been set up at CBTX

Dennis “Keith” Ross, 53, passed away on July 18, 2026. He was born on May 13, 1973 in Jacksonville, Tx, to Jasper Benjamin “Ben” Ross and Mary Alice “Butch” Evans. Keith was born on Mother’s Day and often joked that he was his Mother’s Mother’s Day gift.

Keith spent much of his life working as a directional driller, where he earned a reputation as one of the best in his field. His knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to take on the toughest jobs made him highly respected by coworkers and employers alike.

Outside of work, Keith found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or simply spending time with those he loved, he was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Keith wasn’t a man of many words, but those who knew him understood that if you needed him, all you had to do was call. He would do anything he could to help someone he loved, often putting others before himself.

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Jasper Benjamin “Ben” Ross, Mother, Mary Alice “Butch” Evans ; his brothers, Rodney Ross, Mark Ross, Niece Shannon Risinger; and many beloved family members who welcomed him home.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Memory; his daughter, Cheyenne; his sons, Devon, Chase, and Jasper, Grandchildren, Marie, Ivy and Kara; Stepdad, Jimmie Wayne Evans along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Keith’s love for his family was unwavering, and while his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his loyalty and generous heart will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him.

Keith lived life on his own terms. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he was a real one. He loved fiercely, worked harder than most, and never hesitated to lend a hand to someone he cared about. His family was his greatest pride, and the memories made around campfires, fishing holes, crawfish boils, family gatherings, and countless conversations will be remembered long after his passing. Those who knew Keith will remember his determination, his willingness to help, and the love he carried for the people who mattered most.

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services, Inc.’s flower store.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Ramon Alberto Artola Jr. is this month’s Featured Fugitive.  The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $3,000 during August if the tip is received this month.

Ramon Alberto Artola Jr., 43, from Groves, has been wanted out of Jefferson Co. since June 2026, after warrants were issued for his arrest for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements, reckless driving and driving while intoxicated.

In 2001, Artola was convicted in Jefferson Co. of aggravated sexual assault of a child following an incident with a 5-year-old girl. He then received 10 years of probation. The following year he violated his probation and was sentenced to 15 years confinement.

Artola is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He also has ties to Port Arthur in Jefferson Co.  More information about Artola or updates in the event of his arrest can be found here.

Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2026, DPS and other agencies have arrested 50 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 35 sex offenders and eight gang members – with $61,500 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
• Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).

All tips are anonymous — regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists — with photos — on the DPS website.

Lufkin District Construction Updates

Good afternoon,

Below is a description of the work planned for July 27th through July 31st in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.  

Area Office Projects

Lufkin Area Office (Angelina, Houston, and Sabine counties)

Angelina County

• US 59, Redland Project.
  Forms will be set for bridge caps and abutments on the northbound frontage road and Mill Creek ​bridge. Covered prime will be applied on the US 59 northbound main lanes. 
• Business (BU) 59/First Street, resurfacing and striping Night operations to mill, lay and stripe the road will continue. Lane closures will occur. 
• FM 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.
  Concrete columns and caps will be poured. Concrete barriers and environmental controls will be installed, and lane delineators will be added near the detour. Traffic will need to follow a pilot car.  
• US 69, cable median barrier.
  Contractors will continue working on the barrier on US 69 south of Zavalla and US 59 south of Livingston. 
• State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.
  Construction of the ramp near Lucky Puppy and Carroway Funeral Home will continue, and the ramp from Feagin onto the loop will remain closed. 

Houston County

• SL 304 overlay.
  Slope and shoulder work will continue, requiring intermittent lane closures.  
• FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.Contractors will be milling, treating cement and hauling road base, which will require drivers to follow a pilot vehicle. Concrete pouring will occur along the shoulder, which will also require lane closures.   

Livingston Area Office (Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties)

Polk and San Jacinto counties

• US 59, cable median barrier.   
  The contractor will remove silt fence between Livingston and the Trinity River.  

Polk County

• US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.
  Railing will be installed on the south railroad bridge. Crews will set deck panels and build steel forms for the north railroad bridge. Concrete work will occur on the main lane and non-mow strips at the
• southbound exit. Flex base installation and prime coating is planned at Union Springs Road intersection. Earth and shoulder work will occur at the north and south tie-ins. Culvert work is ongoing at the north tie in. Drilling for signage and high-mast lighting foundations will be performed. 
• FM 2610 at Menard Creek.
  Crews will work on non-mow strips and install riprap.  
• County-road bridge projects.
  • Piney Creek on Carmona Road: column preparation will continue. 
  • Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: bridge deck work will occur. 

