TJMag April 2015 by editor@tjmag.com

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president: Stephanie Oliver general manager: Kim Iribarren kim@tjmag.com managing editor: Beth Johnson editor@tjmag.com event photography: Lisa Crow layout and design: Macy Haffey ad design: Samantha Miller contributors: Melissa & Tiffani Dale Bounds Jessica Tinsley Bridges Majal Minguez Angie Nichols Melissa Radke Angela Shannon Cary Sims Kathryn Stamy

t feels like the official first day of spring was forever ago. The leisurely days of spring break happened long ago on the calendar. But now, spring baseball has begun and outfits were dusted off for Easter. A more markable event of spring arriving in East Texas is rodeo time!

One of my family’s favorite events to partake in, as many nights as possible, is the Angelina Benefit Rodeo. As a mom and an implant East Texan, I love going as many nights as possible, too. The event is another testament of what East Texas is all about. A group of local people (Lufkin Hosts Lions Club) putting in a lot of blood, sweat, and probably tears into a huge project to give back to the community. In my 14 years here, I have never seen a local need go unmet. This community rallies together in remarkable ways. So, as you make your plans for the week of April 22, grab your extended family, go by Cavender’s Boot City for tickets, and have fun at this year’s Angelina Benefit Rodeo! Be sure to stop by for a picture with the queen, Hayley McKnight!

STEPHANIE OLIVER

PRESIDENT

THIS ISN’T JUST A MOTHER’S DAY GIFT shown: .925 sterling silver rings with14k eternity detail and hand-set pavé.

THE RODEO ISSUE

14 Burlap & Besties 18 Home Tour 22 Home Grown 24 {DIY}

28 Rodeo Queen 30 Youth Rodeo 32 Power Couple

38 Something Abundant 42 Fashion 44 Stretch Marks

46 Super Kids 48 Pretty Babies 52 Look at Me

56 Agricultural Leadership 60 In the Know 62 Chamber News

66 Newsworthy 70 In Memoriam 72 Wildlife 74 Trophy Room

HOME

COMMUNITY

LIFE

CHILD

Bull Riding at the 2014 Angelina Benefit Rodeo

BUSINESS

EAST

| photo taken by Lisa Crow Photography

On our cover: photo taken by Becki Basham

PO Box 150537 | Lufkin, Texas 75915 Physical:

115 E. Shepherd | Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-634-7188 | advertise@tjmag.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 9

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Brookshire Brothers Helps Moms Help Their Families. Our FREE Prescription Delivery Leaves You Time To Take Care of Who Really Matters!

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HOME 14 BURLAP & BESTIES | 18 HOME TOUR | 22 HOME GROWN | 24 {DIY}

One Man’s Junk is Our Treasure!

e love having things in our home that have a story or special memory attached to them. We also love things that are real cheap or even better - free!! You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have great things; you just need to look past the grit and grime and see the possibilities of what a little effort can do to bring something back to life!!

Party Tip: A nice tray is a fun way to add something special to any party or home decor. Place your appetizers on it with a stack of small plates or napkins and set it up for your guests to enjoy a bite to eat while mingling. Also use it on your serving table to stack sandwiches or fruits. You can also use it to decorate your coffee table when you aren’t throwing a dinner party! Whatever the use may be, it’s a great idea to have a tray or two. This tray was an exciting find at an estate sale. It’s super

old and was an awful brown color with a crazy f loral design on it. It was dusty and dirty and just lying around. I snagged it for $.50. I took it home, scrubbed it up, and then spray painted gold on the rim and used grey chalk paint for the inside grey and white chalk paint for the outside. Lastly, I slapped on a coat of polyurethane. Quick turn around and this baby has a new life on my coffee table! tjmag.com • 13

BURLAP & BESTIES

One Man's Junk Is Our Treasure /// Continued

before

Chair Shelf after We knew that this project would be easiest with a chair that had a solid seat, but this one was the perfect size and a great price at Hicks Antiques, one of our favorite downtown shops!

SUPPLIES: • small child’s chair • circular saw • hanging hardware • chalk paint -We used Chaux Belle’s “Fit of Greige” and “Vanilla Paper” (Both can be purchased on etsy.com or at Burke St. Antiques Downtown) • matte finish polyurethane

1. First, saw off your back two legs at your desired height. We left ours sticking up about an inch. 2. Next, you’re going to saw off the front of the chair at your desired depth. We made ours 6 inches deep. If your chair does not have a solid seat, (ours had a woven seat) then remove the seating before cutting and then attach a scrap piece of wood for your shelf. 3. Paint your chair and let it dry. 4. We did several coats of polyurethane on our chair because we knew it would be hanging in the bathroom and exposed to moisture. If your chair is going somewhere other than a bathroom or kitchen you could use wax instead. 5. Once your chair is completely dry, add your hanging hardware to the back and you’re ready to put it up and accessorize it!!

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by Melissa & Tiffani

after

Piano Coffee Bar The good folks in Melissa’s neighborhood always throw out the best stuff!! I had no idea that I so desperately needed an old piano in my house until I saw it on the side of the road on the way to a birthday party. Then I worried the entire party that someone was going to snatch this baby up before I could go get it. When I was telling people at the party about this gem I found they all looked at me like I was a little off my rocker. I didn’t help my case when they asked me what would I do with it and my answer was, “I don’t know, I just know that I NEED it!” So after it sat in my garage for a few months, it finally found the perfect place in our home as my coffee bar!!

SUPPLIES: • piano • spray paint • white primer • teal latex paint • dark brown glaze • matte finish polyurethane • optional- Grinder or Wire Cutters if you have wire you want to remove

1. You can see from the ‘before’ pic that our piano was in a state of disrepair when we got it, but I think that just makes it more interesting that you can see the metal workings! My husband took on the task of grinding off all the metal wires that were sticking out after I tried to do it myself with some wire cutters. If you only have a few to snip then the wire cutters will work, but we had a lot to cut! 2. Spray paint the inside back of the piano; we used our trusty gold spray paint. 3. Use a rolling brush to apply your white primer, letting some of the wood show through.

4. Once your primer dries, roll on your teal paint in the same manner, letting some white and wood show. 5. After your paint dries, dry brush ( just use a small amount) on your dark brown glaze. 6. We put one coat of polyurethane on the entire piano and then several coats on the top and the shelf since they are going to get the most use. Now have fun decorating your coffee bar!! A piano would also make a great desk or eating area for kids!

One Man's Junk Is Our Treasure /// Continued

before

Shutter Mail Holder You can find shutters just about anywhere. This one was in Tif’s mom’s house. She took it down when she did some updating and we snatched it up. (The story went more like Tif suggested she take down the shutters and then innocently said she would take it!) 1. Paint your slats first and make sure to “pack your patience” for this, because it gets a little annoying with them flopping back and forth!! Prop your shutter upside down for this to dry so that your slats are hanging open and don’t stick together.

SUPPLIES: • shutter • hanging hardware • piece of thin scrap wood -piece of pallet wood will work! • drill and screws • decorative knob • chalk paint -We used Chaux Belle’s “Fit of Greige” and “Vanilla Paper” (Both can be purchased on etsy.com or at Burke St. Antiques Downtown) • dark wax • optional- drawer pull

2. Measure and cut your piece of wood to go on the back of your shutter. This will be what keeps your mail from falling through, so you want it to be as close to the slats as possible. 3. Attach the wood to the back with screws. 4. Attach your hanging hardware. 5. Now flip your shutter back over and finish painting.

after

6. Once your paint is dry, apply a coat of wax. Make sure to wax your slats good and get down in between them as best as possible so your mail will slide in and out easily. We just used a rag and squeezed our fingers in between them! 7. After your wax is completely dry, add your decorative knob to the top. We have a chalk board next to our shutter, so we also added a drawer pull upside down to hold our chalk. Now hang up your shutter and get your mail off your counter top!

Melissa is a housewife who loves her husband and son, Ben and Ty, more than anything else on earth. In a previous life, she was a CPA. Her passion for serving Jesus took her and Ben to Africa for two years where, among other things, she learned she can never pack too many crafting supplies. If you want to see a happy girl, give Melissa an old piece of furniture and a paintbrush then stand back and watch the magic happen.

Tiffani Brantner is a part-time nurse and student, a constant crafter, party-thrower, "idea-comer-upper", and a richly rewarded wife and mother to Jeff and Cullen. Call her to come and get your old junk, she LOVES it! She'll turn it into something beautiful, create a theme, throw a party around it, and invite you as the guest of honor. You can reach Tiffani day or night at tifandmel@gmail.com.

photographed by Lisa Crow

PLACES & FACES

Junior League of Lufkin Spring Market

Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!

HOME TOUR

A Slice of Heaven

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any have called Courtney and Brett Gould's 4.96 acres of fenced property in Hudson a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;slice of heaven.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The 3600-square-foot main house offers four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a game room and an office. In addition, there is a 1200-square-foot guest home, pool, pool house and sauna. The property is also home to a stocked pond. You feel hidden away from the world, but you are less than 5 minutes from town. This home place is the best of both worlds.

PLACES & FACES

photographed by The Painted Clock Photography

Bella Salon Fashion Show

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HOME GROWN

by Cary Sims | Angelina County Extension Agent – Agriculture/Natural Resources

A Backyard Orchard

t sounds so tempting to be able to go out your back door and pick fresh fruit for your family, to have a corner of your yard with your favorite fruit tree, a hedgerow with berries or perhaps an arbor with fruit hanging.

