Earlier this month we introduced you to Jessica Clopp, a Special Olympian from Pollok, Texas. She was one of 152 athletes from Texas competing in the National Games in Lincoln, NB last week. Clopp competed in the rhythmic gymnastics event bring home three gold medals in Rhythmic All Round, Rhythmic Ribbon, and Rhythmic Rope events. She also brought home a silver medal in rhythmic hoop and a bronze medal in Rhythmic Ball. These medals give Jessica a total of 48 gold medals, 26 silver medals, and 19 bronze medals over the course of her eight year career.

More than 1300 bags of popcorn is what it takes for the Volunteer Auxiliary at Memorial Health System of East Texas to raise $1000. The Volunteers sell popcorn to visitors at Memorial in an effort to raise money for scholarships they award to college students who are focusing their studies on careers in health care. The fund began 23 years ago with Ms. Daisy Wadsworth, who recently passed, and has given over $296,000 in scholarship money since beginning. Recently Catie Hines, Kristen Yarbrough, Valerie Ip, Shelby Skelton, Stephanie Casper (Doris Dunbar accepted), Clark Hill, Stacey McKnight, and Leah Tomez (not pictured Priscilla Cruz and Catherine Hylands) were each awarded $1000 scholarships at a dinner hosted by the Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary. Among those in attendance to congratulate the recipients were Mario Estrella, Vice President of Patient Care Services MHSET; Les Leach, COO MHSET; Sara Jo Trammell, Chairperson for Volunteer Auxiliary Scholarship Committee; and Don Newland, Auxiliary President.

Ask a Lufkin Panther fan just why the Pack football program seems to generate more than its share of high expectations every season, and you might just hear some of these numbers in his or her reply:

In this decade alone, the Pack has compiled a record of 108-23. Included in those nine seasons are one state championship, three appearances in the state semifinals and consistent rankings among the state’s best. Heading into 2010, the Panthers are Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s 14th-ranked team and 5A Texas High School Football’s No. 9 team. Toss in a bevy of district titles, sprinkle the conversation with such names as Dez Bryant, Jamarcus McFarland and Reggie McNeal, and the person asking the question should walk away sufficiently informed.

Such is life in Packville, where Abe Martin Stadium stays packed to the brim on Friday night home games and swarms of Purple People hit the highways en route to visit opponents around the state.

This season’s expectations may be a little higher than usual. First, there’s the bad taste left over from having the District 14-5A crown wrested away by The Woodlands in 2009 - in Lufkin’s 31-21 loss at the beloved Abe, no less. Having cornered the market on titles since moving into the Houston district - Lufkin had won five straight prior to 2009 - the Panthers had to feel more than a little disoriented in seeing another team hoist the trophy. In the minds of Panther Nation, district titles are expected to keep that purple-and-gold tint; any other color just doesn’t look right. It’s bad feng shui, and it needs re-doing in a hurry.

The Panthers believe they have just the right team to restore the crown in 2010, with a mix of returning starters and talented newcomers ready to get the stadium rocking as soon as possible.

Some of the key players for Lufkin are as follows:

Offense - Start with QB Deauntre Smiley (6’2”, 205) who as a junior threw for 1,583 yards and 17 TDS and ran for another 926 yards and 18 scores. The big lefty is drawing plenty of attention for DI schools for his complete package of athleticism, intelligence and accuracy (he threw just six interceptions in 223 passing attempts). Add to the mix District Newcomer of the Year Jamarcus Walker, who as a sophomore running back ran for 749 yards and 10 TDs in John Outlaw’s pass-happy spread offense. Catching the tosses from Smiley will be WRs Javante Mack, Darrian Shephard, Roger Givens, Chris Bean and Gunnar Quick. Holding things together up front will be returning linemen Shakobie McCoy, Kalandus Hunt and Connor Groom, along with newer guys moving to the varsity for the first time.

As usual, the Panthers will feature a high-powered offense perhaps even better than the group that averaged more than 30 points per game in 2009.

Defense - The Pack “D” allowed an average of just over 17 points per game in 2009, and figure to do even better than that this season. The defensive line, featuring All-District selections DE Darrell Thomas-Kelly, DE Jackson Randle and DT Blade Wise-Perry should put a stop to just about any rushing attack; and safeties Travoskey Garrett and Xavier Walker will provide plenty of protection downfield. The linebacking corps consisting of Tommie Mark, Monty Williams and Jaclarence Rainey are extremely quick and hard-hitting; and DBs Glenn Hunt, Devin Hightower and Jamarcus Anders should ensure that opponents struggle to top the 100-yard passing mark in any game.

Special teams - Clay Smithhart and Luis Garcia return to handle the kicking chores for the Pack, and the coaching staff will have a stable filled with speedy kick- and punt-return men from which to choose.

2010 schedule: Two new teams move into the 14-5A neighborhood in 2010: the Atascocita Eagles (10-2, Area Round in 2009) and the Kingwood Mustangs (6-6, Area finalists). They’ll join Lufkin, Conroe’s Tigers (5-6, Bi-District finalists), the Oak Ridge War Eagles (5-6, Bi-District finalists), The Woodlands Highlanders (11-1, Area finalists) and the College Park Cavaliers (4-6) in what should prove to be a highly competitive district.