San Jacinto County

• US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.
  Crews will install main-lane U-turn deck panels, perform excavation and install base near FM 2914. Asphalt work is planned along the northbound frontage road. Grading and ditch work near Tarkington Bayou is scheduled.     
• SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.
  Excavation, prep work and drilling will occur for bridge supports.   
• SH 150 sidewalk project.
  Excavation ahead of sod placement is planned. 

Nacogdoches Area Office (Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Shelby counties)

Nacogdoches County

• US 59, intersection improvements at SL 224.
  Work on milestone items will continue.  
• SH 7 and CR 724, Morral Bayou bridge project.
  The contractor is removing embankment and the detour bridge.
• BU 59, SH/BS 7, SH/BS 21 and FM 2259 stripingNight-time striping on BS 21 and BU 59 will occur.

Sabine County

• US 96, road rehabilitation
  The contractor will be working on drainage and junction boxes and hauling base.   

Shelby County

County road bridge projects. 

• Seeding will occur at the CR 3689 and CR 1440 bridges.
• Guard-rail work will be performed at various county-road bridge locations.

Reminder to Motorists
Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching TxDOT vehicles, law enforcement, and other vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.

Please remember to buckle up, stay sober, and Drive like a Texas: Kind, Courteous, Safe.

Important Dates:

Information About Voter ID:

Information About Voting by Mail:

Two new rules will be in place this academic year for entry into Dragon Stadium and athletic events that are held in gyms at Nacogdoches High School. 

Spectators will be required to pass through a weapons detection system in order to enter Dragon Stadium beginning in August. The detectors will also be set up during the school year at athletic events held in both NHS gymnasiums unless in use at the stadium. 

NISD has also adopted a clear bag policy for all athletic events. Bags and items that cannot be clearly seen through will be prohibited in the stadium, at fields and in gymnasiums where NISD is hosting athletic events.

CLICK HERE to read more about the new rules.

To enter Dragon Stadium, fans must clear the detection system. A spectator unable to clear the weapons detection system may go back to their vehicle and deposit any items there and then return to the entry gate and attempt entry. At no time will anyone be allowed to leave items at the gate in order to clear the weapons detection system. 

Spectators with medical reasons which prohibit them from clearing the weapons detection system are encouraged to bring along their medical cards (or documents) describing the issue. Staff at the gates will have hand-held wands to help to clear spectators without negatively impacting their condition. If no documentation is provided, staff can still use wands to clear the person but cannot avoid any specific areas. 

The following items will set off the detectors and should not be brought into the stadium: Any item used as a common weapon such as guns and large knives, other large items similar to binders, laptops, umbrellas and eye glass cases. Cell phones, keys and small amounts of coins should pass through without a problem. 

The first football game at Dragon Stadium will be a preseason scrimmage Friday, Aug. 21, against Jacksonville. The first varsity home football game will be the season opener Aug. 28 against Athens. The first home volleyball match is Aug. 11.

At football games held in Dragon Stadium, both entryways on the west side (home side) will be open for use by Dragon fans. On game nights, fans are encouraged to use the entrance with the shortest wait time. During varsity football games, the Nacogdoches High School student section will be seated in the bleachers in the south end zone (those nearest the field house). Reserved seating at Dragon Stadium will remain the same; bleachers on either side of the reserved section on the home side will be general admission seating.

After entering the football stadium, spectators will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the stadium without permission prior to departure from a district administrator on duty. Then, before re-entering the stadium, the spectator must again clear the weapons detection system. After the end of the third quarter of games, there will be no re-entry for any reason.

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home

Travis Lynn Russell passed on July 19, 2026, at the age of 73.

Travis will be remembered with a Celebration of Life at Central Heights High School in the Travis Lynn Russell Gymnasium, located at 10317 Hwy 259 N in Nacogdoches, Texas, on August 8th, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Images are from https://www.flickr.com/photos/texasparkswildlife/ and https://www.facebook.com/CedarHillStatePark

CEDAR HILL – Cedar Hill State Park has reopened the Shady Ridge Camping Loop after being closed since 2022 for repairs and renovations.

Cedar Hill, nestled within Dallas County, is a great local park destination for those in the DFW metroplex to get outside.

The park is often visited by folks from all corners of Texas because of its lakeside access and quiet oasis away from the big city.

