Home > Nacogdoches Comments > Archives > 2008 > August
August 2008
Gustav is growing
Local officials representing medical, health, law enforcement and human aid agencies met on Saturday to discuss the county’s readiness for the effects of Hurricane Gustav, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday morning. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
The ‘True Story’ is reading!
This column is dedicated to parents whose children are heading back to school. One of the best things you can do is provide an atmosphere that will inspire your child to read beyond his homework assignments. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Preparing for a hurricane
I called Bob Hurst last Wednesday to inquire if emergency management officials had already started meeting to plan for the possibility of Hurricane Gustav hitting the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Young Democrats host candidates for watch party
The candidate forum and Barack Obama acceptance speech watch-party on the SFA campus got off to a slow start Thursday night. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
A new student’s guide to Nacogdoches
With another fall semester under way at SFA, local business owners, SFA alumni and upperclassmen weigh in on the best places for students to spend their free time. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
City commission to decide on several policies
City commissioners will re-evaluate local economic development incentives at their regular meeting Tuesday night, when they consider renewing and amending the tax abatement policy that is frequently used to promote retention, expansion and recruitment of new and existing business. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
The rising cost of college
Most college freshman look forward to moving out and living on their own, studying hard and having fun. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Freshmen get warm welcome
Dr. Tim Clipson, SFA professor, reminded incoming freshmen that the class of 2012 is comprised of the most talented, brightest and finest students in America. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
TTC plans for U.S. Hwy. 59 may not come to fruition
The Pineywoods Sub-Regional Planning Commission met Thursday to hear a presentation by the commission’s president, Hank Gilbert, who said the plans to move the Trans-Texas Corridor to the current U.S. Hwy. 59 location may not come to fruition. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment |
As summer ends, thoughts wander to work
Nacogdoches follows two calendars, Gregorian and Scholastic. One is based on the earth’s movement around the sun and one is based on the arrival and departure of a large population between the ages of 18 and 21. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Final stages of Naconiche construction within reach; Gustav could cause delays
The final stages of the long-delayed Lake Naconiche project are nearly within reach, but approaching Hurricane Gustav may cause one more set of obstacles before the lake can start catching water. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Austin approves biomass contract with Nacogdoches Power
After receiving outside legal counsel and public input, the Austin City Council on Thursday gave Austin Energy the green light to enter into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Nacogdoches Power LLC. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Gearing up for Gustav
While parts of the Gulf coast are gearing up for Tropical Storm Gustav, which could build to hurricane strength today, Nacogdoches officials are busily planning for the impact that the storm could have locally and reminding residents that it is not too early to begin emergency preparations. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Armchair Quarterback
Share your thoughts.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: HS Football
Three teens charged in bomb scare at Hudson High
Three teenagers have been charged with leaving suspicious containers on Hudson High School campus the first day of classes Monday. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Professors object to Charlie Wilson chair
AUSTIN — Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of East Texas might have been a suitable figure for Hollywood, but he doesn’t warrant having an endowed chair in Pakistan studies named for him at the University of Texas, according to 12 faculty members who specialize in South Asian studies. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment |
NEDCO vice president to take new post in Marshall
Donna Maisel, vice president of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation, will leave her post here to become the executive director of the economic development organization in Marshall, starting Sept. 22. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Groups started to help Hudgins investors cope
Local efforts are under way to begin a support group for those who invested and lost money with George Hudgins, the Nacogdoches businessman accused of fraud. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment |
Decorated U.S. Army uniform donated to Goodwill remains unclaimed
It’s been more than a month since a highly decorated U.S. Army uniform was donated to the local Goodwill Industries store, and the unknown soldier who once wore it has yet to be found. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Congratulations and well done Nacogdoches and Joe English
Congratulations to Nacogdoches County and County Judge Joe English on winning a state-wide best practice award for a project to expedite the processing of paperwork jail inmates. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Grizzly bears: Fuzzy and cute, but unpredictable
Grizzly bears, although not found in Texas, do live in a number of western states and Alaska, all places where Texans may have visited or will travel this summer. Giants of the bear world, a mature male grizzly may weigh between 500 and 900 pounds with some tipping the scales at more than 1,000 pounds. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
What’s Cookin? Veggie Lasagna, Grilled Steaks, and More …
This week’s column is packed with two recipe requests, four great recipe shares (one perfect for Labor Day grilling) and trivia. Let’s cook!