The pre-district portion of Lufkin’s schedule will feature some old East Texas foes, including Longview’s Lobos (14-2, Div. I finalists); the Tyler Lee Red Raiders (6-6, Area finalists); the John Tyler Lions (12-2, District II 4-A Regional finalists); and the Nacogdoches Dragons (3-7).

Following is the complete Lufkin schedule for 2010 (all games are on Fridays at 7:30 p.m.):

Dez Bryant wanted no part of a holdout, so he decided to get a deal done before Cowboys training camp started.

Bryant signed a five-year, $11.8 million deal in becoming the first first-round pick to sign in the NFL.

"This was my call," said Bryant, who added that he told his agent, Eugene Parker, that he wanted to be in camp on time.

"I just want to play football," he said. "I told him to make it happen. I wasn't even all caught up with the money because this is just my first contract. I'm so happy to be here. Dallas is the team I wanted to play for, and having the chance to play for the Cowboys makes me want to work even harder."

Now Bryant can put his focus on the field. He missed a handful of practices in the off-season with an illness and hamstring injury. He enters camp as a backup wide receiver but could be a big factor returning punts and kicks.

"Don't get me wrong, I would love to start, but I don't care about it," Bryant said. "I just want to earn my playing time and do whatever it takes to help this team."

Melba Fenley-Sims, an employee of the Angelina County Tax Office, is currently fighting breast cancer. Her co-workers, friends, and family have organized and are actively working to raise funds to help Melba with the added expense of weekly trips to M.D. Anderson in Houston for treatments.

The group, calling itself Team Melba, is selling pink or blue t-shirts, featuring the pink ribbon breast cancer emblem, and has the words, “We’re in this together,” on the shirt. They sell for $18.00 each. Team Melba is also selling tickets to 3 separate raffles: 1) several different raffle items (framed story photos by Sears Portrait Studio, a power tool, 30 day tanning certificate, etc.), 2) a Pandora Bracelet (donated by a local jeweler), and 3) a Remington .308 Rifle. The tickets for each raffle are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Inquiries about these fundraising endeavors can be addressed by calling 936)634-8376.

The Planetarium is located on the first floor of the Math-Nursing Building (building 52 on campus map) on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus and is operated by the Department of Physics and Astronomy. It has a Spitz 512 star projector under a 30 foot dome and a seating capacity of 50. The star projector can accurately simulate the night sky as seen from anywhere on Earth for any date in the past or future. When the room lights are darkened, the dome is transformed into an amazingly realistic simulation of the starry sky. The Planetarium's auxiliary equipment include 30 slide projectors, a large screen CRT video projector, laser disk and DVD players, a slew-zoom projector, special effects, an all-sky projection system and a red-blue-green special effects lighting system. All devices are controlled using a computer automation system.

Since opening in 1983, the Planetarium has been presenting a wide array of entertaining and educational programs for schools and the general public. for more info or tickets click here....http://www.physics.sfasu.edu/planetarium/index.html

Jessica Clopp, a 2010 graduate of Central High School in Pollok, is headed to 2010 National Special Olympic Games. She is participating in the rhythmic gymnastics event. She went to the World Games in Shanghai in 2007. She took three fifth place ribbons and won two gold medals in rhythmic gymnastics. She was also named the 2008 Athlete of the Year of East Texas. In her eight years of participating in the Special Olympics she has earned 45 gold medals, 25 silver medals, 18 bronze medals, and numerous ribbons, to hang on her wall. She is truly an admirable athlete who has worked very hard to obtain these accomplishments.

The National Special Olympic Games of 2010 will be held at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln this year. They start this Sunday, July 18, and continue until next Friday, July 23. Participants will compete in events ranging from bowling to gymnastics and softball to aquatic events with everything in between.

This week mobile blood donation banks have been out in Nacogdoches and Lufkin. At the Nacogdoches mobile donation bank has been accompanied by Drew from KSWP. The Lufkin station has been a Chick-fil-a.

Theses mobil units are part of a mission to replace the warehouse that was lost in a fire in 2005, but for blood donations go beyond this and what people see on television and the news. Blood is needed for individuals being treated for cancer, babies that are born prematurely, individuals with anemia and much more. Blood donations save lives and there is no substitute. It must come from one individual to go to another, and every donation can help save up to three lives. That is why we encourage individuals to Commit for Life and donate at least once every quarter.

Angelina College will now offer its Sound Engineer/Recording Technology class as a credit course for those students interested in becoming part of the growing need for experts in the field of sound engineering and recording.

Beginning with the Fall 2010 semester, the class will entail the basics of mixing and digitally recording a live show, and is open to anyone interested in learning to mix sound and perform digital recording. Students will have the opportunity to run sound and record performances as part of the curriculum.

Jim Taylor will teach the course. A professional sound engineer in the East Texas area for more than 20 years, Taylor has mixed and recorded sound for such noted performers as Willie Nelson, Tracy Byrd, Clay Walker, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dierks Bentley and Jason Boland, among others.

The MUSC 1400 Introduction to Audio Technology course will be offered on Monday (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and Wednesday (6 p.m. - 8:10 p.m.) nights.

For more information, contact Larry Greer, Instructor of Music at Angelina College, at 936-633-5236 or e-mail lgreer@angelina.edu.