“We love having our facilities opening back up for the public,” said Assistant Superintendent, Daniel Palmer. “It’s always nice having visitors from near and far come to enjoy the peace and quiet we have to offer here, and getting these campsites back online means we can have more people come and stay.”

After a flood in 2015 caused erosion to the park’s shoreline on Joe Pool Lake, repairs were made and the loop was reopened. In 2022, the Shady Ridge loop was closed again for further repairs and enhancements.

The Shady Ridge Camping Loop offers a variety of styles of campsites, with lakeside views and shady sites to beat the heat. The loop provides a considerable amount of access to the shoreline for people to enjoy.

The enhancements to the area included having the roadway repaved, new camping pads laid, new picnic tables and covered picnic tables, as well as two new restroom facilities constructed with refreshed utilities put in. There are now 68 public camping sites within the loop, including four new ADA-accessible sites, all with 30-amp electricity and running water. Soon to open in the loop is a group tent campsite, a first for the park, that is also ADA-accessible.

Cedar Hill SP will soon have an additional camping loop reopened in Eagle Ford. This area is poised to be accessible in the fall. The loop up on the ridge has undergone reinforcement of the shoreline and has an increased number of sites available. When Eagle Ford comes back online, the park will return to full capacity. This loop is known for its longer camping pads and full-hook up back-in campsites. Once complete, it will boast two new restrooms, a re-paved road, new parking pads and new ADA-accessible sites.

For more information on Texas State Parks, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

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“Join us in celebrating the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation!

Stop by the Baxter Building (next to CBTx and across from Spring & Prince) to learn more about the incredible work this local nonprofit is doing for our community. Enjoy snacks, music, and the opportunity to meet the people behind the mission.

The Nacogdoches Hero Foundation provides support and resources to Nacogdoches County veterans, first responders, and their families, honoring their service and giving back to those who give so much to us. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar raised stays right here in Nacogdoches County to serve our local heroes.

Come meet the team, learn about their mission, and show your support. We hope to see you there!”

This event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at the CBTx Baxter Building/Event Center – N. Pecan St. (one block north of Main St.). Free to all to attend and celebrate! For more information send an Email to the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

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TEXAS COAST – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is launching four new paddling trails in Palacios, marking the 100^th paddling trail added to the Texas Paddling Trails program.

TPWD’s Texas Paddling Trails statewide program was founded in 2006 and promotes habitat conservation through sustainable economic development, while also providing opportunities for a variety of paddling and angling adventures across Texas’ different regions. 2026 marks the 20^thanniversary of the program.

“We’re thrilled that the 20th anniversary of the Paddling Trails Program is aligning with the launch of the 100th trail,” said Holly Grand, TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries Division Outreach Coordinator. “Paddling trails are essential in providing outdoor recreation opportunities to the public, so we’re excited for the launch of these four trails in Palacios.”

Join TPWD staff and community partners in Palacios on July 23 at 11 a.m. for the launch of these exciting new paddling trails. The trails will officially launch at the East Bay Park Boat Ramp, a boat ramp and kayak launch that was recently built with TPWD funding.

The four paddling trails along the Texas Coast were created thanks to a local citizen’s group in Palacios called the “Palacios Paddlers.” In 2023, the group campaigned to add Palacios to TPWD’s statewide network of paddling trails. Together, they presented their ideas to the Matagorda Navigation District No. 1; the Matagorda County – Palacios Seawall Commission; Matagorda County Precinct #3; the Palacios Rotary; the City of Palacios; and the Palacios Economic Development Corporation.

As a result, all six organizations joined in partnership with TPWD to create the Palacios paddling trails.

The four new trails in Palacios add 19.5 miles of coastal paddling trails to the Texas Paddling Trails program and offer a variety of coastal, river and wetland ecosystems for paddling enthusiasts to enjoy.

The four trails include the Tres Palacios River Trail, the Palacios Wetlands Trail, the City by the Sea Trail, and the Dolphin Run Trail, offering a variety of unique paddling adventures. The longest trail, the Tres Palacios River Trail, provides a peaceful, 10-mile (one way) paddle down the Tres Palacios River. The Palacios Wetlands Trail is an easy 2-mile (roundtrip) paddle into a coastal, saltwater marsh that is also a stop on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. The 1.5-mile (one way) City by the Sea Trail meanders along the palm trees, piers, jetties and seawall of the small, unique, coastal community of Palacios.