If you have been contemplating walking out your back door and harvesting fresh blueberries, peaches, blackberries, figs, persimmons or other fruiting delights, now is the time to plan and plant for those future harvests. Our local nurseries have a variety of fruit, nut and berry plants ready for planting. Before rushing to make that purchase, you need to do some homework. Make sure that the fruit type and variety you select will grow and produce for you – and that you are able to provide the maintenance required ensuring you’ll have future harvests. Not all types of fruits and berries will grow well in East Texas. Some are easier to grow than others. For example, rabbit-eye blueberries are very well adapted to East Texas conditions, as are blackberries, Japanese persimmons and figs. Unfortunately, the majority of high quality table and wine grape varieties are susceptible to a life-shortening pest called Pierce’s Disease. However, there are some types that will thrive here, including Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish, as well as the native southern Muscadine grapes which grow exceptionally well here.

To learn more online, go to http://aggie-horticulture.tamu. edu/. In addition, come to the April seminar for Homegrown to Homemade: Home Fruit Production at the Angelina County Extension Office on Monday, April 20 at 6:30 pm. Greg Grant from SFA is the featured speaker. Cost is $10.

A few popular grocery store fruits and nuts may appear in catalogs that provide tempting pictures and descriptions, but are not adapted to our region. Reasons include temperature-related problems (early/late freezes, not enough winter chilling, summers too hot) plus humidity and disease limitations. A few to avoid for East Texas include almonds, pistachios, cherries, filberts, gooseberries, currants, and kiwi. The apricot tree is hardy, but fruiting is very inconsistent. Several fruit types require more than one variety to ensure proper pollination and fruit set. These include apple, blueberry, pear, plum and some Muscadine grape varieties. When selecting these types, be sure to include more than one named variety in your yard or orchard. Pecans also benefit from having more than one variety close by. However, since pecan pollen is carried on the wind and not by insects, nearby pecan trees in your neighborhood will supply the need. Peaches do not require a second variety for pollination. With careful selection, you can often extend your harvest season by planting more than one variety. For example, you could harvest peaches from late May through early August by choosing the right varieties. On the other hand, you might end up with fruit rotting on the ground by planting too many trees with similar ripening dates.

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Exceptional style. Enduring quality. Great kitchen and bath designs start at Coburn’s. Great kitchens and baths start with great ideas. Coburn’s new Kitchen & Bath Showroom offers an extraordinary range of solutions – from high-end luxury to entry-level chic –that perform as well as they look. And, our experienced sales professionals are ready to show you inspiring products, answer your questions, and guide your selections. So, if you’re building a new home, updating, remodeling, or just want a single replacement faucet, great kitchens and baths start at Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom.

KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM 2950 S. John Redditt, Lufkin(in the Palms Shopping Center) Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. After-hours and Saturdays by appointment 936-238-3957 • coburns.com

Lufkin Journey – half-page (8.375" x 5.25")

“You Can Trust Truss”

(936) 639-3960 www.trussandsonplumbing.com

ROY TRUSS M-10366 RORY TRUSS M-21835

2204 N. John Reddit Lufkin, TX 75901 tjmag.com • 23

{DIY}HOME DO-IT-YOURSELF TOUR

SPRING IS IN,

BUGS ARE OUT! pring is here… a time for picnics, gardening and outdoor fun. Spring also means that the BUGS are out. It’s not fun to get bitten by mosquitos. Their bites can be irritating, painful and very itchy; they can also transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, Lyme disease, yellow fever, encephalitis and dengue fever.

So what can we use for insect repellant that truly works yet is safe for our family? Well, it is not DEET. According to Dr. Mercola, “Most insect repellants out there are loaded with toxic chemicals including the pesticide DEET, which is so poisonous that even the Environmental Protection Agency says you should wash it off your skin when you return indoors, avoid breathing it in and not spray it directly on your face.” For our family, we use therapeutic-grade essential oils. Homemade bug sprays are very simple to make, safe to use even for babies and very effective in repelling all sorts of bugs.

DIY BUG REPELLANT SPRAY • 10 drops Young Living Peppermint essential oil • 10 drops Young Living Citronella essential oil • 10 drops Young Living Lemongrass essential oil • 1 Tbsp Aloe Vera Gel • 1 Tbsp Witch Hazel • Distilled Water In a 4 oz spray glass bottle, combine aloe vera gel, witch hazel and all essential oils. Fill the rest with distilled water until ¾ full. Shake well before using.

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by Majal Minguez

HELPFUL TIPS: If you are around horses a lot, add 10 drops of Idaho Tansy to the above recipe for horse flies. Add 3-5 drops each of Peppermint, Citronella and Lemongrass to a bowl of Epsom Salt and place it in your back porch or picnic table to trap or catch mosquitos. For bug bites, I mix 6 drops of Lavender and 6 drops of Melaleuca (aka Tea Tree) essential oils in a 10 ml roller bottle, then fill the rest with a carrier oil (almond, avocado or olive oil ). Apply directly on affected area. Here’s a great bug spray for plants: In a 4 oz spray bottle, mix ½ Tbsp liquid castile soap, 3-5 drops of Peppermint or Citronella essential oil and fill the rest with distilled water. Shake well before each use. Spray the infested plant lightly. For fleas, place 5 drops of Pine essential oil on cedar wood chips and place these where fleas are seen; use Patchouli essential oil in the same manner for moths. In the home, you can place a few drops of Peppermint, Citronella or Lemongrass essential oils in a cotton ball and place it where insects are seen.

Majal Minguez and her family live in Luf kin. Her youngest son, Axel, is in the Autism Spectrum. In their journey to recover him from Autism, the family has learned that detoxifying his body and their house are major pieces of the puzzle to Autism Recovery. You can reach Majal Minguez at whollymerry@yahoo.com.

ESSENTIAL OIL WORKSHOPS: May 12 & May 19, 2015 @ 5:30 pm (Tuesday) MAKE, TAKE AND LEARN We will discuss the basics of essential oils and the many uses of the 10 most commonly used oils. Each participant will make and take an 8 oz household cleaner, 8 oz foaming hand soap and a 4 oz air freshener spray.

HOST A WORKSHOP FOR YOUR GROUP Choose from these fun workshops: Make, Take and Roll – Make six 10ml roll on bottles of first aid essentials. Ladies Night Out – Treat yourself to a fun DIY facial treatment and take home 3 DIY facial products. Detoxify your House – Learn how to make laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, shampoo and deodorant. Call Majal at 936.634.4282 for more information or to reserve your spot at a workshop.

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PLACES & FACES

Career Day at Peavy Primary

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COMMUNITY 28 RODEO QUEEN | 30 YOUTH RODEO | 32 POWER COUPLE

his year’s Rodeo Queen is proving to be like many of the queens in the past, simply amazing. Hayley McKnight will proudly wear the crown and sash at this year’s Angelina Benefit Rodeo.

RODEO Hayley QUEEN M c Knight tjmag.com • 27

RODEO QUEEN

Rodeo Queen Hayley McKnight /// Continued

cKnight is a senior at Central High School. She will graduate in May. She currently attends Angelina College and will graduate with 15 college credits. She plans to attend Blinn College in the fall. Her ultimate goal is to transfer to Texas A&M to major in Animal Science/Embryology.

“I have always been the type of person to set goals for myself, whether they are short or long term, and give everything I have to achieve them. My education has always been first, and then my sport. I most definitely do not play a common sport, such as basketball or softball, but my sport is just like any other. It requires determination, responsibility and most of all, being educated. My sport is showing registered Limousine cattle. I started showing seven years ago at my local county fair and have never regretted one minute of the dedication and time it has taken. I can’t explain the joy, excitement and thrill showing brings to my life. The time that I spend at the barn working with these amazing animals has taught me so much responsibility and gives me a sense of what work ethic really means,” says Hayley McKnight. Not only does Hayley exemplify hard work and determination in her sport, but also in her extracurricular activities. Hayley works as a Cattle Exhibitor Instructor and also volunteers at Kessel Veterinary Clinic. She currently serves as the Vice President for her FFA team and President of her 4H chapter. Another major accomplishment is being chosen as an Angelina County Drug Free All-Star. All of her accomplishments, along with her leadership skills, are why she encompasses all the qualities to serve as the 2015 Rodeo Queen.

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photos by Becki Basham

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YOUTH HOMERODEO TOUR

logancook

hen Logan was 5 years old, he started practicing on his own. His mother, Leslie Cook, said he would get his rope and practice on the roping dummy. At the age of 6, he began competing. Cook joined the PYRA association participating in the dummy roping, barrels, poles and goat tying.

That year was a learning year. The next year, Cook won the goat tying event. When he was 9 years old, he won the all around cowboy. Looking at his rodeo career, it seems as if that year is when it all began to come together for Cook. He later joined the Region 5 Junior High Rodeo Association. He entered calf roping, goat tying, team roping and ribbon roping. In 2009, his sixth grade year, he won Rookie of the Year and All Around. He and his family were very surprised. To every mothers disdain, in 8th grade, Logan added on bull riding to his events. Cook’s 7th and 8th grade year, he won the all around, again, along with team roping. His 7th grade year, he competed in state and won boys’ breakaway roping. In 8th grade he won goat tying and tie down.