Recipe Requests
B.McM. is seeking some “heart healthy recipes” since having a triple by-pass.
A Nacogdoches reader is seeking a recipe for “watermelon preserves”. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
McDonald accepts community liaison post
Dr. Archie McDonald, who has been affiliated with SFA for 45 years, has recently accepted a new position with the university as community liaison, which becomes effective Sept. 1. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Pattillo expecting enrollment increase
SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo said during Tuesday’s board of regents special telephone meeting that he is anticipating a boost in fall enrollment. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |
Window display offers glimpse into past
The Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market will no longer be open on Wednesday mornings. The market has been open bi-weekly for over a month now. “We are right in between seasons right now,” said Sarah O’Brien. “There is still plenty to choose from at our Saturday market, so we will resume our Wednesday market later in the year.” Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Early voting locations still hot-button issue for commissioners
A split commissioners court on Tuesday did not come to an agreement about an early voting location on the SFA campus, so the booths will remain active as scheduled. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |
Playgrounds aren’t just for fun
In previous generations, the amount of fresh air and exercise a child received was considered as important to the amount of time spent in study. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Letters: August 24
No prison, period
I think Dr. Paul Risk’s effort to create a catchy name for the group opposed to the location of a federal penitentiary in Nacogdoches created instead a misunderstanding. Those I heard at the meeting on July 21 do not want a prison ANYWHERE in our safe, friendly town. The money it will bring will not go into the pockets of working folks already living here. The famlies and “associates” of those unhappy souls behind the big gates and razorwire-topped fences will bring their needs for medical care and schooling. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
Three charged in Catfish King slaying allegedly planned robbery
A Hudson man and two Lufkin men charged in a robbery-murder at Catfish King allegedly talked about hitting the restaurant months before the deadly attack, according to an arrest affidavit. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Man charged with shaking infant is son of ‘murder by meth’ mom
An East Texas man arrested earlier this month for allegedly injuring his infant son and abandoning his toddler is the son of an Angelina County woman convicted of murdering her teenage daughter in 2005. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
Nacogdoches County awarded best practice award for Paper-Ready Project
The Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation awarded Nacogdoches County with a 2008 County Best Practice Award for the Paper-Ready Project implemented by County Judge Joe English, which has drastically increased the efficiency of processing convicted inmates at the jail. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Off to a good start
Dr. Rodney Hutto, Nacogdoches ISD superintendent, spent the first day of school visiting each district campus, and what he saw was “beyond expectation.” Full Story
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment |
Precinct 1 Constable Shane Johnson resigns
Pct. 1 Constable Shane Johnson submitted his resignation Monday, after accepting a position as Chief of Police with Cushing Independent School District. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment |
City, event promoter deem weekend concert a success
More than 5,000 music fans ventured out to Festival Plaza Saturday to hear the sounds of Cross Canadian Ragweed and several other country artists during the Red Dirt Roundup in downtown Nacogdoches, according to preliminary estimates City Manager Jim Jeffers received from event promoter Randy Smith on Monday. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |
Five campuses will begin school year with new principals
Five Nacogodches ISD schools have gained new principals for the 2008-2009 school year. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
County commission works to finalize budget
The county commissioners will meet Tuesday for what could be the final budget workshop of the year. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Allsport Dynamics’ braces help rehabilitate and prevent injuries
“We just sit here in Nacogdoches and do our thing. Not many people know what we do,” said Jeff Brewer, founder and President of Allsport Dynamics. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Teachers won’t be packing in Nacogdoches county schools
Although Gov. Rick Perry recently said he supports a district’s decision to allow teachers and staff to carry guns for protection, many district administrators in Nacogdoches County do not, nor do they expect any policy changes to allow employees to carry concealed firearms on school property in the near future. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
As summer Olympics concludes, local USA swimmers gear up for fall season
Jess Stovall kept a close eye on Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps this summer.
“When I watch him in a race, I watch his stroke and I learn things from him,” the 8-year-old competitive swimmer said. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Ensuring a a safe new school year
Monday begins another school year. School buses will be rolling bright and early across the county. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
People of Jamaica, Yea Mon!