More advanced paddlers will enjoy the 6-mile paddle (one way) on the Dolphin Run Trail, which takes paddlers through the open waters of Tres Palacios Bay and Turtle Bay, where fishing is excellent and dolphins can be spotted year-round.

The Palacios area is also a top birding destination in North America, and throughout these four new paddling trails, wildlife viewers will be welcomed by an extensive variety of land and water birds to observe.

In addition, saltwater anglers looking to paddle the new trails can enjoy coastal fishing year-round. The shallow waters of the Tres Palacios Bay are home to numerous fish species, including red drum, spotted seatrout, black drum, flounder, pompano, alligator gar, catfish and sheepshead.

Access points to the Palacios paddling trails include kayak launches at Carl Park, East Bay Park and Jensen Point and a beach launch at South Bay Park.

Additional information on these new trails can be found on the Palacios Paddling Trails website.

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In the Care of Laird Funeral Home

A Mass of Christian Burial for Elizabeth Ann Payne, 86, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Matthew Stehling officiating.  Interment will follow at Moral Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Laird Funeral Home with a Rosary to begin at 6:00pm.  

Mrs. Payne passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Longview, Texas.  

She was born to Stanley and Mary Carmel Krovontka on December 17, 1939, at Barksdale Field in Shreveport, Louisiana where her father was stationed as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force).  She lived in several different states during her childhood, due to her father’s military career; when he retired, the family returned to her parent’s hometown of Galveston, Texas.  She attended high school in Galveston, graduating as the valedictorian of her high school graduating class at Ursuline Academy, a Catholic girls’ school, in 1958.

She married Joe W. Payne in 1959 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galveston and their marriage was blessed with three children.  She and her husband lived primarily in the Houston/Galveston area throughout their marriage.  She was a devout Catholic Christian and focused mostly on being a wife and mother, including serving as the primary caregiver for her son after he was injured in a diving accident as a young adult; but she also had stints of employment at TXI and Walmart.  In the 1990’s, she moved with her son to Nacogdoches.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two of her siblings, Carmel Rinker and Paul Krovontka.  She is survived by her son, Lee W. Payne of Nacogdoches; daughter Angela Ward & husband Robert of Longview and Edith Schneider & husband Tommie of Damon; her sister Marcie Coppedge of Sugar Land; her brother Stanley Krovontka & wife Donna of Georgetown; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elizabeth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be greatly missed.

If you so desire, donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 1422 CR 724, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Ann (Krovontka) Payne, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.

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NACOGDOCHES, TX (July 22, 2026) — The Nacogdoches Police Department will host its Teen Academy on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The academy is designed to provide young people with an educational and engaging opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and public safety.

The academy will be limited to 25 students. Topics covered will include law enforcement hiring practices, impaired driving, distracted driving, vaping awareness, firearm safety, cell phone and social media safety, and S.W.A.T. operations.

The Nacogdoches Police Department Teen Academy is intended to give students a firsthand look at various aspects of law enforcement while providing insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and career opportunities within the profession.

Students interested in participating in the Teen Academy may request an application by contacting Sergeant Brett Ayres at ayresb@nactx.us. Applications may also be picked up at the Nacogdoches Police Department, located at 312 W. Main Street. Completed applications may be submitted by email to Sergeant Ayres or returned to the Nacogdoches Police Department. Applications will be accepted until all 25 spaces have been filled.

In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Donald Wayne Stallings of Paris, Texas, formerly of Kingwood, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 16th, 2026.

Donald was born on July 27th, 1933, the sixth child of Hal Driscoll Stallings and Mildred Forsman Stallings. His parents preceded him in death. His father, Hal Driscoll Stallings, passed away in 1949, and his mother, Mildred Forsman Stallings, passed away in 1978.

Donald was a proud 1952 graduate of Redland High School in Redland, Texas, in Angelina County near Lufkin. His love of learning continued throughout his life. He attended numerous colleges and universities, including Lon Morris Junior College, Stephen F. Austin State College, Ross University in Alpine, Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, the University of North Texas in Denton, Abilene Christian University, and Olathe University in Kansas. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees and came very close to completing a doctorate.

Donald also proudly served his country in the United States Army and, as he recalled it, the United States Air Force. He often shared that he taught military personnel what to do and what to say should they ever be captured. His military service and experiences were an important part of his life and reflected his dedication to serving and helping others.