The Angelina College Fine Arts Division has released its schedule of performances for the upcoming 2010-2011 arts season, continuing its tradition of offering arts presentations for every taste. There’ll be art exhibitions, musical performances and even a visit from a wonderful Wizard.

And to ensure patrons don’t miss a line, image or beat, the Division is also offering season subscriptions at the following levels: Corporate Donor, $750 (18 tickets per show); Scholarship Donor, $500 (12 tickets per show); Benefactor, $200 (6 tickets per show); Patron, $150 (4 tickets per show); Friend, $75 (2 tickets per show); and Regular, $40 (1 ticket per show).

AC’s Fine Arts season opens in September with the AC Faculty Exhibition art gallery and concludes in May with the AC Swinging Roadrunner Jazz Band/ACC Big Band spring concert. Sprinkled throughout the busy schedule are various art exhibitions and music and theater performances offering something for every arts preference.

For art patrons, events include the AC Faculty Exhibition (Sept. 7-30); New Works by Aloma Marquis (Oct. 5-28); the AC Graphic Arts Student Exhibitions (Nov. 2-18, April 26-May 4); the AC Visual Arts Student Exhibitions (Nov. 23-Dec. 9, April 5-21); the Black History Month Exhibition (Feb. 1-24); and Works by Maggi Battalino (March 1-31).

All scheduled exhibitions take place in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. Each gallery will host an artist’s reception from 6-7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday evening of the exhibition’s opening.

Those who thrill to the stage’s rising curtain will have the opportunity to enjoy several theater productions, including the classic The Wizard of Oz (Nov. 11-14, Temple Theater), Agnes of God (March 3-5, Temple Theater), and Outrageous Theatre (Apr. 28-30, ACA Theater Lab).

Finally, music lovers will be able to choose from numerous performances as well, including the AC Faculty Recital featuring soprano Charlotte Davis and pianist Karen McBee (Oct. 10, Temple Theater); the AC Concert Band/Lufkin Community Band and AC Swinging Roadrunner Jazz Combo Concert (Oct. 17, Temple Theater); the AC Swinging Roadrunner Jazz Band and ACC Big Band Concerts (Nov. 18, March 10, May 3, Hudgins Hall Auditorium); A Christmas Celebration with the AC Chorale, AC Concert Band and Lufkin Community Band (Dec. 5, Temple Theater); Christmas at the Keyboard (Dec. 7, Temple Theater); Teacher’s Choice Piano Recital (March 27, Temple Theater); Showtime! 2011 featuring the AC Singers (April 2-3, Temple Theater); An Evening of Soloists featuring the AC Concert Band/Lufkin Community Band (April 19, Temple Theater); and the AC Chorale Spring Concert (May 1, Hudgins Hall).

For a full listing of show times and subscription and/or ticket information, visit www.angelina.edu or contact the Fine Arts Division at (936) 633-5233.

On Sunday, thousands of people dressed in red, white and blue came to Ellen Trout Park to celebrate the independence of our country. While there, some painted their hair and faces to match their clothes to support the Rockhounds and send them to the 10-year old World Series. A popular attraction at the celebration was the water slide enjoyed by the attendees in an attempt to cool off from the heat and humidity of the day. New Life Church on the Rocks was selling funnel cakes and other festive foods to send their youth group to Galveston for a leadership conference. The Kid Catch allowed the kids attending the event to go fishing for catfish and other types of fish that were all to be released back into the lake at the end of the day.

The entertainment schedule alone featured 9 different acts throughout the day. Bands of different genres and even Little Miss Pageant Winners showed their talents to onlookers. The festivities ran from 9:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night, ending, of course, with the 25 minute fireworks display.

The fireworks display had over fifty added special effect displays such as smiley faces and bow ties that caused amazement and wonder by the viewers. The display of fireworks is not put on by the city. It is sponsored by a local attorney who chooses to put the show on for the enjoyment of his hometown as a tribute to the shows he enjoyed as a kid. The finale shot off over 2000 shots in a time span of only 3 minutes for a wonderfully beautiful display of different colors and lights in the sky.

EAST TEXAS - Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX) has announced that he is partnering with local organizations to launch two East Texas Job Fairs, one was held in Marshall and there is to be one in Nacogdoches. The Congressman encourages employers seeking to hire qualified candidates and motivated job seekers to participate.

Rep. Gohmert stated, "Our country's economy and many East Texans have done some struggling. That is why I am joining with some others to host two Job Fairs in East Texas to bring together businesses that need employees and people looking for jobs. My office and partnering organizations are dedicated to making these events as successful possible, which will require active participation from both employers and job seekers. All types of employers and job seekers with a range of experiences are welcome to attend these free events. East Texas has a diverse job market and strong workforce, and I hope these fairs will help bring the two together to benefit the economic health of East Texas and its citizens."

Employer participation and job seeker admission are FREE! Employers must register online at www.gohmert.house.gov; job seekers do not need to RSVP.

Thursday, July 8, 2010
10:00am - 2:00pm
Stephen F. Austin State University - William R. Johnson Coliseum
700 E. College Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75962

AUSTIN, TX (Press release) - The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) today announced two major funding awards totaling $1.4 million that together will help bring stability to the lives of area low income residents while providing a shot in the arm to the local economy.

TDHCA will provide the City of Lufkin with $500,000 in funds to help repair or replace six homes damaged or destroyed last year by a powerful tornado. The Department also announced that it will provide $962,899 to private developers constructing new affordable rental housing that will serve lower income residents.