In an earlier column about Jamaica, I said I would write about some of the people my husband and met. I also explained the advantage of hiring a personal driver. We went through our hotel’s list of recommended drivers and decided on Albert Smith, who proved to be an excellent choice. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Review: The Word of Promise Audio New Testament
f I had a dollar for every person who has told me, “I wish I had time to read the Bible,” I would be rich. That excuse faded somewhat with the advent of books on tape. Anyone who has a tape/CD deck in their car can now “read” the Bible cover to cover any time they choose. Personally, I’m a huge fan of books on tape and an even bigger fan of the Bible on tape, but if you’re like me, after a while even the Bible becomes a drone, when it’s the same voice at the same cadence coming out of the same speakers. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Bog sage is a rare find
Plants that can get through the heat and drought of summer are hard to come by, but plants that can deal equally well with wet weather and damp soils (like we’ve had recently) are truly rare finds.I consider bog sage (Salvia uliginosa) one of these finds. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Cross Canadian Ragweed just one of the many great acts performing at Red Dirt Roundup Music Festival
East Texans have the opportunity to bask in musical utopia tomorrow, as the masses will surely gather in the Downtown Festival Plaza in Nacogdoches. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Austin delays biomass decision
AUSTIN — The Austin City Council decided Thursday to decelerate its venture into biomass power, opting to negotiate but not yet enter into a contract with the private company Nacogdoches Power. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Characteristics of effective leaders addresssed at luncheon
The strongest motivational principle in the world is that people do what people see, according to Hue Adams, Willowbrook Nursing Center administrator. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Despite slowdown, tourism officials pleased with revenue
Following two years of record growth, the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau reported an 8 percent increase in hotel/motel tax collections for the 2007-2008 fiscal year over the previous year’s collections. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
“An art and a heart for teaching”
Nacogdoches ISD faculty and employees were reminded Friday that being an educator is not an easy job, but it is something that all teachers should celebrate and be proud of. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Old pecan tree helps me put down new roots
This is the second in an occasional series that marks my 20 years in Texas. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
What’s Cookin? ‘New to me’ recipes
Our older daughter is marrying later this year, so wedding preparations are in full-swing around our home and during our weekends. While in another town to pick up Lauren’s dress, we discovered a used bookstore nearby with a cookbook section. If you assumed some “new-to-me” cookbooks came home with me, you’d be correct. This week’s column contains some great recipes from one of those cookbooks, trivia, plus a special request. I hope you find time to enjoy cooking this week. -Let’s cook! Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Charter school preparing for new year
Teachers and staff of the SFA Charter School are busily working this week to clean their classrooms, prepare their lesson plans and get ready for the academic year in which the school will be the first of its kind in the state directly related to a research laboratory. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
University planning special events for 85th year
SFA faculty and staff were welcomed to the 85th year at the university Thursday morning during the annual first-of-the year faculty meeting. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
Inspections required for rural home construction
Local builders and contractors will soon face new requirements aimed at improving building safety. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment |
SFA designates Fridays for spirit
Fridays at SFA will be even more spirit-filled than usual beginning this fall.
SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo signed a proclamation Thursday designating the last day of each work week as “SFA Spirit Friday” to show the university community’s pride. The proclamation encourages faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters to wear clothes that bear the colors and insignia of SFA. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Congressman famous for CIA ops in Afghanistan weighs in on U.S. in Iraq
Russia’s intervention in a breakaway province of Georgia has drawn criticism from the White House. But former East Texas congressman Charlie Wilson said it is similar to the same thing the U.S. is doing in Iraq. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment |
Education opportunities not just for the young
While parents are scrambling to prepare their children for the first day of school, the Nacogdoches Adult Learning Center Inc., is urging adults not to forget about their own educations. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
City hopes to amplify status as music venue
On Saturday, music fans from all over will descend on downtown Nacogdoches to hear a lineup of bands, including the well-known Oklahoma country group, Cross Canadian Ragweed. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
Texas State Guard receives training from SFA on GPS applications
The Columbia Regional Geospatial Center at SFA is hosting two GPS applications trainings for the Texas State Guard. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Few remarks from public at busy city meeting
Four public hearings drew only a handful of comments from citizens at the regular meeting of city commissioners Tuesday evening. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
Additional early voting locations questioned
County Judge Joe English said he expected a “packed courtroom” for Tuesday’s discussion on early voting locations, and he was right on with his prediction. Nearly 40 citizens attended the commissioners court meeting, and 15 people made comments to the court, but the commissioners will not open additional early voting locations due to budgetary restrictions. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
Back to school safety advice for parents and motorists
The beginning of another school year is just days away, and the Nacogdoches Police Department as well as the Nacogdoches ISD Police Department have additional tips for motorists, parents and students in order to have a safe school year. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Reaching out …
Joe Spencer who volunteers for the Nacogdoches Public Library had this to say about his opportunity to give back to the community: Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Tipton Ford changes owners
Margie Tipton, owner of the Tipton Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership, announced on Monday the sale of the business to company President and General Manger Neal Slaten. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (19) | Post your comment |
Lufkin shooting victim hailed hero, Hudson man charged with capital murder
A man who was shot and later died after defending his girlfriend during an attempted robbery at a Lufkin restaurant Sunday night was a “true hero,” a manager said Monday. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Oliver’s death sentence stands
A federal appeals court has ruled that East Texas jurors wrongly used a Bible during deliberations in a capital murder case, but that there isn’t enough evidence to show they were prejudiced when they decided to send a Waco man to death row for fatally shooting and bludgeoning a 64-year-old man.