While Donald was a man who valued education and service, his greatest passion was his faith in Jesus Christ. He took his Christian faith seriously and devoted his life to sharing the love, grace, and truth of his Heavenly Father with others.

Donald was affectionately known by many as “Johnny Appleseed” because he was constantly planting seeds—seeds of faith, hope, encouragement, and the Word of God. He often spoke of “leaving no stone uncovered,” reflecting his determination to reach everyone he could with the message of Christ.

If Donald were here today, he would undoubtedly want to recite “The Blessing,” a message he was passionate about sharing. He made sure it was printed on red paper as a reminder of the blood of Christ and distributed thousands of copies. He also gave away books and spoke with countless people about his faith and about the greatness of our Heavenly Father.

Donald leaves behind many extended family members and countless brothers and sisters in Christ whose lives were touched by his words, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Among those special brothers and sisters were his friends and fellow believers at “Nickel a Cup,” a fellowship from Radius Church, formerly Humble First Assembly of God. Nickel a Cup became a meaningful place of Christian fellowship in Donald’s life, where he enjoyed sharing conversations, encouragement, friendship, and most importantly, his love for the Lord. The brothers and sisters he leaves behind there will deeply miss his presence, his stories, his conversations, and his passion for sharing the Gospel.

Donald spent his life planting seeds.

He planted seeds through his education, his service to his country, his conversations, the books he gave away, the thousands of copies of “The Blessing” he shared, and most importantly, through his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.

His earthly journey has ended, but the seeds he planted continue to live in the hearts and lives of those he encountered.

May those seeds continue to grow, and may Donald’s legacy remind us all to share our faith, leave no stone uncovered, and point others toward our great Heavenly Father.

Until we meet again.

A graveside service for Donald Wayne Stallings will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Walker Cemetery – 4490 US 59 Frontage Rd. – Lufkin, TX 75901

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NACOGDOCHES, TX – Dr. Lauren Burrow, professor of education studies at Stephen F. Austin State University, was awarded the 2026-28 Montgomery Professorship for Humane Education in the James I. Perkins College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Pictured above is Dr. Lauren Burrow, professor of education studies at Stephen F. Austin State University

“This professorship exists to ensure humane education has a lasting place in our schools, and Dr. Burrow has spent her career doing exactly that by equipping future teachers to live out the principles of humane education,” said Dr. Amber Wagnon, interim chair of SFA’s Department of Education Studies. “Every teacher she prepares carries that influence forward, into classrooms where children learn to think critically, act with empathy and treat people, animals and the world around them with care. Few people embody the purpose of this award as fully as she does.”

The professorship was established by the late Charlotte Baker Montgomery in memory of her husband, Roger. Its purpose is to encourage and perpetuate the teaching of humane education concepts and methods in public and private elementary and secondary schools through the support of teacher preparation in humane education.

“I believe that education is the most effective means to generate solutions that lead to change,” Burrow said. “I am honored to have been awarded this professorship as it will financially support my planned service-learning projects meant to increase effective and engaging solution-oriented education for SFA teacher candidates. I hope these projects lead to positive attitudes and actions that prioritize reverence, respect and responsibility for human rights, environmental stewardship and animal protection in our shared SFA and local communities.”

Humane education is a process that assists children in developing compassion, a sense of justice and respect for all living things, according to the Humane Education Coalition. It helps children gain the knowledge and understanding to behave according to these principles and fosters a sense of responsibility needed to affirm and act upon humane education principles. It also encourages cognitive, affective and behavioral growth through personal development of critical thinking, problem-solving, perspective taking and empathy as it relates to people, animals, the planet and the intersections among them.

Burrow’s plan for the professorship has three main goals:

• Increase SFA teacher candidates’ knowledge and awareness about humane education at local levels.

• Develop SFA teacher candidates’ research and advocacy skills related to humane education issues.

• Support SFA teacher candidates’ caring actions when teaching and engaging local schools and communities about humane education issues. 

Burrow plans to accomplish these goals by attending professional development trainings to grow her own awareness and skills and develop professional network partnerships to support the grant’s goals. She also will teach the “Humane and Environmental Education” course during the summer, which will focus on animal welfare and nature-based education in year one and a celebration of human identity through art in year two. 

Burrow will use grant funding to make specialized events and trainings more accessible to SFA students and local teachers, including multiday, on-site field experiences for educator training with the San Antonio Zoo and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Dr. Christina Sinclair, interim dean of the James I. Perkins College of Education; Dr. Jannah Nerren, former chair of the Department of Education Studies; and a small committee of education studies faculty members selected Burrow for the award.