"Those of us in Lufkin know how devastating the tornado last December was to our community," said Tom Gann, a Lufkin resident and member of the TDHCA Governing Board. "Because the preservation of affordable housing stock is an important mission of the Department, particularly after a natural disaster, this is an appropriate use of these funds and an award well appreciated by Lufkin."

"There is a real need for good affordable rental housing to our area's workforce or retirees living on a fixed income," said Jack Gorden, Jr., Mayor of the City of Lufkin. "Both of these TDHCA awards will benefit our community by creating construction jobs, generating taxes and fees to the local economy, and helping keep up our quality of life."

In December 2009, an F-3 tornado struck the Lufkin community with winds topping out at an estimated 137 miles per hour, damaging an estimated 238 homes. Once Governor Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration, TDHCA notified city officials that they were eligible to apply for disaster funds. Their efforts paid off today with the announcement of this disaster funding award.

Private developers will utilize its funding award to construct the 11-unit Angelina Development to provide affordable rental housing specifically for low income residents. By providing a safe, decent home at an affordable rent, the property is expected to bring greater stability to the lives of its low income tenants, as well as to the surrounding community.

Both awards were made through the Department's HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under HOME Program rules, funds may assist households earning no more than 80 percent of the area median family income. For Lufkin, this equals an annual income of $39,350 for a four-person household.

About The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs:

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is the state agency responsible for affordable housing, community services, energy assistance, colonia housing programs, and disaster recovery housing programs. It currently administers over $2 billion through for-profit, nonprofit, and local government partnerships to deliver local housing and community-based opportunities and assistance to Texans in need.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Tropical Storm Alex steamed across the Gulf of Mexico on Monday on a path that could keep it away from BP's busted well but could still stir up heavy winds, rain and choppy seas that drive the oil deeper inland and bring much of the cleanup to a standstill.

By midweek, boats skimming the sludge from the water may have to return to port for their own safety, and the floating oil-containment booms could be rendered useless by waves slopping over them and may have to be pulled out of the water.

The upside is that the storm could stay far enough away that BP will not have to abandon its efforts to capture much of the crude spewing from the sea floor. Nor is the storm expected to interrupt BP's drilling of a relief well, considered the best hope of plugging the leak.

"We are watching very, very closely," said Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, the government's point man on the crisis. "As it stands right now, absent the intervention of a hurricane, we're still looking at mid-August" for completing the relief well. Earlier Monday, a BP executive said the well would be done by early August.

Still, Alex - expected to reach hurricane force by the time it hits land near the Mexico-Texas border, possibly Thursday - is giving new urgency to BP's efforts to make its operations at the well as hurricane-resistant as possible.

The company said it hopes to install a new oil-capturing system by next week that would allow BP to disconnect the equipment faster if a hurricane threatens and hook it back up quickly after the storm passes. Right now, BP would need five days to pull out if there is a hurricane. The new system being developed, which uses a flexible hose, would cut that to two days.

And if there was a hurricane, it could shut down the drilling operation for up to two weeks, Allen said.

The containment system now in place is capturing nearly 1 million gallons per day from the well, which is spewing as much as 2.5 million gallons a day, according to the government's worst-case estimate. If the equipment had to be removed because of a storm, oil would gush full force into the ocean again.

In other developments, BP said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the catastrophe hascost it $2.65 billion so far. The oil giant has also said it would set up a $20 billion fund to compensate people and businesses for their losses. BP has lost more than $100 billion in market value since the deep-water drilling platform it was operating blew up April 20, killing 11 workers.

The company also strongly denied reports in the Russian media that the company's CEO, Tony Hayward, is stepping down. Hayward has made a string of gaffes that have angered politicians and Gulf Coast residents.

Meanwhile, Alex was swirling through the Gulf with winds of 60 mph. It was expected to become a hurricane Tuesday, and could have winds as high as 120 mph by Wednesday.

While the storm center wasn't expected to approach the site of the spill, Stacy Stewart, senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, said Alex's outer winds could push oil farther inland.

Crews are also expecting up to 12-foot waves at the site of the gusher 50 miles off Louisiana, Allen said. He said that is not enough to stop the tanker that is sucking up large quantities of oil through the cap on the well, or a second vessel that is burning off hundreds of thousands of gallons at the surface.

What forecasters are most concerned about, said Ed Rappaport, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, is the slim chance that the distant storm could generate winds of 39 mph or so in the spill area, which would probably mean curtailing the cleanup.

Crews may have to pick up booms in the storm's path before they get tossed around.

"What boom they don't pick up - and there's miles and miles of it, so there's no way they can pick it all up - will end up back in the marsh," said Ivor van Heerden, former deputy director of Louisiana State University's Hurricane Center.

At Grand Isle, La., crews already were packing up boom and moving other supplies and equipment,Coast Guard Cmdr. Joe Higgins said. He said Alex could send 2 feet to 4 feet of storm surge there.

"We have had to move a lot of material from low-lying areas," he said.

"Our concern now is the safety of the people working on this."

Rough seas would make skimmer vessels less effective and could put crews at risk.

Pulling boats and crews off the water could cost precious time, said Nancy Kinner, co-director of the Coastal Response Research Center at the University of New Hampshire. Equipment has to be stripped down, packed and protected from the force of the storm, and then has to be reassembled and deployed again - a task that takes resources and hours away from cleanup and containment, she said.