The ruling from a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes in the case of Khristian Oliver, condemned by a Nacogdoches County jury in 1999, a year after authorities said he and three companions were involved in the break-in and slaying.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Cox Enterprises announces plans to sell Daily Sentinel, others
ATLANTA — Cox Enterprises, Inc. announced today that it intends to sell the Austin American-Statesman, its affiliated operations including Austin360.com, and all of Cox’s stand-alone community newspapers in North Carolina, Colorado and Texas, which includes The Daily Sentinel in Nacogdoches. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Only women stop to help injured cat
FORT DAVIS — At one point, the set up for a joke crossed my mind. “How many women does it take to help a fatally injured cat?” I was not making light of the situation. There was nothing funny about it. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Tax-free weekend begins Friday
The beginning of school is just around the corner, and teachers are preparing their classrooms to greet new and familiar faces of students. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Planning future water needs just conjecture at this point
The Regional Water Planning Group met in Nacogdoches recently to discuss the future water needs of the state, but all planning at this point is just conjecture, one representative said. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Cox Enterprises to put The Daily Sentinel, other papers up for sale
The owner of The Daily Sentinel has decided to put the daily newspaper and all affiliated operations up for sale with a possibility of closing a deal by the first quarter of 2009.
Cox Enterprises Inc., based in Atlanta, also intends to sell all its stand-alone newspapers in North Carolina, Colorado and Texas, as well as Valpak, a direct-mail advertising operation.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment |
Standing room only at USFS meeting on off-road vehicle uses
Discussions heated up Tuesday night at the Davy Crockett National Forest ranger office in Ratcliff as outdoor enthusiasts from all over Texas came to listen to U.S. Forest Service officials discuss the new travel management rule implemented this summer.
It was standing-room only as those in attendance gave their opinions on the new rule. It all began in 2005 when the U.S. Forest Service published a national rule for providing motor-vehicle access to national forests and grasslands, and in June of 2008, those lands in Texas were officially closed to off-highway vehicle use, except on a few designated routes and trails.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Austin’s biomass power plans raise questions
Local environmentalists and businesspeople are raising concerns about the cost and environmental impact of a proposed East Texas biomass plant that would provide power to Austin Energy.
The city-run utility is on the verge of going forward with a $2.3 billion, 20-year contract for the power that includes paying for the construction of the plant, which will be fueled by wood waste.
Officials with Austin Energy say the contract could lower the average residential customer’s bill as much as $1.50 or raise it as much as $2.50 per month once the plant comes online in 2012, depending on future regulation, government incentives and fluctuations in the price of traditional fuels. They did not provide rate estimates beyond 2012.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
What’s Cookin? Eggplant, and a Hint of Autumn
While the thermometer isn’t currently showing a hint of autumn, this week’s column contains a recipe request with a hint of autumn, a zucchini request, and more great recipe shares for eggplant. Let’s cook! Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
County commissioners still in limbo
The Nacogdoches County constables asked the commissioners court on Tuesday not to reassign their deputies to the sheriff’s office, but the court has not yet made a decision on the matter. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment |
NISD board meeting to discuss facilities, ratings, purchases
Various reports, including a preliminary accountability report and a facilities report, are among the items on the agenda for Thursday night’s Nacogodches ISD board of trustees meeting. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Storm system moves across Nacogdoches
A storm system that moved across East Texas early Tuesday provided Nacogdoches County a supply of much needed rain, according to Dr. Paul Risk, SFA forestry professor emeritus and weather data recorder for the National Weather Service. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Group plans to step up prison protests
About 75 members of the Citizens Opposed to the Prison Site (COPS) group met for another public gathering on Monday night, and they agreed they’re ready to change their demonstration methods.