For more information on SFA’s Department of Education Studies, visit sfasu.edu/edstudies.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.

Funeral services for Jimmy C. Adams, 76, of Alto are pending. Jimmy passed away on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 in Alto, TX. He was born on June 7th, 1950 in Rusk, TX to James W. “Gabe” Adams and Iva Nell Goodman Adams.

A full obituary will be added to Allen Funeral Services Inc.’s website as soon as it is available.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Services, Inc.’s flower store.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), as part of a joint operation with the Bexar Co. Sheriff’s Office (BSCO), arrested four individuals in connection to a San Antonio home invasion earlier this month. The four men were taken into custody in Northwest Austin on July 8th, 2026.

Last month, the Texas Rangers began assisting BSCO in locating Rodney Robinson III, 21, a suspect believed to be connected to a home invasion on June 15, 2026, in northeast San Antonio. Following up on investigative information, including hits from automated license plate readers (ALPR) on a vehicle linked to Robinson, the Texas Rangers identified an apartment complex near RM 2222 and McNeil Drive in Northwest Austin where Robinson was likely located. 

On July 8th, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the Texas Rangers, with assistance from DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents, observed Robinson and another passenger begin driving away from the complex in the suspect vehicle. DPS Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but Robinson refused to stop, and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. After DPS Troopers performed a successful Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, Robinson continued to evade on foot. Eventually, DPS Troopers apprehended Robinson after deploying a taser to stop him. He was arrested for evading arrest with a motor vehicle, along with other outstanding warrants for evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana. The passenger, 23-year-old Devion Sommers, who remained at the vehicle, was arrested on an outstanding murder charge in a separate case, along with burglary of a habitation – intent to commit other felony and engaging in organized criminal activity.

A few hours later, Texas Rangers SWAT executed a search warrant at a third-floor residence in the apartment complex. During the execution of the warrant, two more suspects attempted to flee by climbing down the apartment’s exterior balcony – but law enforcement located them. The two suspects, Nehemiah Pratt, 21, and Kentrell Guillory, 19, were taken into custody on charges for burglary of a habitation – intent to commit other felony and engaging in organized criminal activity. Guillory was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for murder out of Louisiana.

Of note, a total of 11 firearms and illegal drugs were recovered from the vehicle and residence by law enforcement during this operation.

While Sommers, Pratt and Guillory remain in custody, Robinson was released on bond before additional felony warrants for his arrest were issued out of Bexar Co. in connection with the initial home invasion. He remains at large.

Robinson is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs about 140 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

Additional photo of Robinson:

Anyone with information about Robinson or his whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.  You can also submit an anonymous tip via iWatchTexas.org or the iWatchTexas mobile app.  Robinson is considered armed and dangerous – if you encounter Robinson, call 911 immediately.

Video and photos from the operation are available here.

LUFKIN, TEXAS – Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas is honored to announce that domestic violence survivor, advocate and nationally recognized speaker Melissa Dohme-Hill will serve as the keynote speaker for the 4th Annual Passion for Purple Luncheon, taking place on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 11:30am, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin with a Meet & Greet scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

The annual luncheon brings together community members, businesses and supporters to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault while generating critical funding for the agency’s life-saving programs and services. Every dollar raised helps ensure survivors throughout East Texas have access to safety, advocacy and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Melissa Dohme-Hill, domestic violence survivor, advocate and Executive Director of Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas’ 4th Annual Passion for Purple Luncheon on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Dohme-Hill’s inspiring story of resilience and hope has touched audiences across the country.

Dohme-Hill’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. In 2012, she survived a near-fatal attack at the hands of her ex-boyfriend that left her fighting for her life. Following her recovery, she dedicated herself to advocating for victims and survivors, sharing a message of hope, healing and resilience with audiences across the country. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay, a nonprofit organization serving families in crisis, and continues to inspire thousands through her powerful testimony.

“We are incredibly honored to welcome Melissa to East Texas,” said Whitney Burran, Executive Director. “Her journey is a powerful reminder that while domestic violence can have devastating consequences, it does not have to be the end of someone’s story. Survivors deserve hope, support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives, and Melissa’s message reflects the resilience we witness every day in the individuals and families we serve.”