"It not only prevents you from being on the water, it delays you in how long it takes to get back on the water," Kinner said.

___
Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov and Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow, Harry R. Weber in Houston, Brian Skoloff in Pensacola, Fla., Michael Kunzelman and John Flesher in New Orleans and Sofia Mannos in Washington contributed to this report.

Several towns around the area are hosting Independence Day festivities this weekend. The following list of activities is when and where some of the local public celebrations will be held. On Friday, Lufkin will have fun at the park for anyone who wants to attend from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ellen Trout Park with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Nacogdoches“ festivities will be held Friday from 5 to 9:30 at the Festival Plaza. Enjoy the food and have a picnic while enjoying fun for the whole family, including live music and fireworks. Rusk will be holding its celebration on Friday, as well, beginning with a parade at 10 a.m. After the parade, stay for the Rotary Club“s Antique Car Show and enjoy the hot dogs and apple pies while playing America“s favorite pastime on America“s day, baseball. Friday evening, the biggest fireworks display in East Texas will be held in Tyler. Thousands of people are expected to attend this display. Jack FM and The Blaze radio stations are hosting this event while providing the entertainment for the evening. Fireworks begin 30 minutes after dark but the gates open at 4:00 p.m. for those wishing to enjoy some of the food available. Parking is available for $10-$20 depending on your vehicle. However, for those who like to watch fireworks on July 4th, the City of Palestine and the Community Chorus and Orchestra will be co-hosting a celebration on Sunday evening at Steven Bennett Park. The music and fireworks start at 7:30 p.m.

Fireworks and fun in the park are just a few of the ways Americans enjoy celebrating their freedom and independence on the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Whether you choose to attend a public display or have a fun time shooting off fireworks at your own private party, be sure to stay safe and follow the guidelines of firework safety. The Texas Pyrotechnic Association issues the vendors to warn customers to follow the following guidelines in order to have a safe fun filled holiday:

•	Buy fireworks only from licensed retail outlets
•	Follow directions carefully - with close adult supervision
•	Never experiment with homemade or altered fireworks
•	Use fireworks outdoors, in a safe area away from dry grass and buildings
•	Before you enjoy fireworks, get permission from the property owner
•	Keep a bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby
•	Light one firework at a time - then move back quickly!
•	Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers
•	Never carry fireworks in your pocket
•	Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals

Please exercise caution and good judgment with your choice of activities this weekend. If you choose to shoot off fireworks privately please comply with all drought conditions and limitations enacted in your county. No matter what your plans for this weekend are, remember those who are still fighting for our country and its freedom. Have a safe and wonderful holiday as you observe America“s two hundred thirty-fourth year of independence.

At the end of the week, Nacogdoches will welcome an expected 300 chamber of commerce leaders and their families from across the state. The group is traveling to the Oldest Town in Texas to attend the 2010 Texas Chamber of Commerce (TCCE) annual conference, June 26-29.

Being chosen as the host city has nothing to do with fate or luck. Working for the privilege began almost a decade ago according to Pam Fitch, Jack Backers College Bookstore owner and former Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director.

“Early in 2002, we discussed the benefits of hosting the conference and talked with the chamber staff about doing it, and we were able to bid at that year’s conference,” Fitch said. “We came very close several times, and I remember one year we were only a couple of votes away from getting it. But we were very determined and continued to bid year after year.”

The economic impact of the convention is considerable - with several local hotels to be filled to capacity and hundreds visiting for three or four days. But there’s more than the cash infused into the local economy.

“I was in Lubbock in 2008 when Melissa [Sanford, CVB executive director] got the message to me that they successfully brought the bid in to host the 2010 conference, and I was extremely excited. Even though I was not with the CVB, I knew what this would mean to get this group in to Nacogdoches,” Fitch said.

Chamber President/CEO Bruce R. Partain currently serves on the TCCE board of directors. “The competition to host this convention is fierce,” Partain said. “Every chamber executive is proud of their community, and anxious to share their town with their peers. We’ve been to many great convention sites across Texas. I know TCCE members will love Nacogdoches.”

Each community vying for the convention brings different attractions and resources, and each makes a stellar effort to put forth a convincing package to secure the convention.

"It is a remarkable tribute both to your community and to those who represented it in seeking this meeting for Nacogdoches,” Art Roberts, CEO of the state chamber association said. “Only one Texas community each year welcomes these community leaders from across the state, and as they leave your hospitality they will have seen one of the most charming communities in all of our state."

Sherri Skeeters Nacogdoches CVB assistant director said Nacogdoches has proved itself worthy of hosting the state’s community leaders, and “we will impress them with our charm and hospitality.”

“We’re always bidding against larger cities and visitors bureaus, so when Nacogdoches was chosen to host the 2010 event, it was similar to being the underdog team competing and taking home the prize,” Skeeters said.

From Sunday, June 27, through Tuesday, June 29, conventioneers will discuss government affairs, rural economic development, public education, survey technology and social media.

While visiting, conference attendees will get a glimpse of what Nacogdoches has to offer. All will have the opportunity to play in a golf tournament at Woodland Hills Golf Club, enjoy an evening of barbecue and dancing at Banita Creek Hall, a dinner theatre performance by the Millard’s Crossing Melodrama Players, poolside cocktails at the Fredonia and a tour of Nacogdoches treasures in downtown and at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village - in addition to the conference activities held at the Fredonia.