In 2013, Cook began competing with Region 5 High School Rodeo Association. That year, he won Rookie of the Year and the All Around. To his mothers delight, he dropped the bull riding event, but picked up saddle bronc. His sophomore year, he added another All Around to his resume. Both his freshman and sophomore year, Cook qualified for state. From state, his sophomore year, he then moved on to Nationals. This year, he is competing and looking to add another All Around to his name. As of right now, he is standing in the lead for calf roping and saddle bronc. Cook took on a new event as well, bull dogging. Calf roping is what he enjoys the most and feels he is best. He has never tried bare back. This year, Logan Cook has a goal to go to State and Nationals. His ultimate goal is to go to college on a rodeo scholarship and one day make it to the NFR. He isn’t far from reaching those goals. Colleges have been calling and making offers. He still has another year to graduate in 2016. Even with his busy schedule, Logan finds time to play football for Alto High School. Rodeo and practice still go on during football season. Cook says he loves the ranch life. His dream is to have his own ranch to run cattle. To date, Cook has won over 40 saddles and many buckles along with tens of thousands in prize money. Region 5 Finals will take place April 11-12 where he will look to get a few more titles under his belt.

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addieliles

ddie Liles lives and breathes rodeo. If you ask her if caring for and riding her horse is a dread, she quickly answers, “Absolutely not.”

This passion began when she was six years old. Addie began competing when she was eight years old. That first competition was not her best performance. “That was a combination of nerves and a bad horse,” says Liles. With a lot of practice, studying and a new horse, by the age of nine Addie was on her way to make strides in the rodeo world. She looks back and remembers when she was 5 years old and went to Ebenezer (an Equine park) at Sam Rayburn. “This stands out in my mind because it was very calming for the horses and my horse.” “I got my first good horse as a gift from my parents when I was 9 years old. I named her Crystal. My dad and I ‘pinky promised’ to never sell her.” Addie practiced and worked hard learning the sport, entering in local events around the area. Once she was in junior high, she began competing in Region 5. Liles competed in barrels, poles, goats, breakaway and team roping. During her 7th grade year, she

earned Rookie of the Year, and in 8th grade she won reserve all around and a goat tying saddle. This year she moved up to High School Region 5. As a ninth grader, she is in the running for rookie of the year and all around. She shares, “I love this sport. My goal this year is to win rookie, but I knew it would be tough. There are over 70 barrel racers.” The sport of rodeo takes a lot of discipline. Liles says, “It’s a team effort with my parents taking care of the horses. Riding, grooming, feeding two to three horses every day and after school is a lot of work. But, I am so anxious to get home every day, because I love it.” Along with rodeo, Addie played Varsity Basketball this year. She was honorable mention in district. The Central Bulldogs made it to the third round of the playoffs, the first time in twenty-one years for the school. Region 5 will be completing in their High School Finals the weekend of April 11-12. To date, she has won 8 saddles and 30 buckles. After the Finals Weekend, she hopes to add a few more to her collection. Win or lose, Liles gives all the credit to the Lord.

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POWER COUPLE

Morgan & Friday Wright

t took three years of friends trying to get them together, but once they finally met, it was love at first sight.

The rodeo life is hard on anyone. It’s definitely hard on a marriage. Friday says, “I think that is why we work. We both know what it takes to make rodeo work. She understands the commitment it takes if you want to be a professional and make a living doing this, especially in the heart of the season when you are gone for three full months in the summer.” Morgan is a barrel racer. However, she won the All Around all four years during her high school career, so Morgan is knowledgeable in most events. Friday is a bull rider. He did most events before, but he said he just had a knack for bull riding and decided to stick with it. That is exactly what he has done since he was 18. Friday has had a good career. He has claimed the top spot at the high school finals, college f inals, CBR f inals, circuit f inals and the Dodge National Finals. Friday Wright says the only thing left to check off his list is the NFR. Last year he was on his way to Reaching his goal when a bull changed that plan. He was riding in a rodeo in Arkansas when a bull kicked him in the face and broke his jaw. “My wife is my biggest supporter. The injuries don’t scare me; I know that is part of it. My mom and family want me to quit every time I get hurt. Morgan knows my goals and doesn’t want me to quit before I reach them.” When asked about their marriage and rodeo, Friday says, “We are a partnership. We are teammates. We work out together and ride together. She motivates me more than I motivate myself.” Friday has another month left of recovery before he can start back up. You can watch Morgan ride at the Angelina Benefit Rodeo. The future is bright for these two. We may be watching them at the NFR one day.

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TJMAG&CO | an original since 2005 tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 33

PLACES & FACES

photographed by Laurie Cordray

Brookshire Brothers & Polk Oil Scholarship Winners

Garret Ashabranner Hudson

Chelsey Brown Zavalla

Samantha Cayton Hudson

Eduardo Concha Lufkin

Sarah Holcombe Huntington

Madison Jeffrey Hudson

Colton Martin Huntington

Lynsey McFarland Hudson

Hayley McKnight Central

Adriana Mosley Hudson

Rhett Parmer Central

Cheyenne Swor Diboll

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- AN EAST TEXAS TRADITION SINCE 1959 -

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PLACES & FACES

photographed by Laurie Cordray

2015 Youth Fair Foul Futurity sponsored by Socia Septic Systems

Grand Champion Gelding: Chelsey Brown Zavalla 4-H Reserve Champion Gelding: Clarice Flesher Huntington FFA Grand Champion Filly: Justin Boulware Zavalla 4-H Reserve Champion Filly: Devon Lout Huntington 4-H Jr. Showmanship: Monty Powers Central 4-H Sr. Showmanship: Chelsey Brown Zavalla 4-H Herdsman Award for Horses: Zavalla 4-H

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LIFE 38 SOMETHING ABUNDANT | 42 FASHION | 44 STRETCH MARKS

oday you learn the Fufulde word for “woman.” It’s Debbo. I’ve just returned from West Africa where I had the joy of teaching a group of Fulani women about the life and love of Jesus at a four day conference, and I’ve either said the Fulfulde word for “woman” (because it’s one of only a handful I know) or heard it spoken by a translator a zillion times. The Fulani women who attended this conference are f irst generation, front line leaders of an infant church in a very

harsh and gospel-thirsty land and in a culture where women are not traditionally taught or given a voice. In our time together, God appointed our theme to be “debbo.” He gave plenty of evidence in His Word that He esteems woman and grants her inf luence for His kingdom. But I hope you will not insert the image of your latest women’s church experience in your mind when you picture this event.

Debbo tjmag.com • 37

SOMETHING ABUNDANT

Debbo /// Continued I’ve attended many women’s church functions and even speak at or host a growing number of women’s events each year. It never gets old watching a group of women gather. Typically, there are those awkward arrivals. You wonder if you wore the right shoes, if anyone else traded their Spanx for a pair of baggy capris at the last minute, if your hair is already frizzed and if your lipstick is on your teeth. Choosing a seat is so much pressure. You DO NOT want to get stuck sitting next to “that girl.” You know the one. You can’t put your f inger on what is so annoying about her, but you just can’t sit next to her again. JUST CAN’T EVEN. When things get rolling, you settle in and hope the speaker is funny, or at least dresses cute so you can get some fresh fashion ideas. She makes everyone participate in an ice breaker and you puke a little. I kid. Women’s church events can be great fun. I will say, though, that when women gather, an avid peoplewatcher can find an epic drama to rival The Real Housewives of Wherever. This is true in America, as well as in West Africa, or in any community on God’s great Earth I suspect. I have noticed a few differences in the women’s gatherings in America and in the African desert. Not the least of which, in West Africa, we met in the open air which registered 104˚ during a dust storm. Every woman wore a colorful skirt and head cover as is their custom and so is the standard for American visitors. This does negate the insecure thoughts about my hair frizzing, which is actually kind of great. However, it does not lend itself for cute photos to post on facebook when you get home.

38 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

For example:

Frizz is not the worry here, obviously. Looking like a homeless drunk gypsy, yes. The Fulani women pull the look off so much better. Gorgeous, right?

I’ve noticed another big difference between American women and Fulani women gathering to hear about Jesus. Most women in America who attend church meetings or conferences have heard the gospel story hundreds of times. Many grew up in church, attended youth events as youngsters,

believed in Jesus, walked an aisle, and got baptized. They aren’t looking for history lessons or clichés, but rather, to see how or if Jesus fits into the broken places of a messy grown-up life. She wants to know if Jesus can do something about the emptiness inside a soul who possesses all she ever dreamed of having and still can’t find peace. She’s looking for something real, something practical, and something that works. The woman who lives in a hut in the West African desert most likely has never heard the name of Jesus. If she has, she probably never thought He had anything for her. She spends her days hefting water buckets on her head from the well to her mud home, pounding millet into f lour for porridge or bread, caring for multiple children, an infant likely tied to her back and making every effort to keep them fed and healthy. She has most likely never attended schooling of any type or even held a pencil in her hand. She probably married very young (some to become the second or third wife to one man) and has never been taught religious beliefs of any sort. As part of an Islamic people group, she is traditionally viewed as a possession and isn’t given a voice in such matters. She is looking for food, water, and a position of value. At first glance, we don’t have much in common with Fulani women. In fact, we live in entirely different worlds. I often ask God why He would send one such as me to teach in a place where I don’t fit in with the fashion, culture, language or offer any experience or expertise for their day-to-day needs at hand. I still don’t know the answer to that question, but I have noticed

by Angie Nichols

some striking similarities to the women I teach in America and the women in West Africa, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to notice. The similarities come into sharp focus at precisely the same moments in each gathering: the moment Jesus shows up. When same old stories are taught and the question is asked, “Woman, why are you crying?” The moment she hears His Spirit whisper her name and realizes He is talking to her, seeking her, pursuing her. When she opens her eyes to the Light, the look is always the same. Unique to her particular facial structure, skin pigment and eye color, but identical in stunning radiance. When a woman sees herself in the ref lection of Jesus’ gaze, she beams in His reflected glory. It never gets old to watch. I’ve witnessed women in their 70s and 80s turn to seventeen year old knockouts. I’ve heard women who don’t speak a word of English communicate a lifetime of personal pain made beautiful by the age old story of Jesus. I’ve seen the most cynical women, in need of decades of religious detox, transform almost instantly into freedom.

join the adventure God invites her to, not shrinking in fear for her future. None hating another, but extending her hands to serve and love her sisters with the news of her Forgiver.