The Passion for Purple Luncheon has become one of the agency’s signature annual events, bringing the community together to stand with survivors and learn about services that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Our mission extends far beyond providing emergency shelter,” Burran said. “Whether someone needs a safe place to stay, counseling, legal or medical advocacy, transitional housing, safety planning, or simply someone to believe them, we are here every step of the way. Community support through events like Passion for Purple makes those services possible.”

Funds raised from the luncheon directly support the agency’s comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter and outreach services, transitional housing, counseling, personal, legal and medical advocacy, prevention education, public awareness initiatives and its accredited Battering Intervention and Prevention Program.

“Passion for Purple is about more than fundraising,” Burran added. “It is about bringing our community together to say that abuse has no place in East Texas and that survivors will never have to face their journey alone. Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship and every donation helps create safer futures for adults and children who have experienced violence.”

The Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas extends its sincere appreciation to Summit Fire & Security as a Gold Sponsor of the luncheon, Commercial Bank of Texas for serving as a Silver Sponsor, Ferrara’s Heating & Air Conditioning as the Printing Sponsor, Kicbac as the Raffle Sponsor, Flournoy & Flournoy as the Photo Booth Sponsor, and the many businesses and individuals whose generous sponsorships and support help make this event—and the agency’s life-saving services for survivors—possible.

Businesses, organizations and community leaders are invited to become sponsors of the 4th Annual Passion for Purple Luncheon. Sponsorships not only provide valuable recognition before and during the agency’s largest annual event, but they also ensure survivors have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Melissa Dohme-Hill’s inspiring story of resilience, healing and hope makes this year’s luncheon an especially meaningful opportunity for sponsors to stand with survivors and invest in a future free from violence.

To become a sponsor or for any questions, contact Mallory Harris at mharris@fccet.com or (936) 639-1681.  To buy tickets or for additional event information, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/passion-for-purple-luncheon–2026 or visit the agency’s website at fccet.com and click on the Get Involved tab.

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, the agency’s 24-hour hotline is 1-800-828-SAFE (7233) or send a confidential text to 936-552-9256.

ABOUT THE FAMILY CRISIS CENTER OF EAST TEXAS

The Family Crisis Center of East Texas (FCCET) is a non-profit organization that empowers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing crisis intervention and advocacy services. The FCCET also engages the community through education to build awareness and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. Since 1979, the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas (Women’s Shelter of East Texas, Inc.) staffs a full array of professionals specializing in assistance for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Those services included emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, access to food and clothing, information and referral, legal and personal advocacy, child advocacy, counseling, support groups, transitional housing, homeless prevention, financial assistance, child care assistance, and more.  

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In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors

Doris Dees Shoemaker, aged 92, passed away peacefully on August 11th, 2026.

She was born in Kyle, Texas, on May 9th, 1934, to her loving parents, Ardmore D. and Iris Sparks Dees. Doris was a woman of deep devotion, sharing 53 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Harold Shoemaker, before his passing in 2015.

An exceptionally talented artisan, Doris loved to crochet and quilt. Her remarkable skill was recognized on a grand stage when a quilt featuring her intricate quilting work won “Best in Class” at the prestigious Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Doris also leaves behind an enduring legacy of community service. She was the very last living charter member of the Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, a group to which she selflessly dedicated 35 years of volunteer service, comforting and helping countless families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ardmore and Iris Dees; her beloved husband, Harold Shoemaker; her son, Norman Shoemaker; and her siblings, Ralph Dees, Ira Dees, Alfred Dees, Geneva Wolff, and James Carrol Dees.

Her survivors include her children, Reeva Louise Brumley and husband Bruce of Lufkin, Clayton Thomas Shoemaker and wife Perri Ann of Boerne, David Duane Shoemaker of Nacogdoches, and Donald Lewis Shoemaker and wife Marcie of Nacogdoches; grandchildren, Jay Shoemaker, Sandy Isget, Lance Brumley, Amber Brumley, Katherine Shoemaker, Ellen Meckel, Austin Shoemaker, Dustin Shoemaker, and Devin Shoemaker; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, at Cason Monk-Metcalf’s Sunset Chapel, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches. A short funeral service celebrating her life will follow immediately at 11:00 AM with Bro. Todd Muckleroy officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 5127 North Street in Nacogdoches.

Pallbearers: Lance Brumley, Katherine Shoemaker, Ellen Meckel, Austin Shoemaker, Dustin Shoemaker, and Devin Shoemaker.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Doris to The Hospice of East Texas

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