“I compare this event to my experiences visiting other cities on business,” Skeeters said. “Conference visitors will see what we have, and make notes about what they will want to do when they come back to visit again and again.

“They’ll tell others about their experience and why Nacogdoches should be on a vacation prospect list,” Skeeters said.

A good example of Nacogdoches hospitality is the sweet blueberry container donated by Hayter’s Mill Creek Farm that will be placed in the attendee’s hotel room along with a welcome note. Delicious blueberry oatmeal cookies provided by Pinto Pony Cookie Factory will be a nice surprise attendees will find in the conference bags, donated by TXU Energy.

“We’re taking every opportunity to educate them and point out these not-so-well-known facts such as Nacogdoches being the state’s top blueberry producer, and the Texas Blueberry Festival we hold on the second Saturday in June,” Skeeters said.

“TCCE has been looking forward to visiting Nacogdoches for its annual conference since learning of the selected venue,” Bruce Hillegeist, chairman of the state chamber association and president of Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. “We expect to learn much there (continuing education) while building upon and or developing new friendships and relationships with professionals in the chamber of commerce business across Texas.”

Staff from the Nacogdoches CVB, Hotel Fredonia and the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has worked together for this opportunity to showcase Nacogdoches to the state’s chamber executives. TCCE staff have made pre-event visits and scouted the city for accommodations and points of interests that will make the visit informative and memorable for all.

“TCCE is appreciative of the amazing team at the Nacogdoches CVB along with Bruce Partain and his staff of the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce for their efforts in preparing a tremendous welcome to TCCE,” Hillegeist said.

"It is a remarkable tribute both to your community and to those who represented it in seeking this meeting for Nacogdoches,” Art Roberts, CEO of the state chamber association said. “Only one Texas community each year welcomes these community leaders from across the state, and as they leave your hospitality they will have seen one of the most charming communities in all of our state."

When all other forms of communication fail, amateur radio provides a means of communication. Amateur radio operators have responded to local and regional disasters since the 1970s and more recently during hurricanes. Memorial Health System of East Texas recently donated 2 paging transmitters to the Deep East Texas Amateur Radio Club.

“We can modify these transmitters to be utilized in the frequency range allocated to amateur radio operators,” said Steve Glass, Deep East Texas Amateur Radio Club, Inc. President and Angelina County ARES Assistant Emergency Coordinator. “We can also build another primary or backup repeater that could be a means of communication during an emergency (hurricane or otherwise) in which primary communication mediums fail.”

According to Michael Miles, the District Emergency Coordinator, The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) is a program and registered trademark of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Individual ARES® units are autonomous and are locally operated. They consist of FCC licensed operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for the common purpose of providing emergency and/or auxiliary communications service to public safety and public service organizations.

“With advancements in technology, Memorial is no longer in need of these paging transmitters,” stated Kristi Gay, Chief Financial Officer at Memorial Health System of East Texas. “We felt by donating the transmitters to this group many people could still benefit from this equipment in times of emergency.”

The Deep East Texas Amateur Radio Club has put in many hours of their time over the past years in aiding in different disasters or emergencies that Angelina County has experienced. From providing communications in the Shuttle Columbia Recovery in 2003 to more recently implementing a 34 hour continuous communications network during Hurricane Ike, the Club has provided much needed assistance in times of need.

The Lufkin Police Department has begun a Traffic Crash Reduction Initiative for the city of Lufkin.

Traffic crashes are expensive in many ways. They can increase injuries, property damage costs, and deaths. In 2009, the Lufkin Police Department reported over 2,200 traffic crashes in the city limits of Lufkin resulting in 6 fatalities and 20 disabling injuries. The ultimate goal of the Traffic Crash Reduction Initiative is to decrease the number of traffic crashes by making the public more aware of traffic laws and the effects of dangerous driving habits.

The focuses of the initiative are a number of traffic law violations including: disregarding traffic devices; failure to yield right-of-way; speeding; improper turning; failure to signal; and improper lane usage.

The Traffic Crash Reduction Initiative will continue through December 2010 and will keep record of how many traffic crashes are occurring and will be reported monthly. Adjustments will be made as needed to make the initiative most effective.

On May 5, 1868, General John Logan proclaimed Memorial Day to be a holiday in the United States. It was first observed on May 30 of the same year by placing flowers on the graves of the Civil War soldiers that were buried in the Arlington National Cemetery. New York was the first state to officially observe this holiday in the year 1873. It was accepted by all of the northern states by 1890. The Southern states would not honor their dead on the same day as the northern states until after World War I. It was at this time that Memorial Day had been changed from honoring dead soldiers of the Civil War to honoring dead American soldiers of any war. Currently nearly all states observe this holiday on the last Monday in May. It was officially made a National Holiday on this day in 1971 by Congress with the National Holiday Act, ensuring a three-day weekend for national holidays. Texas, however, sets aside January 19 to honor the Confederate soldiers that died during the Civil War.