Debbo, what has Jesus called you to? What do you need to hear from Him? Do you know this perfect Love that casts out all fear, meets every need? If you believe Him for your eternity, will you trust Him for your today? He is the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Way, the Truth. His Word is solid and His ways work. He is the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the ALMIGHTY. Woman, meet Jesus. In Africa, America or anywhere else on this spinning planet, He changes everything. Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” (Matt. 15:28)

When one meets Jesus, the most amazing miracle happens. An insecure girl changes into Bride. A gathering of women turns from a train wreck to a wedding party, each with a unique gift to share, not a wound to hide. Every one esteemed and championed, not compared and measured. All equipped and joyful to

Angie Nichols is the founder of Something Abundant Ministries, serving women through worship, ministry, and Biblical teaching and the author of Something Abundant: growing from a child of God to the bride of Christ. Her passion is for women to know the beauty of an abundant life knowing Christ as Bridegroom. She is married to Chris and they have one daughter, Mycah. For more information, to read Angie’s blog, or book speaking events visit: somethingabundantministries.org.

tjmag.com • 39

PLACES & FACES

photographed by Lisa Crow

Loving Honda Grand Opening

Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!

tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 41

by Jessica Tinsley Bridges, Creator of jesslea.com

New Season, New Shoes

FASHION

Spring 2015 Shoe Trends

hoes are my favorite kind of trends to try and my favorite fashion item. Don’t make me tell you how many pairs I have! With the changing of every season I look forward to trying a few new shoe trends. For one, shoes wear out by nature, so trying a trendy pair now and then doesn’t feel like a big investment. And two, I find new, unique shoes easier to pull off because they are worn so far away from your face. I have collected my favorite spring 2015 shoe trends, all which are under $60. Happy spring shoe shopping!

Strap: You will find ankle straps on f lats and 1 Ankle sandals, and this season you will find them in many

Gladiators: Gladiators are still hot for spring 2015! It seems this trend keeps coming back every spring. This trend first came out in spring/summer 2008, and this season they are back. You’ll see this style in sandals and booties. | $41.99, a.n.a. Piper Wedge Booties, JCP

When it comes to high heels, this season’s most 2 T-Strap: fashionable ones are the ones with a T-strap. It gives a

Animal & Reptile Prints: Animal and reptile prints are in! Look for leopard, cheetah & snakeskin sandals in every color of the rainbow. This print can take the place of your neutral shoes and fit right in with your current wardrobe. | $32.99, Shirley Pump, Target

Fringe: This season you will be seeing more of this western-style detail on shoes. From heels to sandals, these strands are going to be eye-catching everywhere you go. I love the boho & 70’s feel of Fringe. | $39.99, Sam & Libby Hughes Gladiator Fringe Sandals, Target

Wedges: A tall wedge may look scary, but it’s surprisingly comfortable. Wedge sandals are perfect for a laid-back, but fresh, daytime vibe. This style is great for days where you’ll be walking a lot or if you prefer a little more stability without sacrificing style. Wedge sandals come in many heights, textures and colors, making them extremely versatile wardrobe pieces. | $32.94, Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals, Old Navy

different colors and patterns. You can wear these to dress up skinny jeans or with your favorite little black dress. | $29.99, Pamela Heeled Sandal, Target

girly vibe to your outf it. | $60, SM Pixie Strappy T-Strap Sandals

Heels: Chunky heels are comfortable and 3 Chunky easy to walk in. These heels are so chic and modern. They’re a must-have in your wardrobe and can be paired with everything from skinny jeans to a springy dress. | $32.94, Block-Heel Sandals, Old Navy

Don’t be scared to wear a pair of metallic 4 Metallic: sandals this season. Consider them the new neutral

color. The most popular metallics for this season are silver, gold and rose gold. These can be worn with just about anything. | $41.99, Michael Antonio Gladwinn Wedges, JCP

Jessica (Jess) is a 28-year old brunette born and raised in Lufkin. She is in love with fashion and wearing high heels, even though she’s 5’10’’. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a Fashion Merchandising degree. She and her husband live in Houston with their 2 dogs, Bella and Bentley. She is an assistant buyer for a department store in Houston, Texas. She has her own fashion blog, Jess Lea where she shares her love for fashion on a budget. | photo by The Silhouette Studio

tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 43

STRETCH MARKS

by Melissa Radke

QUEEN OF THE HORSES ’m supposed to be writing about rodeos. Rodeos! Me! What do I know about rodeos? Here, I’ll make a list of things I know about rodeos:

• Luke Perry was in a movie about one. • They serve funnel cakes. • The sound system makes it impossible to understand one thing they are saying. • Boots hurt my feet. • George Strait. The list of things I don’t know about rodeos would be much longer. For instance, the rodeo queen, or rodeo princess or, in layman’s terms, the girl on the horse with a crown. Now hear me, I’m not knocking the queen. Heck, I’d LOVE TO BE ONE! I’m just wondering who does the voting. No one has ever asked me who should get to wear that sash or ride in the back of that Dodge Ram. So how does one become Queen of the Horses? Because you must’ admit, that’s an awesome gig, and I want it! You know what? It’s probably someone that looks good in jeans. Ok. Mystery solved. I would imagine rodeo queens are very different from pageant queens. I could be wrong about this. But it seems like one would be good at things like Texas History and daring animal rescues – and the other would be good at pop culture references and pointing out places on a map. Now, do not send me an email about dissing pageant queens, because I have not said anything that would be considered a diss. I can spout off pop culture references all day! I would rule on that category! For instance…

out) During dinner I said, “Okay, I’m going to ask you some questions as if I were a judge.” ( WHICH I SHOULD BE! SOMEONE MAKES THIS HAPPEN!) She agreed to play along, so off we went. Me: Tell me, Contestant #7, what would you do to ensure our children are safe in our public school systems? Not just from violence outside of the walls, but also from government regulated testing within them? (WHAAAAA?? I know! This question rocks!) Her: World peace. (I kid you not, this was her response.) If everyone would just be nicer to each other so many of our problems would be solved. And then, that was it. She was done. If I had been judging she would’ve won on cuteness, but not on answering questions. Her: Ok, my turn. You’re the contestant this time Melissa Radke! Contestant #7, how can we make our public education system in America even stronger? Me: Well, first of all, let me tell you what I believe. I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and then let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. We need to give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be. Her: ……silence……. That was beautiful! You should’ve won with that speech. Hey, did everyone hear what she just said? That was ah-mazing’! The Attorney General: Yes, we heard it. I also heard it on the radio the other day while I was getting my teeth cleaned. He doesn’t appreciate my awesomeness. Which is why I should be the Queen of the Horses! Although Queen of the Bull is a much better fit.

A few months ago I was having dinner across the table from a young girl who has competed in many different pageants. (Maybe she even won some. I don’t know, but the conversation wasn’t about me so I tend to tune those

Melissa Radke is married to the best looking man in town, whom she affectionately refers to as The Attorney General. They have two children, Remi and Rocco; you have probably seen their picture in the Most Wanted list at your local schools. She loves movie popcorn, telling her friends what to do with their hair and being the center of attention. You can find her anytime at melissa@luf kin.org or Chik-fil-A. You are encouraged to ask for her autograph. In fact, she insists.

CHILD 46 SUPER KIDS | 48 PRETTY BABIES | 52 LOOK AT ME

Drug Free All Stars hope to put an end to smoking! tjmag.com • 45

SUPER KIDS

DRUG FREE ALL STARS

he Drug Free All Stars are high school seniors from Angelina County high schools who are role models and leaders in the community. The All Stars commit themselves to live a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free lifestyle. They are active during their senior year as they volunteer their time in the community. The Drug Free All Star program is coordinated by The Coalition. Maria Caldera, Coalition Coordinator for The Coalition, organizes the program.

their duties on the beginning of their senior year. They go through an extensive training to help them prepare to talk to the media, as well as the public, about the issues on which they stand firm. They are called on throughout the year to be volunteers and role models in the community and to demonstrate to others what it really means to live a drug, alcohol and tobacco free lifestyle. If your son or daughter is interested in becoming a future All Star, please contact Maria Caldera at The Coalition, for more information.