The group opposes a proposed privately owned prison, which would be built inside Loop 224 on Northwest Stallings Drive. The city commissioners, county commissioners and Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation unanimously backed the proposal, which would be built and operated by Management and Training Corporation.
Burton Byrum, a retired business manager for a computer company, drew applause from the crowd when he urged the group to supplement their “passive” protests — such as bumper stickers and signs — with more active demonstrations.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment |
Aspen Power plans to start construction on North Lufkin biomass power plant in September
Groundbreaking on a $100 million Lufkin power plant that will use logging debris and other wood waste for fuel is scheduled for the second week of September, according to a spokesman for the company building the facility. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Martinsville ISD welcomes new district principal
When school starts on Aug. 25, Martinsville ISD students, teachers and parents will welcome a new face to campus. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Pilgrim’s to slash another 600 jobs
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. on Monday morning announced plans to cut another 600 jobs by ceasing operations at a chicken processing plant in Clinton, Ark., and a processing facility in Bossier City, La. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Overton man charged with felonies after two babies injured
LONGVIEW — An Overton man has been charged with injury to a child and abandonment/endangerment of another child, both felonies, after allegedly hitting and shaking his 10-week old son and leaving another son alone, according to Rusk County court reports. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Letters: August 10
Say no to prison
When evidence of the negative consequences of uncontrolled and unsustainable growth is everywhere, why can’t we ‘just say NO’ to the plan to build a prison in Nacogdoches — growth that may well have a negative impact on our image as a tourist destination, retirement community, college town and regional center of music and arts? The image and name of Henderson is forever wed to the Bradshaw prison. When there is the inevitable ‘incident,’ Nacogdoches will be known as a prison town, and our hard-earned reputation will be ruined forever. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
EDITORIAL: Raising Cain
The owners of the roosters seized at an illegal cockfight on Woden Road last week will have the opportunity Monday to claim their property. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Light Pollution, We Can Do Better
Even though the price of gas has fallen a bit recently, it is still shockingly high. It seems that Americans are at long last getting the conservation message. I thought the time was right to review the common sense issues surrounding outdoor lighting. Every time I speak on this topic, I stress that we have the technology to solve the problem and that we should not simply be wasting energy. Two issues of local interest have me thinking about lighting again - the proposed prison on the north loop and the biomass plant in the Sacul community. Both will be large light polluters unless strong community pressure is brought to bear. There are many sound reasons why efficient and well-directed nighttime lighting is best. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Letter: Misleading Prison Statistics
After reading some of the various statistics regarding the potential construction of a prison in our community, I wanted to share how misleading this information can be. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Fifty years ago, Aug. 10-16, 1958
The first bale of cotton produced in Nacogdoches County this year went on display in front of Stone Fort Bank and the proud farmer standing near it was Russell Davis, who farmed a portion of Tommy Metteauer’s place near Chireno. Planters Gin Company did the baling. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Shared moments become memories
FORT DAVIS — I’ve never cared for the silence that fills a house once guests have gone. I much prefer the quiet that comes during their visit. Those shared moments that, over time, become treasured memories. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
DFPS reminds parents to choose safe childcare facilities
With the first day of school hastily approaching, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is urging parents to choose safe, secure and legal child care operations for their most precious assets, their children. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Woden volunteers gain a new tool in the fight against fire
It was July 11 when the Woden Volunteer Fire Department rolled its brand new fire truck into the station. But it has since sat there quietly as it awaits its first assignment. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Austin City Council postpones action on agreement with Nacogdoches Power
AUSTIN — The Austin City Council postponed taking action on authorizing Austin Energy to negotiate and execute a 20-year power purchase agreement with Nacogdoches Power LLC Thursday morning during their regular meeting. Austin Mayor Will Wynn said the consent item would be postponed until Aug. 21, the next scheduled city council meeting. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
SFA summer enrollment on the rise