Angelina Arts Alliance is now selling season subscriptions for its Tenth Anniversary

2010-11 line-up of events at the Temple Theater in Lufkin. While single-tickets will go on sale for each show 30 days prior to every event, a season subscription is a guarantee audience members will never miss a sold-out performance. The coming season of attractions is sure to delight longtime audience members and newcomers alike, with an exciting mix of celebrity, big band, vocal, dance, bluegrass, theatre and a hit Broadway musical.

The Tenth Anniversary Premier Series opens in September with country music legend Glen Campbell . Glen’s musical career spans more than five decades, with sales of 45 million albums. He’s still an immense talent both vocally and instrumentally, touring the country and reminding us why he’s always been our favorite charismatic pop-music cowboy.

October brings us the upbeat and electrifying showmanship of Drumline Live! , featuring a large cast of performers from America’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It’s a musical mix of marching band, R&B, gospel, Motown, jazz and of course-the Drumline!

As the longest-running Phantom from Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera” Franc D’Ambrosio brought more than 5 million theatre goers to their feet. Now he brings us his one-man show; weaving heart-warming stories from his youth in the Bronx with marvelous songs from favorite Broadway shows.

The holidays will be filled with joy as the Brass All-Stars Big Band joins Boston Brass for an explosive concert of big-band arranger Stan Kenton’s Christmas Carols. It will knock your Christmas stockings off!

The year 2011 begins with the return of the Russian National Ballet and their beautifully-staged version of the most celebrated ballet of the Romantic era: Giselle.

From gospel to old-time mountain and country tunes, Cherryholmes , brings their bluegrass roots to Lufkin .This extraordinary Nashville-based family band, were winners of the International Bluegrass Music Association Award in 2005 for Entertainers of the Year.

The spring will be bursting with comedy as the Montana Repertory Theatre performs the beloved American classic play; William Inge’s Bus Stop.

And finally, the season wraps up with Broadway’s longest-running show-- after nearly 18 years-- CATS . Winner of 7 Tony awards, this national touring company brings the T.S. Eliot characters to life in one of the most exhilarating and innovative musicals ever staged.

In addition to the Premier Series there will be two Family Matinee events for everyone to enjoy.

Season subscriptions are available at the Temple Theatre box office only during business hours -- weekdays, noon-5:30 p.m. . For more information call (936-633-5454), visit the website at www.angelinaarts.org, or follow us on Facebook.

Angelina Arts Alliance is happy to announce that enrollments are now being accepted for the eight summer of its popular theater program, Camp CenterStage , held on the Angelina College campus in Lufkin. Continuing its reputation as three of the most creative summer camps in East Texas, the Camp CenterStage program encourages young people to learn theatre skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere, while under the guidance of an experienced theatre faculty. The program aims to inspire creativity, stretch imaginations, expand artistic potential, and enhance self-esteem.

CenterStage Junior , designed for campers entering 1^st to 4^th grades, is back this year by popular demand. This half-day camp (9am-12pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm) provides a safe, non-competitive environment, where children will discover, grow and celebrate their creativity through theatre games, music and creative movement. CenterStage Junior runs from June 1^st-4^th and tuition is $75.

Camp CenterStage , is designed for younger students entering 5^th to 7^th grades. Campers learn how the theatre experience is created from page to stage. Exercises and activities led by theatre educators and professionals will explore acting, improvisation, movement and musical theatre. Camp CenterStage runs June 7^th-19^th M-F from 9am to 3 pm. Performance is Saturday, June 19^th. Tuition is $225 for the two-week session.

CenterStage Academy , is designed for students entering 8^th to 10^th grades, to engage in a more production-oriented two weeks that culminate in an actual performance on stage. Campers will learn what goes into creating a staged production by stepping into the roles of actors and technicians, as they assemble two shows of their own. CenterStage Academy runs June 7^th-19^th M-F from 9am to 4pm. Performance is Saturday, June 19^th. Tuition is $225 for the two-week session.

Available to all camps are early drop-off and late pick-up, scholarships to any camper who requires financial assistance, and sibling discounts. All of the camps are generously underwritten by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation. Class sizes are limited so call early!

To request a brochure and enrollment form or for more information about CenterStage Junior, Camp CenterStage , or CenterStage Academy , please contact Tracy Pinkerton at 936-633-4504 or tpinkerton@angelina.edu. This summer program is presented by Angelina Arts Alliance and Angelina College.

Lufkin, Texas - On Thursday, May 20, 2010, Woodland Heights Medical Center presented Lufkin EMS with a donation of four 12-Lead EKG machines. This donation will enable Lufkin EMS to implement a pre-hospital EKG program, which will allow for the diagnosis and more timely treatment of severe cardiac issues in the field as well as facilitate faster treatment once the patient arrives at the hospital emergency room.

“Woodland Heights is happy to make this contribution to the health and wellness of our community,” said Casey Robertson, CEO of Woodland Heights Medical Center. “We are already the area’s leader in treating AMI [heart attack] according to the latest data released by CMS. The addition of a pre-hospital 12-Lead EKG will allow both EMS and Woodland Heights to provide even better quality and faster care for residents who are experiencing a heart attack.”

Severe cardiac issues, such as acute myocardial ischemia (AMI), are the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in the United States . Experts believe that a pre-hospital EKG may facilitate early identification and faster treatment of patients with chest pain and possible AMI. Traditionally, 12-lead EKG has been used in the hospital setting to help physicians identify, diagnose and treat patient with cardiac disorders. Now, advancements in technology make obtaining and transmitting EKGs by paramedics both feasible and beneficial. In fact, pre-hospital EKG and transmission is recommended by the American Heart Association.