To become an All Star, the youth must turn in an application in the last month of their junior year and have two recommendations from teachers, counselors, bosses or other adults with whom they have a professional relationship. The applications are reviewed and then the youth are called individually for a short interview. A board member, Coalition volunteers, or Maria can interview them. The staff and board make the final decisions and the youth are notified in the summer, before the beginning of their senior year. The ones who are chosen are contacted and they begin

2014-2015 Drug Free All Stars Maria Caldera

Coalition Coordinator

Daniel Boonstra Hudson High School

Joshua Davis Lufkin High School

Lindsey Akridge Lufkin High School

Kassidy Brown Lufkin High School

Katie Emmons Lufkin High School

Alli Bartlett Lufkin High School

Travis Carrell Huntington High School

Will Fain Hudson High School

Brittany Bell Lufkin High School

Julia Collmorgen Hudson High School

Parker Ford Lufkin High School

Katelyn Boles Central High School

Collin Craft Hudson High School

Alexis Foster Lufkin High School

46 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

Ashley Frank Huntington High School

Brent Loggins Huntington High School

Rebekah Primrose Hudson High School

Bailey Freeman Hudson High School

Alli Lovejoy Huntington High School

Summer Sanders Zavalla High School

Sarrah Geraci Lufkin High School

Hayley McKnight Central High School

Paul Spore Lufkin High School

Reed Glass HudsonHigh School

Naomi Moats Hudson High School

Emily Stafford Lufkin High School

Chelsey Graham Hudson High School

Meaghan Morgan Hudson High School

Trace Suiter Hudson High School

Caleb Hanks Hudson High School

Adriana Mosley Hudson High School

Cheyenne Swor Diboll High School

Lexi Hodges Diboll High School

Mahnoor Nazeer Lufkin High School

Jesse Thompson Huntington High School

Sarah Holcombe Huntington High School

Jungin Park Hudson High School

Lauren Turner Huntington High School

Rachel Inselmann Lufkin High School

Will Phan Hudson High School

Meghan Wagner Diboll High School

Ryan Jacobs Central High School

BreAnna Phillips Huntington High School

Samantha Wallace Diboll High School

Will Kirby Lufkin High School

Nichole Phillips Central High School

Madison Warnasch Lufkin High School

Connor Lankford Hudson High School

Jasmine Pitones Diboll High School

Sarah Youssef Lufkin High School

Katie Leach Lufkin High School

John Portwood Lufkin High School

Karina Zapata Diboll High School

PRETTY BABIES

1. Emery Jade Adams. 12/19/14. Proud Parents: Casey & Sandi Adams. Proud Grandparents: Michael & Carrie Iversen / Gus & Mary Hoff / David Adams / Donnie & Kathy Lewis. Photographer: Willow Baby Photography. 2. Maci Leann Carlton. Proud Parents: Cali Carlton & Robert Carlton. 3. Jase Woodrow Davis. 10/28/14. Proud Parents: JR & Amber Davis. Proud Grandparents: Mike & Betty Davis / Steve & Carol Havis. 4. Micah Bryce Fitzgerald. 1/24/14. Proud Parents: Michael & Maddy Fitzgerald.

5. Kyson Hunt. 4/1/14. Proud Parents: Nicole & Ryan Hunt. Proud Grandparents: Theresa Wyatt / Hal Hunt. Photographer: Sarina Musick. 6. Avery Ann Weathers. 8/11/14. Proud Parents: Ryan Weathers & Catelynn Thompson. Proud Grandparents: Keith & Sylvia Weathers / Tommy Thompson. 7. William Wilkie. 10/28/14. Proud Parents: Josh & Kristyn Wilkie. Proud Grandparents: Sue & Trent Sobolewski / Bill & Karolyn Klaes / James & Anna Wilkie. Photographer: Sarah Russell Photography. 8. Lyla Grace Williams. 1/2/15. Proud Parents: Caleb & Sarah Williams. Photographer: The Silhouette Studio. E-mail Pretty Babies submissions to prettybabies@tjmag.com. Please include name, date of birth, parents & grandparents. Submissions are free of charge.

Committed. Great OB physicians. One wonderful place to have your baby. We believe babies and moms should be surrounded by comfort and care. With an average of 20 years of OB experience, our nursing staff knows how to make you feel at home. Amenities include spacious labor/delivery/recovery rooms with Wi-Fi, and a sleep sofa for guests. We even offer an on-staff lactation consultant. These are just a few reasons why we were voted “Best Place to Have a Baby” and “Best Nurse” by Lufkin Daily News readers in 2012. To find a physician or learn more, call 936-699-CARE or visit WoodlandHeights.net.

WoodlandHeights.net WHMC is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 49

tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 51

LOOK AT ME

LOOK AT ME! brought to you by

Smoothie King of Lufkin

4505 S Medford Dr. • (936) 632-5464

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1. Students in Mrs. Lucy Lopez's second grade dual language classes use Kahoot! to preview upcoming objectives. 2. Diboll Primary PreK-4 students in Mrs. Crawford’s class enjoyed Read Across America Day on March 2! The students enjoyed having many books read to them and they also got to wear their pajamas! (L-R) Johnnie Marino, Cheyanne Kronk, Amerie Zamora, special guest reader Diboll JH student Shawni Poindexter, Carlie Rainoshek, and Ailin Garcia.

3. 4th/5th Grade Spanish Club at H.G Intermediate in Diboll. The purpose of the club is to promote further interest and an appreciation of Spanish speaking countries, their language, and their customs. Through activities that are both informative and fun, members will learn to look beyond their own school and community to appreciate the language and customs of various Spanish-speaking regions. 4. Diboll Primary PreK-4 students in Ms. Bradley’s class celebrated Read Across America Day on March 2. Special guest readers from Diboll Jr. High visited the campus to read to students. (Back, L-R) Lyndsey Swank, Kaidan Reagan, Joseph Johnson, JH guest reader Alicia Espinoza, JH guest reader Anna Dunn, Melody Crager, Nariah Moore, and Jose Salazar. (Front, L-R) Braxton Fenner, Mia Veliz, Ayshia Dill Davis, Sophia Gonzalez 5. Kurt Morgan and Gloria McDonald from Texas Farm Bureau Insurance teamed up with Bonner Elementary to donate three bikes per nine weeks to three students, as well as treating them to lunch at Café Del Rio. Names were drawn from students with good grades, good attendance and no office referrals. Winners for this nine weeks (L-R): 3rd grader, Jasmin Servin, 4th grader Matthew Gardner, and 5th grader Blake Slaga.

52 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

OUTSTANDING ACADEMICS • PCA is a comprehensive free public charter school serving students in grades PreK-12th grade. • PARAMUS Early College High School students grades 9-12 take Dual Credit courses at Angelina College and can earn up to 60 college hours or an Associate’s Degree. • PARAMUS is the only ECHS designated by the Texas Education Agency in the greater Angelina County area.

PINEYWOODS COMMUNITY ACADEMY

College Preparatory Charter School Accredited Through Texas Education Agency

OUTSTANDING ACTIVITIES • UIL District 23 1A sports at the Junior High, Junior Varsity and Varsity levels including boys and girls basketball, track, cross country, golf, and tennis. • UIL Academics, Destination Imagination, and Robotics activities elementary through high school. • Award winning choral music and theater program.

OUTSTANDING ADVANTAGES • Class sizes of 20 students or less provide individualized instruction and a student-centered approach. • Students can arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. and stay as late as 6:00 p.m. to accommodate working parents.

602 S. Raguet • Lufkin • 936-634-5515 • www.pineywoodsacademy.org tjmag.com • 53

PLACES & FACES

photographed by Laurie Cordray

2015 Youth Fair Livestock Division

Grand Champion Steer: Katelyn Boles Central FFA

Reserve Champion Steer: Adriana Mosley Hudson FFA

Grand Champion Hog: Cheyenne Swor Diboll FFA

Reserve Champion Hog: Preston Loggins Huntington FFA

Grand Champion Pen of Commercial Heifers: Roma Fenley Hudson FFA

Reserve Champion Pen of Commercial Heifers: Cheyenne Swor Diboll FFA

Overall Grand Champion Beef Heifer: Eli Jenkins Blue Ribbon 4-H

Reserve Champion Beef Heifer: Garrett Brown Central FFA

Grand Champ Goat: McKenna Cole

Reserve Champion Goat: Dalton Morton

Grand Champion Broiler: Cheyenne Swor

Reserve Champion Broiler: Dallas Williford

Grand Champion Lamb: Cade Milligan

Reserve Grand Champion Lamb: Kyler Duren

Grand Champion Rabbits: Kara Peikert

Reserve Champion Rabbits: Mikayla Young

54 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

BUSINESS 56 AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP | 60 IN THE KNOW | 62 CHAMBER NEWS

The 15th Annual Nacogdoches County Agriculture Appreciation and Awareness Banquet Tuesday, April 7th | the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center (L-R) Lori Crawford, Nacogdoches Farmers Market; Jackie Risner, Ag Educator of the Year; Buck Lee, Farm Family of the Year; and Kenneth Sutton, Pete Smith Agriculture Pioneer of the Year. photo by Haley Moon tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 55

AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP

Buck Lee Family Receives Farm Family of the Year Award  (left) Buck Lee is standing by the brick fencing. to work,” eldest brother Jimmy explained.

family owned and operated farm can produce a number of goods including a strong family.

