Assaults and Family Violence

Officers responded to multiple assault calls throughout the day. At 6:42 a.m., police took a report from a victim on Garner Street who “had been assaulted by a known suspect,” resulting in bodily injury. Later that night, at 10:11 p.m., officers were called to Oak Hill Plaza, where they determined an assault involving family violence had occurred. The aggressor was arrested at the scene.

Drug-Related Arrests

Several drug investigations and arrests were reported:

• At 1:16 p.m., a traffic stop on Center Road led to the arrest of a driver found in possession of a controlled substance. Officers wrote that the driver “was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was taken into custody.”
• At 1:49 p.m., officers investigated possible drug activity inside a residence at Oak Hill Plaza.
• At 7:11 p.m., a traffic stop on South University Drive resulted in the arrest of a driver for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana.

Crashes and Hit-and-Run

Police responded to several accidents, including:

• A major accident at 6:44 a.m. on Industrial Drive.
• Multiple minor accidents throughout the day on North Stallings Drive, NE Stallings Drive, and North University Drive.
• A hit-and-run at 6:35 p.m. on Railroad Street, where a vehicle struck an unattended car and left without providing information.

Fraud and Credit Card Abuse

At 9:18 p.m., officers began investigating a case of credit and debit card abuse. According to the report, an unknown suspect used a victim’s identifying information to open accounts and make unauthorized charges.

DWI Arrest

Shortly after 1 a.m. on May 6, officers responded to the McDonald’s on North Street after a report of a driver asleep in the drive‑thru lane. The driver was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.

Other Calls

Officers also handled:

• Welfare checks
• Civil complaints
• Noise complaints
• Suspicious persons and vehicles
• A runaway juvenile report
• Several routine traffic stops
• Animal-related calls

The department’s report covers all calls received after 6 a.m. on May 5.

Sidney Pye, Sr. Obituary

Sidney C. Pye, Sr. was born May 30th, 1945 in Houston, TX to Edward Young and Fern Marie Little Pye.  He passed from this earth on April 27, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and stories that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Raised in Houston, Texas, he learned the value of hard work early, building houses alongside his father. Those formative years shaped what many would come to admire most about him – his unmatched skill with anything mechanical. Known by friends and family as a true mechanical genius, there was hardly a problem he couldn’t fix or a challenge he wouldn’t take on.

He spent years working in the steel mills and supporting the United Steelworkers, providing for his family with dedication and pride. He also worked as a mechanic in the very early years of UPS.  Outside of work, he embraced life fully and enthusiastically. He had a deep love for fishing and motor sports of all kinds – passions that brought him both excitement and lifelong friendships.

He was a man who never met a stranger. With a wide circle of friends and a generous spirit, he was always ready to lend a hand, share a story, or offer his time.

After the passing of his beloved wife in 2012, he found renewed purpose through his involvement with the senior center and the American Legion in Coldspring, where he continued to build friendships and stay connected to his community.

He will be remembered as a larger-than-life, colorful character – vibrant, funny, kind, and skilled. His legacy lives on in the many people he helped, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he loved so much.

He will be deeply missed.

A private service is being held at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sidney C. Pye, Sr., please visit our floral store.

Keep up the good work!

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Health inspections across Nacogdoches this week resulted in mostly low demerit counts, with one mobile vendor earning a perfect score, according to reports from the inspector. Below is a roundup of the latest inspections.

Dollar Tree – University Drive

1122 North University Drive, Suite 9D 2 demerits Inspectors cited the store for improper storage of drinks and food containers inside the walk‑in cooler.

“KEEP CONTAINERS OF DRINKS AND FOODS STORED PROPERLY IN WALK IN COOLER,” the report states.

McDonald’s – North Street

1717 North Street 1 demerit The restaurant received a single violation for grease buildup.

“REMOVED EXCESS GREASE SPILLAGE FROM TOP OF GREASE BIN,” according to the inspection.

D’ Gorditas – Southeast Stallings Drive

3609 Southeast Stallings Drive 7 demerits This location received the highest number of violations in the latest round of inspections. Issues included:

• Sanitizer test strips not registering proper PPM
• Missing use‑by dates
• Self‑serve packaged foods lacking required labeling

“SANITIZER TEST STRIPS NOT REGISTERING PPM… USE BY DATES NEEDED… SELF SERVE PACKAGED FOOD PRODUCTS NEED PROPER LABELING,” the report notes.