Enrollment in the second summer session at SFA grew slightly from 2007, continuing a modest upward trend that began in the first summer session. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Olympic dreams
Last month, the Boys & Girls Club gymnastics team made its way to Karolyi’s Ranch in New Waverly. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment |
City budget seeks balance amid rough fiscal waters
It is a yearly rite of passage for city employees — poring over rows and columns of figures, devising wish lists and negotiating with the number-crunching authorities who work on the third floor of city hall. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
No decisions made on surplus; deputy constable issue to be revisited
After Wednesday’s commissioners court meeting, the $582,000 budget surplus is still “in limbo,” County Judge Joe English said, and the court agreed to revisit the once-dead issue of reassigning deputy constables to the sheriff’s department. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment |
Mediation ends in settlement over two lawsuits against County Schools’ Co-op
Mediation has ended in two separate lawsuits where the Nacogdoches County Schools’ Co-op was named as defendant. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Nacogdoches High School to host Fish Camp for incoming freshmen
Fish Camp — the ninth-annual orientation for incoming Nacogdoches High School freshmen — will be held Friday, and the event’s organizers said this year’s camp is sure to provide useful information in a fun-filled setting. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Fiddle Camp comes to a close with free concert
Fiddlers from across the nation are gathered in Nacogdoches this week for the second annual Texas Old-Time Fiddler’s Association Workshop. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
More details emerge on cockfighting bust
The person in charge of the property where an illegal cockfighting operation was discovered off Woden Road last Saturday has been identified. But everyone on the property who was participating in the operation — whether just watching the fights or handling one of the birds — can, in accordance with Texas law, be charged with cruelty to animals, Nacogdoches County Sheriff Thomas Kerss said. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (23) | Post your comment |
Fighting Fowl
A cockfight on Sunday drew an estimated 60 people to a place out on Woden Road. We’d call that a respectable crowd, but that wouldn’t be an apt description for an audience who finds entertainment in watching one creature shred another to pieces. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
What’s Cookin? Canning, Mock Crab Cakes and More
This week’s column is home-style good with recipe shares using goodies from the garden, a crock pot recipe, and a shrimp recipe. I hope you find time to enjoy cooking this week. Let’s cook! Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Reaching out …
Nettrell Brown, a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Deep East Texas, described her experience as a volunteer. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
County commission discusses budget surplus
Nacogdoches County commissioners met in special session on Tuesday to discuss the new budget, which now shows a preliminary surplus totaling $582,722. But County Auditor Keith Barber cautioned against short-sighted spending. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Kids Across America launches journey of fun, learning
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Burn Ban enacted in Nacogdoches County
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Authorities use dogs to search for missing woman
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
Gifts, loans to be returned in Hudgins fraud case
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Plan for generating plant
There’s been talk of a generating plant being built in northwest Nacogdoches County for years, perhaps to the point where many would have given up hope that it would ever get built.
But Nacogdoches Power LLC, its company vice president, Tony Callendrello have persevered, with the assistance of man local economic development and government officials, to keep the project moving forward, through changes in economic conditions, legislative and ecological initiatives.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Letters: August 3
The children of Nacogdoches County need your help.
It is time, once again, to realize that school will be starting soon. Families will begin thinking about school clothes, new teachers, special activities and school supplies. We are now working on Project SOS (Supply Our Schools) as we try to address these needs. We suspect recent difficult economic times will cause the need this year to be extremely high. Many children come to school with nothing — often without paper and pencil.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Budget surplus to occupy county commissioners Tuesday
The county budget is back on the agenda for Tuesday’s commissioners court meeting, but for the first time this year the court has a surplus of money to work with. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Gas prices increase trash prices
At their regular meeting Tuesday evening, the Nacogdoches City commissioners will hear strategies for overcoming a deficit in the sanitation department’s fuel budget caused by the global rise in oil prices. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Cockfighting operation broken up by Nacogdoches sheriff
The Nacogdoches sheriff’s office stumbled upon and then broke up an illegal cockfighting operation on Woden Road Saturday afternoon.