“If I were describing the allAmerican farm family, it would be the James ‘Buck’ Lee family of Nacogdoches County,” Nolan Alders, Sr., close family friend, said. “Buck and his wife, Doris, raised four sons who emulated the qualities of their parents - that of patriotism, character, honesty and integrity.” Sons Jimmy, William Glen, Steve and Mike have worked hard their entire lives towards the success of the family farm located east of Nacogdoches on C.R. 503, also known as Community Rd. With only f ive years dif ference between oldest and youngest, the brothers grew up close, and the strong family bond is still evident today. The brothers’ voices echoed throughout the room as they reminisced on growing up on the farm milking cows, getting into trouble and learning the importance of good work ethic from their father, Buck. “I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t have a good work ethic. Every job I ever had I got because I was willing

Buck’s father, Frank Lee, married Mary Wiley Roberts in 1914. The Lee family farm began with Mary’s 17-acre inheritance and grew over time with Frank and, later, Buck purchasing adjoining tracts of land. Four generations of the Lee family have worked on the property, and now, the fifth generation is getting to know the land. “I think our grandfather had a lot of inf luence on us,” Glen said. “He was always telling us how to treat people, how to do things right and how to respect other people. These were all things we remember that he told us, and of course Buck did, too. But he had a big impact on my life, and the things he taught me I still try to teach my kids about the core values: yes ma’am, no ma’am, and how to respect other people.” The brothers were brought up working at a young age, milking cows before and after school each day and baling hay in the summer when their friends would be out playing in the sun. In their teenage years, the boys could participate in any after school sport or extra curricular activities they liked, with the understanding that the chores had to be done no

(right) Circa 1954 | Clockwise beginning at top left: Buck, Doris, Mike, Jimmy, Steve and Glen. 56 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

matter what time they returned home. “Grand-daddy wanted everybody to know how to drive the tractor before they started school,” Jimmy said as the brothers remembered mowing the pastures even before they entered the first grade. “I’ve got grandkids that I wouldn’t trust to use a tractor at nine years old,” Mike added, “But it was just expected of us.” Although their father and grandfather were the ones teaching the boys the ins and outs of farm life, their mother, Doris, played a very important role in bringing up the boys, as well. “Mom was the one who kept everything running smoothly and kept us under control, probably more than my dad did. She instilled a lot of the values we’ve got,” Glen said.

by Kathryn Stamy | Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Intern

(L-R) Lee Brothers: Glen, Jimmy, Steve and Mike.

“She was a very hard worker, and when you worked at our place, Mama fed you,” Mike remembered. “When we eat, everybody eats, so she fed a lot of young men through the years.” Mike and Steve are still farming today. Mike has been raising chicken for almost 38 years and Steve is still running beef cattle production. Jimmy and Glen help out when needed while Buck still enjoys working on the farm at the age of 89. Buck continues to do a custom hay baling operation for neighbor farms as well as his own. “I was trying to do some feeding for him this winter, because he’s been kind of under the weather,” Steve said about Buck. “But it kind of irritates him because that’s the one thing he looks forward to doing, getting out there and feeding the cattle.” Buck and two of the brothers, Jimmy and Steve, were in the U.S. Marine Corps. Buck served in World War II from 1943 to 1946. Jimmy and Steve both served in the Vietnam War, Jimmy from ‘66 to ‘70 and Steve from ‘69 to ‘71.

Glen moved to Houston in 1975, but chose to take a pay cut to come back to Nacogdoches and still believes that was the best decision he has made. “It’s small enough where people know people, people are friendly and they’ve got the college for your kids to get an education. There are more pluses than minuses,” he said. “The sons and their wives still live and work in Nacogdoches County,” Alders said. “All are actively involved in some form of agriculture. As with most agriculturists, some also do other jobs as well, but agriculture has always played a prominent role in their lives.” The Farm Family of the Year award was presented to the Lee Family at the 15th Annual Nacogdoches County Agriculture Appreciation and Awareness Banquet on Tuesday, April 7 at the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center. The award is sponsored by Tipton Ford, Inc.

“The only other places I have been are California and Vietnam, and I didn’t want to live in either one of them,” Steve joked when asked about growing up in Nacogdoches. tjmag.com • 57

AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP

Kenneth Sutton Family Named Ag Pioneer of the Year

(Right) Circa 1952 | J.W. Sutton (left) and T.O. Sutton (right), stand in front of the General Oak Flooring office on Bennett Clark Rd. that operated in 50's and early 60's - where Norbord is now. In 1951, Kenneth’s parents moved the family to Nacogdoches. His father opened General Oak Flooring in 1952 on the site presently occupied by Norbord. The idea for a flooring company came about when the government announced plans to acquire land for the Sam Rayburn reservoir. Prior to construction of the lake, the landowners whose property would be inundated were allowed to sell all the hardwood and pine timber. The hardwood timber was processed into f looring at J.W.’s f looring mill. While his father was running General Oak Flooring, Kenneth went off to college at Texas A&M University. As his summer job in college, he went to work for a f looring company in Dallas as a lumber grader for a salary of fifty cents an hour. After two weeks of difficult and strenuous labor in Dallas, he decided that Nacogdoches was a better place to begin his career. In 1959, the same year in which he graduated from Texas A&M with a Business Administration degree, Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Claudette. They have two children, Lauree and Kurt, each of whom have a son and a daughter.

enneth Sutton is a third generation saw miller and timberland owner. His entrepreneurial spirit, industry leadership and stewardship of the land have earned him the 2015 Ag Pioneer award sponsored by Heritage Land Bank.

The legacy of the Sutton family in Nacogdoches County began in 1938 when Kenneth’s father, John Willard ( J.W.) Sutton, and grandfather, T.O. Sutton, opened Sutton’s Mill, which was located about four miles south of Chireno. Previous to the establishment of the Chireno mill, T.O. was the proprietor of T.O. Sutton & Sons Lumber Co, which he operated with his four sons and two daughters. The family ran a sawmill in Colmesneil and a planer mill in Chester, both in Tyler County. During that time, J.W., the eldest son, operated a family-owned mill in Leon County.

Following his graduation, Kenneth returned to Nacogdoches County and began managing timberland. One of Kenneth’s primary responsibilities was procuring timber in areas that were infested with pine bark beetles to prevent their spread to other stands of healthy timber. In the early 1970s Kenneth established G&S Lumber, located just beyond the city limits on South Street, with his partner Hoover Greer. Greer was responsible for operating the mill, while Sutton’s was tasked with procuring the timber that was to be milled. Kenneth bought Greer out in the mid-1980’s and has owned and operated the mill outright since then.

G&S Lumber runs one shift and employs 30 people who produce approximately 50,000 board feet of lumber per day from timberlands throughout East Texas. G&S provides lumber to railroad and industrial markets, as well as secondary remanufacture lumber markets. To continue In the early days in Chireno, much of the mill’s output the Sutton legacy, Kenneth’s son, Kurt, has worked for went to the war effort. In the post-war period, the lumber G&S since his graduation from A&M in 1987, and a milled in Chireno was sold to wholesale lumberyards, and grandson, Clint, now works at the mill part time while eventually, homes were constructed with it throughout Texas. completing high school.

by Angela Shannon | Texas Farm Credit

(L-R) Kenneth, Kurt and Clint Sutton standing in front of the G&S Lumber office on South St. Kenneth served as President of the Texas Forestry Association in 1992, and continues to serve on the TFA Board of Directors, representing the industry before the state government. According to TFA Executive director, Ron Hufford, “Kenneth Sutton is a leader in the forestry community and a long-time member of the Texas Forestry Association. Kenneth gives back to his community and the forestry community through his leadership and personal contributions.” Kenneth states, “It was an honor and a privilege to serve the forest and forest products industry through the TFA.” Kenneth was appointed by Gov. Ann Richards to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Private Lands Advisory Board. The board accomplished two items of particular importance during Kenneth’s tenure, which dated from 1991 through 1999: Limiting liability for landowners who are served with frivolous lawsuits and

creating a State Land Stewardship Award. Kenneth is a past director of Commercial National Bank, now CBTX, a past member of the Nacogdoches Boosters Club and a current member of the Nacogdoches Rotary Club. According to Sutton, “Stewardship of the land is a responsibility of the landowner. There is nothing like being in the woods or brush country at f irst light seeing and hearing the sights and sounds of nature.” Sutton reaps the rewards of sound land stewardship as both a landowner and as a saw miller. Without an abundant supply of quality lumber, the American way of life would be very different. Sutton encourages landowners to replant harvested land with both pine and hardwood. By doing so, this Ag Pioneer is helping to provide quality lumber to meet the needs of America’s future generations.

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IN THE KNOW

LOCAL NEWS & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES TRAVIS CLARDY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE

he 8 4th Legislative Session is well underway in the Texas House of Representatives. More than 3700 pieces of proposed legislation were filed in the House before the cutoff date of March 13. Committees are meeting on a regular basis to hear testimony on the merits of each bill before deciding whether it will move to the f loor of the House for debate and a vote. This past month, I was honored as a member of the Higher Education Committee to be assigned the new responsibility of chairing the Subcommittee on PostSecondary and Workforce Readiness. This is an exciting opportunity for me to work on an important issue affecting the economic development of East Texas, the future of our young people and the overall growth of the Texas’ economy. My own legislative package includes thirty-three bills ranging from measures to help law enforcement deal with the proliferation of dangerous synthetic drugs, i.e. K2, to initiatives which enable our educational institutions to better prepare young people to enter the workforce and thrive as productive citizens. Some bills enable court clerks to increase efficiency, while others aim to improve the facilities at institutions of higher education around Texas, including Stephen F. Austin State University. The pace is hectic as my staff and I work to guide these bills to passage. It was my great pleasure to welcome business, community and student leaders to the Capitol for Nacogdoches SFA Days. Highlights from the week included recognizing the SFASU Men’s Basketball team for their accomplishments in last year’s NCAA Basketball tournament. Resolutions were offered to honor the City of Nacogdoches and SFASU as well as the memory of our beloved former mayor, James Raney. My favorite thing about Nacogdoches SFA days is watching the members of the delegation showcase the strengths of Nacogdoches while also effectively communicating the interests of our East Texas community to legislators and agency representatives. (Right) Honoring Dr. F. E. “Ab” Abernethy with a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives. 60 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

Judy and I were happy to get back home brief ly to check on business and get some rest and relaxation. While in town, we enjoyed the debut of The Big Nac Music Festival. It was great to visit with friends and neighbors while relishing the sound of so many great bands. Then, nothing could top the joy of celebrating the life and accomplishments of Dr. F. E. “Ab” Abernethy at the ‘Come Blaze a Trail’ banquet. It was my pleasure to present Ab with a congratulatory resolution from the House of Representatives. In my comments, I predicted that Nacogdoches will build something great on the foundation of Ab’s work that will enrich the quality of life for generations of Nacogdoches residents and visitors as they enjoy the beauty and fun the trails offer. As the 84th session continues, I encourage all residents of House District 11 to contact my Capitol (512-463-0592) or District office (936-560-3982) if you have any questions, want to voice your opinion on legislation or need assistance with a state-related matter. You may also send an email to District11.Clardy@house.state.tx.us. If you happen to be in Austin, I invite you to drop by the office at your Capitol (Rm. E2.314).