Rebellion Pizza

138 North Mound 1 demerit The restaurant was cited for cleanliness inside a prep cooler.

“KEEP BASE OF PIZZA PREP COOLER WIPED DOWN,” inspectors wrote.

Sugar and Ice Shaved Ice Drink Truck

Coy Simms Softball Field, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 0 demerits — 100% compliant The mobile vendor earned a perfect score.

“ALL PAPERWORK, LOG BOOKS AND RECEIPTS ARE CURRENT AND COMPLIANT,” the inspection reads. The commissary was also found to be fully compliant.

Baymont by Wyndham / Super 8

3215 South Street Lodging inspection — 4 demerits Violations included:

• Missing paper towels in housekeeping bathroom
• Uncapped cleaning solution
• Damaged flooring in housekeeping areas
• Missing paper towels at the food‑prep handwashing sink

“HOUSEKEEPING BATHROOM NEEDS PAPER TOWELS… DAMAGED FLOOR AREAS IN HOUSEKEEPING,” the report states.

Nacogdoches Senior Center

1601 West Austin 1 demerit The center received one violation for a dirty vent near a small cooler.

“KEEP VENT CLEAN NEAR SMALL COOLER UP FRONT,” inspectors wrote.

Click here for more health inspection scores

Inspection Report

The grand jury indictment stems from Jared Garcia’s involvement in a triple homicide that occurred on Hackberry Street in Nacogdoches, Texas, on October 24, 2025.

United States law enforcement assumed custody of Garcia at the Hidalgo, Texas Port of Entry and transported him to the Hidalgo County Jail where he was booked for the outstanding Murder indictment as well as other grand jury indictments.

“I am incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the Nelson Rusche College of Business forward during such an exciting time at SFA,” Reese said. “We have tremendous momentum across the university and within the college, and I look forward to building on that success by continuing to focus on student success, academic innovation and building meaningful community partnerships.”

Reese brings more than a decade of academic and administrative leadership experience to the role. He began his higher education career at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2011 and joined the SFA faculty in 2014. Since arriving at SFA, Reese has served as assistant professor, associate professor and professor. He also has held several key leadership positions, including assistant department chair for the Department of Management and Marketing, director of the Master of Business Administration program and associate dean, before being named interim dean in March 2025.

During his leadership within the college, Reese led significant initiatives focused on student success, academic innovation, external engagement and strategic growth. Working collaboratively with SFA’s Division of University Advancement and divisional leadership, he helped secure more than $17 million in gifts and commitments through fundraising and corporate partnerships. He also guided the college’s continued efforts toward Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation and facilitated strategic discussions surrounding innovation, college reorganization, student affairs and long-term planning.

Under Reese’s leadership, the college expanded opportunities for students through the development and refinement of academic programs, including the Bachelor of Business Administration in sports business and the BBA in entrepreneurship, both designed to enhance career readiness and workforce competitiveness. He also supported increased access to professional development funding for faculty and launched a first-year startup initiative to strengthen faculty teaching and research efforts. Additionally, Reese helped prepare the college for the planned 2026 academic reorganization that will welcome SFA’s hospitality administration program into the college. He also is overseeing a 13% increase in Rusche College of Business student headcount for the 2025-26 academic year.

A dedicated scholar and educator, Reese has authored more than 30 publications, delivered over 60 professional presentations and contributed extensive service to the university and his academic field. 

“Following a comprehensive review of feedback from faculty, staff and external stakeholders regarding both his leadership as interim dean and his vision for the future of the college, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Reese as dean,” said Dr. Jordan Barkley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at SFA. “His career reflects a strong commitment to faculty development, student achievement and institutional advancement, and my leadership team and I are thrilled to have him officially join us as we look to the 2026-27 academic year.”

For more information on the Rusche College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/cob.

It’s the seventh time the district has earned the designation, which is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, NISD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the Nacogdoches ISD Fine Arts Department (including band, choir, elementary music, and growing programs such as jazz) along with the support of campus administrators, district leadership, and the Board of Trustees,” said Deshmond Johnson, NISD’s Director of Fine Arts. “The application process required comprehensive data on student access, participation, staffing, curriculum, facilities, funding, and community engagement.

“This award is a result of the dedication of our music educators, the commitment of our students, and the strong support of our parents and community partners who make music education a priority.”