“This donation will save lives,” said Danny Kistner, Lufkin Fire Chief. “During a heart attack, time is tissue. The new EKG machines will allow Lufkin EMS to wirelessly transmit vital diagnostic data directly to the emergency room, cardiologist and cath lab, which will help to reduce the diagnosis to treatment time for the patient.”

The cost of the EKG equipment will be $120,000. In addition, Woodland Heights will purchase equipment for receiving the data transmissions from the Lufkin ambulances.

“Pre-hospital EKG with transmission has already been established as the standard of care in more urban markets,” continued Kistner. “This system will allow Lufkin EMS to deliver the same high-quality and life-saving care to our residents as in Dallas and Houston. We are grateful to Woodland Heights for this donation, which will benefit the entire community.”

Lone Star Art Guild’s Annual Convention was held in Conroe. The Lone Star Art Guild (LSAG) is an annual convention and art show that was held at the Lone Star Expo & Convention Center in Conroe May 14 and 15. This year’s convention co-hosts included The Woodlands, Tomball, and Northwest Art Leagues.

LSAG was organized in Brenham in 1961. It is the umbrella organization of 23 art leagues within a 200-mile radius of Houston, and has approximately 2,000 member artists. The exhibit was open to the public on Saturday May 15. This years winners from the Lufkin and surrounding areas are as follow:

Other participants from the area include:

When the boys golf team started the trek to the state tournament and dominated district and regionals, they didn’t look back. And after a not-so-impressive second nine on the first day of the state tournament, they probably shouldn’t.

The team, which started on No. 10, was in the lead at the turn. But that was before the sixth hole-a 316-yard par 4.

“Number six killed us,” Coach Danny Leatherman said. “It’s the easiest hole on the course and we shot two double bogeys and a triple bogey. They should have shot a 295 and really could have if we had played six differently.”

But that was today. And the team’s objective hasn’t changed.

“Right now, our goal is the same as it was when we started,” Leatherman said. “And that is to get on the podium tomorrow.”

What the Pack has to overcome is some physical issues, according to Leatherman.

“Josh (Lewis) and Tyler (Dunbar) have strep throat,” he said. “Right now they are getting cleaned up to eat and get some rest.”

Lewis, a sophomore, recorded two over par after nine. But with bogeys at 1, 2, and 4 capped with a triple on the last hole, he ended the first day at +8.

Dunbar, the lone freshman on the team, was four over at the turn and recorded one of the double bogeys on No. 6. His lone birdie came on No. 2, a 155-yard par 3.

But the most obvious physical challenge left evidence on junior Michael Phillips’ scorecard.

“He had a problem with his eyes after number three and had to take his contacts out,” Leatherman said. ‘If you look at his scorecard, he had a hard time, especially on the back nine.”

The junior’s card shows bogeys on three, four and five with a double on six.

“It affects his putting and everything,” Leatherman said. “He is going to a clinic tonight. He might have a scratched cornea.”

The team will have an 8:30 a.m. tee time Friday, according to Leatherman.

“This is good because they can get out and get a good start before the wind picks up,” he said. “We need to record a good score and let the other teams chase it.”

Lufkin is in sixth place with a 304, 16 strokes behind Austin Westlake.

Sam Fidone shot the best round for Lufkin with a one over 73 followed by Will Griffin with a 74. The other three teammates were not far behind with Phillips at 78, Dunbar at 79 and Lewis at 80.

New business just opening, just what Lufkin needs for the outh of our community. A recereatioal atmosphere that teaches the proper techniques of baseball and softball hitting. Owners Bud and Judy Maddux are seasoned inn the games of baseball and softball. Judy is currently the directory of Lufkin Youth baseball, and Bud Maddux has years of experience see his website for details on his experience.

LufkinConnects.com was on hand for the hitting clinic, with the coaches heading the baseball and softball portion; we gave out prizes throughout the day to youth participating in the clinic. We want to show our support for a job well done by Bud and Judy Maddux. Our community needed a training facility of this type; that hosts educational sessions as well as providing entertainment for the family. They even have a party room available for celebrations and meetings, as well as an arcade.

Brookshire Brothers located on Chestnut Street in Lufkin had their Summer of Savings Parking Lot Event this past Saturday from 10 am to 1pm.

LufkinConnects.com staff was on hand to experience the excitement, and all the festivities. All Mom’s received a special gift which was an exquisite long stem rose. There was a giant Rotisserie on the parking lot cooking full slab ribs & whole chickens for sale and sampling. There were samples galore from ribs, to chicken pineapple habanera tacos. Wine samples, and sales throughout the store. The florist was full of designers and helpers completing Mother’s day orders. The pharmacy was on hand taking blood pressure checks, and giving gifts as customers spun the monthly prize wheel.

On the side walk you could register for drawings to win such things as Astros baseball tickets, and 2 $500.00 red diamond gift card shopping sprees. You could spin the Cellular One wheel for additional prizes. Brookshire Brothers is a huge part of our community with 3 local locations for our shopping convenience. The corporate office located her in Lufkin do their part with local donations and fundraisers for our hometown and surrounding communities. Hat’s off for all the support you give our local community.