TRENT ASHBY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE

egislative session has gained fullsteam in the House, and the rapid pace we experienced this week will likely only quicken over the next two months. Here are the highlights of what is happening at your State Capitol...

Taking Action on Border Security, Human Trafficking Two major pieces of legislation recently made their way out of the House. House Bill 10, which passed unanimously, would create a Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit in the Governor’s Office. Additionally, the bill would make it easier to prosecute those who force minors in to prostitution. We also passed House Bill 11, which would enact a comprehensive border security plan that includes hiring additional DPS troopers to be stationed along the border, creating a Reserve Officers Corps of former and retired officers, moving checkpoints closer to the border, and establishing a multi-agency intelligence center in Hidalgo County. I am proud to have co-authored this proposal which passed overwhelmingly (131-12) on a bipartisan vote. As I have stated, Texas will not stand idly by while the federal government does nothing and ignores their responsibility to secure the border and keep our citizens and communities safe

across the board from the wildlife and hunting community at both the state and national level. I also laid out HB 275, which seeks an ad valorem exemption for eggs to be considered farm products-- an action that would provide some tax relief for those engaged in egg production. HB 278 looks to allow open carry for district attorneys and certain other legal off icials, while HB 2647 seeks to ensure a reliable electricity grid and maintain affordable rates for customers. Texting While Driving Ban We also debated and voted on HB 8 0, a proposal to ban motorists from text-messaging while driving on our state’s roadways. After constructive debate and several amendments on the House Floor, the bill was passed overwhelmingly and will be sent to the Senate for a vote. There are already 45 states with bans on texting while driving, and studies from those states have shown that such laws have reduced crashes. Not only is texting while driving the cause of numerous injuries and fatalities in Texas, but it costs the state hundreds of millions of dollars each year, according to national accident loss statistics. This is commonsense legislation that will curtail the number of distracted drivers, reduce crashes and save the state money.

Bills Being Heard in Committee

Passing the House Budget

Recently, I laid out four bills in front of four different House committees. Most notably, I presented House Joint Resolution 61, guaranteeing the constitutional right to hunt, f ish and harvest wildlife. I was pleased to see my resolution, HJR 61, pass out of committee unanimously. The resolution seeks to send a constitutional amendment to voters this Fall, proposing that the right to hunt and fish in our great state becomes part of the Texas Constitution. With increasing efforts by extremist advocacy groups to limit methods, restrict seasons and reduce bag limits, I feel this is common sense legislation that takes the next step in protecting an important part of Texas heritage. This resolution is supported

The Texas House of Representatives did its best to add to the state’s Easter basket this week, voting for a fiscally responsible budget that will fund state programs over the next two years. After more than 17 hours of continuous debate and deliberation on the House f loor, my colleagues and I passed House Bill 1, and we will now look to the Senate to see if our budgetary priorities align with those of the upper chamber. As always, my staff and I are available during the week at (936) 634-2762 or (512) 463-0508. Please do not hesitate to call if we can ever be of assistance, and remember that our door is always open. tjmag.com • 61

CHAMBER NEWS

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the American Red Cross new office location at City Hall, 202 E. Pilar St., Ste. 141, (936) 305-5060. Executive Director of the Southeast and Deep East Texas Chapter Chester Jourdan, Disaster Program Manager Scott Brawley and volunteers Bobbie Ann Anderson and Mike Butchko welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for SFA Hunger Jacks Food for Thought Student Food Pantry, 3rd floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center, (936) 468 -7249. Members of Hunger Jacks, Student Government and Academic Affairs welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Austin Bank, 1022 S John Redditt, (936) 899-7059, www.austinbank.com.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Leal Landscaping & Sprinklers, 1214 E Denman Ave, (936) 639-LEAL, www.leallandscape.com.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce gives a red carpet salute to Lufkin BarBQ, 203 S Chestnut St, (936) 634-4744, www.lufkinbbq.com.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Angelic Cupcakes Luf kin, 539 S Chestnut Suite 200, (713) 225-3748, www.angelic-cupcakes.net.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Loving Honda, 2807 S 1st St, (936) 632-7711.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Total Nutrition Luf kin, 103 N Brentwood Dr Suite 850, (936) 639-0789, totalnutritionluf kin.com.

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Responsive. Resourceful Reliable

1609 S. Chesnut, Suite 107 (936) 634 5044 | terracon.com Environmental

Facilities

Geotechnical

Materials

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PLACES & FACES

photographed by Laurie Cordray

2015 Youth Fair Arts & Crafts Division

Fine Arts Senior Best of Show: Hannah Branscum Central Art

Fine Arts Junior Best of Show: Adriana Guy Lonestar 4-H

Photography Senior Best of Show: Sara Holcombe Huntington FFA

Photography Junior Best of Show: J. Lopez Hudson Art

Other Senior Best of Show: Sara Flowers Diboll FFA

Other Junior Best of Show: Colby Payne Blue Ribbon 4-H

Other Pre-Junior Best of Show: Kiersten Whitaker Huntington 4-H

Metal Senior Best of Show: Chloe Presnall Diboll FFA

Metal Junior Best of Show: Andrew Arnold Lonestar 4-H

Metal Pre-Junior Best of Show: Dalton Morton Huntington 4-H

Wood/Metal Combo Senior Best of Show: Shane Wells Diboll FFA

Wood/Metal Combo Junior Best of Show: Andrew Arnold Lonestar 4-H

Woodworking Senior Best of Show: Haley Williams Lufkin FFA

Woodworking Junior Best of Show: Jake Guy Lonestar 4-H

Woodworking Pre-Junior Best of Show: Tanner Havard Blue Ribbon 4-H

Not Pictured: Fine Arts Pre-Junior Best of Show: Kiersten Whitaker, Huntington 4-H /// Photography Pre-Junior Best of Show: Kiersten Whitaker, Huntington 4-H /// Wood/Metal Combo Pre-Junior Best of Show: Kiersten Whitaker, Huntington 4-H

east 66 NEWSWORTHY | 70 IN MEMORIAM | 72 WILDLIFE | 74 TROPHY ROOM

Bucking Bronco at the 2014 Angelina Benefit Rodeo photo taken by Lisa Crow Photography

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NEWSWORTHY

THE LUMBERJACK

n Saturday September 20, 2014, a friendly university versus university rivalry began. The State Farm Southland Conference Mascot Challenge had thirteen mascots competing against one another.

• Willie the Wildcat of Abilene Christian University • Bruce D. Bear of the University of Central Arkansas • Mingo the Husky of Houston Baptist University • Red the Cardinal of the University of the Incarnate Word • Big Red the Cardinal of Lamar University • Rowdy the Cowboy of McNeese State University • Lafitte the Instigator of the University of New Orleans • Tillou the Colonel of Nicholls State University • Vic the Demon of Northwestern State University • Sammy the Bearkat of Sam Houston State University • Roomie the Lion of Southeastern Louisiana University • The Lumberjack of Stephen F. Austin State University • Izzy the Islander of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Fans were able to vote once per day until the competition came to an end on November 21 at noon. After all 19,407 votes were tallied, the SFA Lumberjack was declared the Conference champion! The Lumberjack received a total of 8,061 votes to declare him the winner. SFA won $5,000 to use for their mascot program. Blake Loggins, son of Robert and Alicia Loggins of Huntington, is proud to be the SFA Lumberjack. Loggins is the new Lumberjack for the 2014-2015 school year. He says, “That comes with some pressure since the last guy won last year’s challenge, but the whole University and SFA community really rally behind their mascot! So I guess you can say I was pretty psyched when they called it out over the speakers at the football game, and there was an added bonus in that I got to win some money for our spirit program to help us out with our journey to nationals in Daytona Florida.” There are three spirit teams: large coed, small coed, and all girl. That means the mascot is needed at three different practices at three different times to learn three routines. Loggins explains, «It›s mainly so I would know where to stand, walk, etc. so no one f lipped into me.» Somehow, he finds to time to study as he is a sophmore marketing major. Loggins shares, “It has definitely been the most exciting time of my life, so far! The dedication of these young men and women on the cheer teams and the hard work they put into everything they do day after day is just amazing, and I am so thankful to have the chance to be part of this program.”

66 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

photos by Hardy Meredith | SFA Athletics

"It has definitely been the most exciting time of my life so far!"