Recipients of the 2026 award were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry.

That was the overriding sentiment Thursday for a ballroom full of people on hand at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center for Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation’s Scholars Banquet sponsored by Citizens 1st Bank.

With more than 250 people in the audience, the top 20 graduates of Nacogdoches High School’s Class of 2026 were honored. And those students, in turn, selected their Most Influential Educator. On video, both student and teacher spent a couple minutes explaining the influence each had on the other.

“There are teachers you remember, and then there are people who change you,” NHS senior Armaan Rajani said on video about his most influential educator, Rose Smith. “Ms. Smith is the second kind.”

The teachers were able to respond.

“You are a curator of kindness, a dancer through adversity, and a student of the world around you,” Heather Theiss said of senior Audrey McDermott. “You have the quiet resilience to do anything you set your mind to, and the grace to do it beautifully. Being chosen to represent you tonight is the biggest honor of my career.”

It was those types of exchanges NISD Superintendent Grey Burton zeroed in on during his closing remarks.

“If our best days aren’t still ahead of us, you need to listen to what we heard tonight,” he said. “At the beginning of our school year, I told our teachers that they are doing more than teaching. What they are doing is changing the trajectory of someone’s life, and that was never more apparent than what we’ve seen and heard tonight.”

The Foundation singled out its greatest benefactor, Elliott Electric founder and owner Bill Elliott. It was his offer a little more than a year ago to participate in a $500,000 match campaign that has helped the Foundation grow to an endowment of more than $1 million. After NEF reached the goal last year, Elliott committed to a second fund raising campaign.

In recognition of that generosity, he was named the group’s first Bill Elliott Legacy in Public Education Award.

“Tonight I have the honor of celebrating someone who ‘gets it,’” said Erin Windham, the Foundation’s executive director. “Because of you, doors have been opened, futures have been shaped and possibilities have expanded for students across our community.”

The Foundation also acknowledged former teacher Jody Franks, who died in 2024 following an extended illness. Franks was selected by senior Dayanara Paez-Luna. Franks’ mother, Dalyce Franks, was on hand to receive the award, and three former colleagues talked on video about Franks’ impact on NISD.

Before Thursday’s program got underway, Nacogdoches High School’s jazz band performed while attendees found their way to their tables and browsed over silent auction items.

Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation is in its fourth year of existence. It helps connect community resources with the needs of the school district in order to support the mission‭ ‬of the school district, using funding to enhance and complement that mission, understanding that everyone in the community is responsible for creating a quality educational system.

Students and their most influential teacher: Ella Ainsworth, Elyse Meyer; Owen Allen, Kristin Thomas; Kate Basa, Andrew Touchette; Logan Bates, Lindy Arbuckle; John Remiel Bermudez, Mark Ampofo; Katelyn Frost, Marcie Netardus; Maddie Gayden, Arianna and Lary Lister; Avery Hardcastle, Aimee Lucena; Pepper Hill, Bailey Bowyer Arnold; Audrey McDermott, Heather Theiss; Grace McKinney, Penny Long; Myah Morrill, Rebecca Jaramillo; Dayanara Paez-Luna, Brian Trotty and Jody Franks; Armaan Rajani, Rose Smith; Abigail Roldan, James Nicholas; Hailey Shadow, Amanda Abbott; William Vermeulen, April Smith; Alexandra Willardson, Carrie Scroggins; Sophia Willardson, Jennifer Haveman; James Wright, Derek Theiss.

Eliseo Olvera was a resident of Nacogdoches, Texas.

A visitation will be held at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, US, on May 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Old Lufkin Road, Nacogdoches, Texas, on May 4, 2026, at 9:00 am.

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

Phone: (936) 556-0680

Jerry Wayne Graham passed on May 3, 2026, at the age of 71, born July 19, 1954, and was a resident of Garrison, Texas.