A deputy serving a felony warrant at the property became alarmed when a large gathering of people turned and ran toward the woods, leaving behind a full-scale fighting site with rooster pens, a makeshift concession stand and even a baby sitting service. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (33) | Post your comment |
Apartment developers attract widespread financial and quality concerns
One year after students moved into The Grove apartment complex on Cardinal Street to find a host of inadequate living conditions, the uber-hip college residences have cleaned up to resemble the “fully loaded” apartments that are marketed as a fun and amenity-laden alternative to traditional housing. But even as executives of the Grove’s parent company — North Carolina-based Campus Crest — acknowledge past mistakes and promise better management, questions remain about the development process of Campus Crest properties in Nacogdoches and 10 other states. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
08/02 Church Notes
The 116th anniversary of Lone Star Baptist Church, 2509 Elizabeth St., will be observed in a 3 p.m. service Sunday, Aug. 24, with the Rev. Robert Lane of Sandridge Baptist Church as speaker.
Church pastor is the Rev. Scotty Bland. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Review: The End of Religion
Bruxy Cavey’s new book, “The End of Religion,” is for “people who have grown tired of religion but are not prepared to jettison the idea of connecting with God.” That includes spiritual seekers as well as skeptics. “Religion,” to Cavey, is a four-letter word and precisely what Jesus came to save us from. He loves Eugene Peterson’s translation of Matthew 11:28 which has Jesus saying, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life” (The Message). Interesting. Could religion be something Jesus is calling us “away” from? Does religion steal “life” from us? I mean, religion seems to complicate faith, not define it. Cavey’s premise is that Christ did not come to create yet another religion; he came to abolish religion. That is as subversive to modern religionists today as it was then, but then, if Jesus wasn’t anything else, he was certainly subversive. Cavey calls Christianity “the subversive spirituality of Jesus.” As theologian Karl Barth put it, “The revelation of God is the abolition of religion.” Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
WIER: Studying for tests is not just a school activity
Unlike any other summer break, this one has been a real test. Actually, it has been several tests: college placement tests, job eligibility tests and summer school tests. I never expected to hear myself in June, July or August say, “Did you study?” But there you have it — our usually carefree summer interrupted by the nuisance of tests. Each one, however, has been important for its own reasons, and not to be taken lightly. It’s not enough to just “pass” them. Excelling on these tests means future scholarship money, college admittance and job security. And I’m happy to report that, so far, so good. These “out of season” tests have cramped our summer style, but the consolation to making adjustments are the benefits guaranteed to come later. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
The Battle of Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches hosts many kinds of “battles,” including athletic contests, political elections, disputes in court and the perennial “battle of the sexes” that males are programmed and pleased to lose. But once Our Town witnessed a real shooting battle, and that event happened 176 years ago today. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Rice paper plant, taking advantage of texture
There’s a plant growing in the side garden at my house — the “rice paper” plant (Tetrapanax papyriferus). It has large,deeply lobed, gray-green leaves that are very ornamental. At this moment, it’s growing luxuriously in the semi-shade of the north side of my home. East Texas’ hot, humid summers seem not even to phase it. Give rice paper plant plenty of room, good amounts of water, a little fertilizer and mix it with Texas heat, and it will grow like Jack’s famous beanstalk. Not only does it have an exotic, tropical character or “feel” about it, but it has great texture. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings released for Nacogdoches
Two Nacogdoches County schools received “exemplary” ratings, while six other schools received “recognized” ratings, according to the Texas Education Agency’s 2008 accountability ratings released Friday. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment |
Commissioners to consider countywide burn ban
Nacogdoches County commissioners will discuss implementing a temporary outdoor burn ban for the county when they meet on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Grand jury hands up numerous indictments
A Nacogdoches grand jury handed up an indictment on Friday for a man charged with aggravated assault/family violence after he allegedly shot his former girlfriend during a domestic dispute. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
July sees minimal rainfall; brings on high fire danger
The median air temperature for July was right in line with average levels, but the month was significantly drier than usual, according to Dr. Paul Risk, SFA forestry professor emeritus and weather data recorder for the National Weather Service. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Cadaver dogs to be used in search for missing woman
On Monday, when deputies intensify their ongoing search of Torchie Jolene Boyd, the 41-year-old Nacogdoches woman who went missing nearly two weeks ago, they will utilize a resource that has proven successful for them in past — cadaver dogs. Full Story
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Fitness tips on keeping your bathing suit figure well past summer
Summer vacation is almost over, and for some that means a transition from the swimming pool back into the classroom or back to work. Full Story