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PLACES & FACES

photographed by Laurie Cordray

2015 Youth Fair Food & Consumer Science Division sponsored by TJMag&Co

Desserts First Place Pre-Junior: Brynn Oliver Blue Ribbon 4-H

Cheesecakes First Place Junior: Lauren Thornton Blue Ribbon 4-H

Cheesecakes First Place Senior: Cade Milligan 4-H Horse Club

Pies First Place Pre-Junior: Chloe Murray Blue Ribbon 4-H

Pies First Place Senior: Sara Kate Harris 4-H Horse Club

Cookies First Place Pre-Junior: Kayla Howerton Huntington 4-H

Cookies First Place Junior: Rozalinn Runnels Zavalla 4-H

Bar Cookies Bar First Place Pre-Junior: Callie Lawerence 4-H Horse Club

Bar Cookies First Place Junior: Logan Peikert 4-H Horse Club

Bar Cookies First Place Senior: Haley Brazil Blue Ribbon 4-H

Frosted Cakes First Place Junior: Allie Sullivan Huntington Middle FCCLA

Frosted Cakes First Place Senior: Ramsay Campbell Livestock 4-H

With or Without Glaze Cakes First Place Pre-Junior: Matthew Gorman 4-H Horse Club

With or Without Glaze Cakes First Place Senior: Hayley Neal Lufkin FFA

Quick Breads First Place Junior: Kimberlin Arnold 4-H Horse Club

Quick Breads First Place Senior: Jackson Vier 4-H Horse Club

Yeast Breads First Place Pre-Junior: Austin Belschner Blue Ribbon 4-H

Yeast Breads First Place Junior: Addison Dodd Huntington 4-H

Yeast Breads First Place Senior: Chloe Presnall Diboll FFA

Not Pictured: Desserts First Place Junior: Devan Lout, Huntington 4-H /// Desserts First Place Senior: Luke Rowley, Lufkin FCCLA /// Pies First Place Junior: Ashlee Cole, Diboll FFA /// Cookies First Place Senior: Madison Auerswald, Hudson FCCLA /// Frosted Cakes First Place Pre-Junior: Paige Odenbach, Blue Ribbon 4-H /// With or Without Glaze Cakes First Place Junior: Reed Smith, Blue Ribbon 4-H /// Quick Breads First Place Pre-Junior: Mattie Nicholson, 4-H Horse Club

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IN MEMORIAM

TAYLOR

FRANKLIN

aylor Franklin, 12, was a boy everyone fell in love with. His 4H Leader, Lora Mason, said, “No matter what kind of day you were having or he was having, he never had a bad day. He was truly a special kid.”

Franklin was living with Cerebral Palsy. He had trouble walking, so athletics was not something in which he was involved. However, when he turned 9, he began his 4H career. Taylor loved his animals and his 4H family. For those that have never been involved with 4H, the youth fair is the culmination of the area youth’s hard work. Depending on the animal, students have raised and cared for an animal for the weeks, months or entire school year prior to the youth fair. This year, Taylor was having a few medical setbacks. It’s that time of year everyone gets sick and has trouble with their asthma and breathing. For Taylor, those minor changes for most could be pretty major on his body. He was in and out of the hospital the last few months. No one expected anything by it. Unfortunately, days before youth fair, his body was done fighting. Because of the time, effort, and hard work put into animals, Diboll 4H, Taylor’s club, put the wheels in motion with a plan. Many people wanted to donate to buy Taylor’s hog. One dad in the club said he wanted to give, along with many parents and neighbors. After it was all said and done, $2,200 was raised from people they knew. The Saturday of the sale, word spread of Taylor Franklin. The Youth Fair committee announced there would be a Taylor Franklin Junior hog showmanship award given annually to a participant. Several people in the audience had bought his animals in the past. One of those said, “I knew I wanted to bid and buy his hog this year, even more so because he couldn’t be here. I had no idea anything like this would happen.” Lora Mason, the Diboll 4 H coordinator said, “We have some really amazing kids. There wasn’t a plan or anything discussed about what we would do when it was time for Taylor’s hog to sell. All the Diboll 4H members that could be there went inside the arena to stand for Taylor.” What happened next was amazing. The community and business leaders responded. Taylor Franklin’s pig sold for $9500 to the Luf kin Host Lion’s Club. Along with the $2200 raised by the club, his hog sold for over $10,000. 4H and FFA create a special bond between group members, friends, and the community. Taylor Franklin’s memory and heart will forever be cherished. 70 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

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WILDLIFE

Lee Avery and Major’s 1919

n an ongoing effort to bring back the Eastern Wild Turkey to East Texas, we took a positive turn this February, according to Jason, Hardin, Texas Parks Wildlife Department Upland Game Bird Specialist. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) has recently released 42 wild trapped Eastern Wild Turkeys (EWT) in Trinity County on properties that met the protocol established by the Department for this new restoration effort. TPWD’s plan is to release 80 wild trapped turkeys at this location in Trinity County. East Texas counties had EWT’s at the turn of the 20th century, as documented the following story about a 1919 turkey hunt by Lee Avery in Trinity County.

Long time Groveton resident Bill Avery recalls an interesting story about his turkey hunting grandfather. He shares, “My grandfather, William Lee Avery loved to hunt the Eastern wild turkeys in the longleaf pine forest of Trinity County around Groveton, Texas in the early 1900’s. Mr. Avery and his live turkey gobbler decoy were very successful in their partnership of hunting turkeys. Mr. Lee would tether Major to a short rope near his brush blind. Grandpa Lee would yelp on a handmade wing bone turkey call, and once ‘Major’ got fired up, ‘Major’ would gobble back at him and strut.” Avery continues, “On a calm spring morning in Trinity County, the game was on. Any gobbler within a half mile radius of them would answer the call and would come running, strutting and gobbling to the challenge that Major was making with his thunderous gobbling. When the wild turkey got into range of Mr. Lee’s Parker Double barrel 10 gauge shotgun, with its 36 inch barrel, he would give him a blast. Then he would unleash ole’ Major so he could have some action. In an attempt to establish his dominance, Major would run and jump on the wounded or dead turkey, fight and spur him until Mr. Lee got him under control.”

72 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

This practice is not legal today, but was practiced back then. Needless to say, they were a very successful duo and many EWT’s fell to these two! Due to poor conservation practices, the EWT disappeared by the early 1930’s across most of its historic range in the eastern part of the United States. Only two viable populations occurred in costal South Carolina and Pennsylvania in the early 1940’s. Historic efforts by state wildlife departments, federal wildlife agencies and non-governmental organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation have successfully brought the wild turkey back to record numbers (estimated to be 6.2 million today) in North America. They have reintroduced the five subspecies (Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande, Merriam’s and Gould) wild turkeys to their historic ranges. This is one of the major wildlife accomplishments in the last 100 years of wildlife conservation in North America. Since then, several attempts have been made by TPWD to bring back the EWT in east Texas and Trinity County. The earliest stocking attempts utilized pen raised turkeys and later Rio Grande subspecies from central and West Texas. Both methods failed to create a sustainable turkey population in East Texas. Beginning in the late 1970’s, TPWD began releasing wild trapped EWT from neighboring states. By 2003 over 7,000 EWT were released in 58 East Texas counties using the block stocking method (15-20 per site) with 5-10 sites per county. While this method was successful on some sites, most of the birds disappeared without creating a sustainable population. In 2007, TPWD and the NWTF funded research through Stephen F. Austin University to test a new Super Stocking model (8 0 turkeys at a release site). After 3 years of research, this model showed considerable merit. Therefore, TPWD reopened the EWT Stocking Program in 2014.

by Dale Bounds | President, NWTF Texas Pineywoods Chapter

Trinity County Turkey Hunt According to Jason Hardin, TPWD Upland Game Bird Specialist, “TPWD released 247 birds in 2014 and we are feeling very positive about the new efforts.” TPWD is focusing restoration ef forts in two Priority Areas. Sulphur River Priority Area: Sulphur River, White Oak Creek, and Cypress Creek watersheds Within Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Morris, Red River, Titus, and Upshur Counties. Neches River Priority Area: Neches River and White Rock Creek watersheds within Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Houston, Jasper, Polk, Trinity, and Tyler Counties. Other counties within TPWD Wildlife Division Region III may also qualify, but will not be given priority over the landscapes described above. Restoration sites must consist of a minimum of 10,000 acres of contiguous usable habitat. Proposed restoration sites may consist of multiple landowners. Restoration sites consisting of multiple landowners must demonstrate a level of cooperation among landowner members. Request for restoration must be submitted by the landowner or their agent and must have management authority of the property. Individuals must make a request for restoration in writing to TPWD’s Upland Game Bird Program. Request should be sent to Jason Hardin at Jason. hardin@tpwd.texas.gov or mail to P.O. Box 279, Buffalo, TX 75831. Proposed restoration sites must hold a meeting with TPWD staff present before TPWD can move forward with the evaluation process.

A turkey killed 96 years ago near Groveton, TX and TPWD efforts in Trinity county to restock.

Contact your local TPWD wildlife biologist for more information. http://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/technical_ guidance/biologists/

Prior to a stocking, release sites must possess a TPWD approved Management Plan and demonstrate management activities beneficial to wild turkeys.

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TROPHY ROOM

Chance Shumway. Del Rio.

Trinity County: TPWD, Eastern Turkey Release. 2/28/15

For the first time in Hudson School’s history, all four track teams won district; the 7th and 8th grade boy’s and girl’s teams all brought home a win.

USSSA April Fool's Tournament 9U Open (front, L-R): Cason Pool, Blake Buchanan, Jamarion Evans, Cole Windham. (second row, L-R): Kaleb Hillis, Kedren Young, Jadon Grigson, Carson Shives, Brock Williamson, Mac Street. Assistant Coaches: Tommy Street & David Grigson. Head Coach: Jeff Buchanan.

Send a photo of your trophy hunt & information to photos@tjmag.com. Submissions are free of charge. 74 • THE JOURNEY • THE RODEO ISSUE

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