Velda Jones Obituary

     A graveside funeral service for Velda June Jones will be Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Arnold Cemetery near Alto. June passed away Saturday, May 2, at her home in Tyler. She was born June 19, 1941, in Lufkin, Texas to Vaughn Henry Arnold and Sarah Gertrude Herring Arnold.  She grew up in Alto and graduated from Alto High School. She moved to Tyler in 1962 and was Baptist. She was a homemaker and had worked as a seamstress. She enjoyed sewing and gardening. June was preceded in death by her parents, husband John Carroll “Pete” Jones and brothers Vaugn Henry Arnold and Ronnie Arnold. June is survived by son Jack Jones of Tyler, daughters Sarah Garner of Tyler, Vaunda Warnasch of Tyler and Susan Gradick of Lindale, sister Sharla Carver of Forest, grandchildren Landon Garner, Maribeth Jones, Jacqeline Jones and Mikyla Pettigrew and great grandchildren Cameron Pettigrew, Hannah Pettigrew, Waylon Scott and Brett Pettigrew. Pallbearers will be family members. There will be a visitation time from 1 PM until 1:30 PM, at the cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Velda June (Arnold) Jones, please visit our floral store.

That was the overriding sentiment Thursday for a ballroom full of people on hand at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center for Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation’s Scholars Banquet sponsored by Citizens 1st Bank.

With more than 250 people in the audience, the top 20 graduates of Nacogdoches High School’s Class of 2026 were honored. And those students, in turn, selected their Most Influential Educator. On video, both student and teacher spent a couple minutes explaining the influence each had on the other.

“There are teachers you remember, and then there are people who change you,” NHS senior Armaan Rajani said on video about his most influential educator, Rose Smith. “Ms. Smith is the second kind.”

The teachers were able to respond.

“You are a curator of kindness, a dancer through adversity, and a student of the world around you,” Heather Theiss said of senior Audrey McDermott. “You have the quiet resilience to do anything you set your mind to, and the grace to do it beautifully. Being chosen to represent you tonight is the biggest honor of my career.”

It was those types of exchanges NISD Superintendent Grey Burton zeroed in on during his closing remarks.

“If our best days aren’t still ahead of us, you need to listen to what we heard tonight,” he said. “At the beginning of our school year, I told our teachers that they are doing more than teaching. What they are doing is changing the trajectory of someone’s life, and that was never more apparent than what we’ve seen and heard tonight.”

The Foundation singled out its greatest benefactor, Elliott Electric founder and owner Bill Elliott. It was his offer a little more than a year ago to participate in a $500,000 match campaign that has helped the Foundation grow to an endowment of more than $1 million. After NEF reached the goal last year, Elliott committed to a second fund raising campaign.

In recognition of that generosity, he was named the group’s first Bill Elliott Legacy in Public Education Award.

“Tonight I have the honor of celebrating someone who ‘gets it,’” said Erin Windham, the Foundation’s executive director. “Because of you, doors have been opened, futures have been shaped and possibilities have expanded for students across our community.”

The Foundation also acknowledged former teacher Jody Franks, who died in 2024 following an extended illness. Franks was selected by senior Dayanara Paez-Luna. Franks’ mother, Dalyce Franks, was on hand to receive the award, and three former colleagues talked on video about Franks’ impact on NISD.

Before Thursday’s program got underway, Nacogdoches High School’s jazz band performed while attendees found their way to their tables and browsed over silent auction items.

Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation is in its fourth year of existence. It helps connect community resources with the needs of the school district in order to support the mission‭ ‬of the school district, using funding to enhance and complement that mission, understanding that everyone in the community is responsible for creating a quality educational system.

Students and their most influential teacher: Ella Ainsworth, Elyse Meyer; Owen Allen, Kristin Thomas; Kate Basa, Andrew Touchette; Logan Bates, Lindy Arbuckle; John Remiel Bermudez, Mark Ampofo; Katelyn Frost, Marcie Netardus; Maddie Gayden, Arianna and Lary Lister; Avery Hardcastle, Aimee Lucena; Pepper Hill, Bailey Bowyer Arnold; Audrey McDermott, Heather Theiss; Grace McKinney, Penny Long; Myah Morrill, Rebecca Jaramillo; Dayanara Paez-Luna, Brian Trotty and Jody Franks; Armaan Rajani, Rose Smith; Abigail Roldan, James Nicholas; Hailey Shadow, Amanda Abbott; William Vermeulen, April Smith; Alexandra Willardson, Carrie Scroggins; Sophia Willardson, Jennifer Haveman; James Wright, Derek Theiss.

https://www.nacisd.org/article/2858818

(NACOGDOCHES,TEXAS): The Nacogdoches Police Department would like to provide an update regarding Officer Spencer Tutt.

