Hello again from the Chamber. This is the month summer officially starts, although it's already gotten hot. We are gearing up for our annual Civic Auction, scheduled for...

The state legislature will adjourn on Tuesday as we reach the 140th day of the legislative session, or Sine Die, which means “without days.” It has been a productive...

It seems that zombies are on the prowl again.  They are appearing in movies, videos, and even television commercials. I have met a few “living” zombies driving automobiles...

As we approach the end of the 89th Legislative Session, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all the folks back home. I could not be more appreciative for all of...

One of my favorite times in East Texas is when the tomatoes start ripening on the vines.  I’m reminded of past years when kitchen counters are covered with red ripe...

I grew up in East Texas during the 1940s.  One of the medicines used on my cuts and scrapes, and even sore throats, was coal oil.  Some people call it “kerosene”, but it...

Session is coming to a close and, as it does, critical deadlines have to be met for legislation to pass. Those deadlines fall throughout the next week and if bills do not...

Memorial Day serves as a meaningful moment for us to honor and remember those who selflessly laid down their lives so that our freedom endures. While Memorial Day is one of...

Today is the first of many deadlines the legislature will reach over the next two and a half weeks. It’s the last day for the House to pass House Bills on second reading....

Wow! School is almost over.  Summer break is almost here. Where has this year gone? We have been really busy at SAPL! We had a very successful 1st Ever Glow in the Dark...

This week, the Texas House took historic action by finally eliminating the STAAR test. House Bill 4 would replace the high-stakes, one-time STAAR tests with shorter, more...

The house that I grew up in was surrounded by six or seven large cedar trees.  I never paid them much attention during my early days, except that they smelled good and my...

Texas A&M Pet Talk The number of adults aged 65 and older is growing, and older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health...

The call was to ring out the old and bring in the new in San Augustine the night of March 18, 1950.  That was the night that the last call was made on the old telephone...

On May 8, 1945 the Allied forces celebrated Victory in Europe Day after the defeat of Nazi Germany. During the war, more than 1,500,000 military personnel came to Texas for...