Officer Spencer Tutt experienced a serious medical emergency at his home on May 3, 2026. Personnel from EMS, the Fire Department, and the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to the scene, where immediate medical intervention was required. Officer Tutt was transported to Medical Center, where he was stabilized before later being transferred to UT Tyler Medical Center for further treatment and testing.

Officer Tutt previously experienced a serious heart-related medical issue approximately one year ago that also required surgery. This most recent incident marks the second major heart-related medical emergency he has faced.

As of May 7, Officer Tutt remains at UT Tyler Medical Center and is currently undergoing surgery to correct a heart condition. We fully expect Spencer to be released from the hospital within the next couple of days.

The Nacogdoches Police Department is extremely thankful for the overwhelming amount of prayers, support, and well wishes extended to Officer Tutt and his family during this difficult time. We ask that the community continue keeping Spencer and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers as he continues his recovery.

Farshid Niroumand – 930

Mike Dunn – 96

District 2:

Leabeth Abt (unopposed) – 81

District 3:

Demond Jackson (unopposed) – 89

NISD trustees will meet May 12 to canvass election returns.

https://www.nacisd.org/article/2861857

Roya Dinbali, who teaches Forensic Science at Nacogdoches High School, was named the Educator of the Year. James Adams, principal at Margie Chumbley Academy for Success, was named the Administrator of the Year.

The awards are presented by the Association of Texas Professional Educators.

Dinbali and Adams, along with the other statewide winners, will be recognized at the 2026 ATPE Summit July 14-16 in San Antonio.

https://www.nacisd.org/article/2873593

1. Call to Order.
2. Consider approval of Minutes: November 17th, 2025.
3. Receive updates on Parks and Recreation projects and activities.
4. Discuss Running of the Blueberries Trail Run.
5. Discuss Park Restroom projects.
6. Discuss future goals and vision for Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
7. Adjourn.
   The C.L. Simon Recreation Center is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Requests for
   accommodations or interpretive services must be made 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact the Community Services
   Director, Jessica Sowell, at 936-559-2935 or Fax 936-564-1759 for further information.
   This agenda is posted to comply with G. C. Section 551.041. For more information or a copy of the Open Meetings Act, please
   contact the Attorney General of Texas at 1-800-252-8011; the City Secretary at 936-559-2506 or visit the City of Nacogdoches
   website at www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us
   CERTIFICATION:
   I certify the notice of meeting was posted in the directory outside of the C.L. Simon Recreation Center, 1112 North
   Street, Nacogdoches, Texas on May 13th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. and remained posted until the meeting was convened.

“The 2026 Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition was an incredible success, and stands as our best and largest event yet with over 150 students taking part throughout the many rounds,” said Matthew Smilor, director of SFA’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship. “With our five finalist teams representing five different colleges on campus, it is clear that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving at SFA.” 

This year, the program was expanded to include specialized workshops and additional assistance for the finalists, Smilor said. 

“Students benefited from pitch coaching at the Business Communication Hub, branding and marketing support from Dr. Amy Mehaffey’s ‘Principles of Marketing’ honors course, and financial guidance from our entrepreneur-in-residence, Taylor Kovar,” he said. “The addition of a poster session further highlighted the diverse ventures being developed by students across the university.” 

Contestants were judged on the market opportunities for their businesses as well as their situational awareness, pitches, business models and go-to-market strategies by five judges: Bill Elliott, founder and CEO of Elliott Electric Supply; Mike Karns, owner of Local Favorite Restaurants; Farrell Kubena, chief development officer of Success Foods Management Group; Loddie Naymola, SFA alumnus and entrepreneur; and Debbie Scoggins, business leader and entrepreneur.

“Our judges were outstanding and helped elevate this competition into a premier event,” Smilor said.

The first-place prize of $10,000 went to Poolboy’s Smart-Floater by Tyler Hubbard, entrepreneurship senior from Austin, and his younger brother, Carter, general business sophomore, representing the Nelson Rusche College of Business. The compact, rugged and affordable solution is the first aesthetic, intelligent pool chemical monitor that actually talks.

DendroLogic’s Palm Cruise by Christopher Marroquin, forestry senior from Plano, and Raviyah Anderson, geospatial science senior from Weatherford, representing the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, earned the $5,000 second-place prize. Also the winner of the $1,000 Crowd Favorite Award, Palm Cruise is a tree-counting device that collects forest data with enhanced elements such as GPS and digital outputs. 

The $2,500 third-place prize went to Ama’s Tortilla Dough by Elizabeth Perales, psychology junior from Frisco, representing the College of Liberal and Applied Arts. Other members of the Ama’s Tortilla Dough team included Emily Zavala, nursing sophomore from Woden; Hannah Vasser, accounting senior from Lorena; and Naomi Waiser, accounting junior from Houston.

The honorable mention ideas that earned $1,250 each were Spring: The Student Calendar by Daniel Antonio, computer science junior from Dallas, and Jarae Hadley, cyber security graduate student from Lufkin, representing the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and HomeGymBuilder.com by Jaxen Bond, kinesiology junior from Round Rock, and Andy Jacobson, English sophomore from Fulshear, representing the James I. Perkins College of Education.

“This experience was nothing short of great for both Carter and me,” Tyler Hubbard said. “We walked in with a plan and walked out with funding to start something from the ground up that we truly believe in.”

To learn more about the competition, center and SFA’s entrepreneurship academic program, visit sfasu.edu/ace.  

Jennifer Cabello Obituary

A memorial service is pending for Jennifer Kristi Cabello, 54, of Alto. Jennifer passed away Wednesday, April 29, in Tyler. She was born March 12, 1972 in Irving, Texas to Kathy Louise West Wilton and Leon Compton. Jennifer had lived in the Irving area until moving to Alto 14 years ago. She had worked for Hertz Rent A Car before moving to Alto. She is a member of the Hilltop Baptist Church in Alto and was a homemaker.  She was preceded in death by her father Leon Compton, grandparents Rayford and Mary Kate West and Monnie and Thad Compton and her son Weston’s twin. She is survived by husband Jerry Wayne Cabello, Son Westen Cabello, mother Kathy West Wilton,  brother Dean Crosby, sister Tammy Compton, great aunt Sharon West Smith and husband Travis and many cousins.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jennifer Kristi (Compton) Cabello, please visit our floral store.

Don Popp, 84, of Baytown, TX was born on August 16, 1941, in Nacogdoches and passed away Monday, April 27, in Baytown. He was a graduate of Livingston High School and worked in grocery stores in Baytown for many years before retiring. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking, especially baking. He shared the bounty of his garden and kitchen with friends and family. He was a member of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Popp and Johnnie Mayhar Popp; brother, James “Sonny” Popp; and sisters, Betty Hurta, Hazel Tanner, Lois Rather, and Carolyn Stegall. He is survived by his sister, Clara Navarre of Baytown and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

His family will gather at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12 noon for a family service. Interment will be at Saints Rest Cemetery in Nacogdoches.

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

Roy Foreman, Sr. Obituary

A funeral service for Roy Wayne Foreman, Sr., 74, of Alto is currently pending. A full obituary and service times will be uploaded here as soon as they are available.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roy Wayne Foreman, Sr., please visit our floral store.

Note: This is not a full list of events. Visit the SFA calendar for more.

Spring Commencement Ceremonies

2 p.m. & 6 p.m. • May 7–8 Johnson Coliseum

Four ceremonies will be held. Full schedule available at sfasu.edu/graduation/commencement/guest-info.

Plant Propagation with Dr. Andrew King

9 a.m. • May 9 Brundrett Conservation Education Building

A hands‑on workshop hosted by SFA Gardens and led by Dr. Andrew King, assistant professor of ornamental horticulture at Texas A&M AgriLife in Overton. Tickets available on the SFA calendar.

An Evening with The Purple Hulls & Music Preparatory Division

7 p.m. • May 12 Griffith Fine Arts Building, Turner Auditorium

A collaborative concert supported by a Rooted in Community grant from the National String Project Consortium and the NAMM Foundation.

Southland Conference Track & Field Championships

May 14–16 Homer Bryce Stadium

SFA hosts the 2024 Southland Conference Track & Field Championships.

Theresa & Les Reeves Lecture Series

“Through the Years – Plants We Had Then, Plants We Have Now” 7 p.m. • May 14 Brundrett Conservation Education Building

Featuring Dr. Allen Owings, horticulture professor emeritus of the LSU AgCenter and horticulturist for Bracy’s Nursery and Clegg’s Nursery.

Piney Woods Entrepreneurship Network

5:30 p.m. • May 20 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Hosted by SFA’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship. Open to community members, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and students for networking and collaboration.

Memorial Day (University Closed)

May 25

SFA will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.