HVAC issues dominate court agenda

HVAC issues dominated the agenda for Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Polk County Commissioners Court. The Court discussed and approved emergency HVAC repairs at the Polk County Jail. …

Lawn equipment stolen

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has requested the assistance of the public in obtaining information on a felony theft from a local business at State Highway 146 South around 1:15 a.m. March 7. …

Area graduations begin today

Area graduations begin today (Thursday) and will conclude on June 6. Listed below are the schools, times, dates and places: Lamar State College Orange will hold its first local commencement …
KRISTINA MILLER

Local teacher among nominees for 2025 NHD Teacher of the Year Award

Livingston Junior High School Teacher Kristina Miller is one of 71 educators nationwide that National History Day® is honoring as 2025 National History Day Teacher of the Year Award nominees. …

TEACHER APPRECIATION

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, Georgia-Pacific recognized and thanked the dedicated teachers and staff who go above and beyond every day to inspire and empower the next generation. As a …
All around East Texas
Columnists
With summer upon us and kids of all ages at home, it is time to think about activities for kids, especially those (of any age) who will be left by working moms and dads for long periods of …
Gov. Greg Abbott last week signed a $1 billion private school voucher bill into law in front of a large crowd at the Governor’s Mansion, the San Antonio Express-News and other media outlets …
On May 14, 1962, Katherine Anne Porter published Ship of Fools, her first and last novel that put the uprooted Texan on easy street. Callie Russell Porter began her long life in 1890 at a wide …
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are reminded of the incredible impact that moms have on our lives. Mothers are the ones who guide us through life’s challenges, offer support and …
Opinion
Traditionally, in off-year elections (those that don’t include the presidential race), voter turnout is low. Also just as traditionally, I admonish the voting public about said turnout. …
Rural America has a severe drug problem. According to figures gleaned from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2021 survey on nationwide drug use and …
I always have liked Texas. I was born in the state, even though life whisked me away early. Still, it has a lot going for it — a robust economy, great places, the best barbecue — and …
Sports & Recreation

Onalaska’s season ends at area

Jake Gibson takes a lead off first base.
The Onalaska Wildcats dropped their final game of the season 11-0 Friday night to the Huntington Red Devils in the area round played at Hudson.   The Red Devils won Game 1, 7-6, Thursday …
Elizabeth Coyle and Jacob Davis received the Shepherd ISD Athletics Gary Corn Senior Athlete Award.

Shepherd honors athletic standouts

The annual athletic banquet was held at Shepherd High School, and the following students were honored: Cheerleader — Kirstin Kangas New Student Athletic Trainer — Adrianna …
The Shepherd Lady Pirates lost in the area round of the softball playoffs.

Lady Pirates end postseason run with two losses

NAVASOTA — Shepherd’s playoff run came to an end after a pair of losses to Robinson over the weekend. The Lady Pirates lost 3-1 on Thursday, and despite a four-run rally in the …

Centerville’s dream seasons come to an end

NACOGDOCHES — A 14-2 loss on Friday and an 8-2 loss on Saturday, both to Brookeland, ended the win streak and postseason romp of the Centerville Bulldogs. The Dawgs went undefeated …

Schwertner files legislation to strengthen border security measures

AUSTIN — Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, filed legislation to aid county jails in their coordination and collaboration with ICE and provide stronger legal tools to discourage the …

Texas land commissioner urges court to investigate sale of border wall material

Border wall panels in Starr County.

AUSTIN — Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that the Texas General Land Office, the State of Texas, and the State of Missouri are asking a U.S. District Court judge to …

Bite by Bite

First fresh produce of the season

Fresh Produce

One of my favorite things each spring is to head out to Hensley Produce and load up on fresh, homegrown produce. Located at 369 Larry Hensley Rd. out Hwy. 190 West off of Sandydale Road, the …

Obituaries
Lenora Cude
Lenora Ann Cude, 87, of Livingston, Texas, was born February 3, 1938, in Houston and passed away on May 11, 2025, in Livingston. She was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Ruby Guseman, …
Wanda Broussard
Wanda Louise Corbello Broussard, 82, of Livingston, Texas was born February 9, 1943, in Nederland, Texas and passed away May 8, 2025, in Livingston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, …
Ruth Ann Purvis
Funeral services for Ruth Ann Purvis, 84, of Livingston, Texas, were held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas with David Powell officiating. …
Patsy Jean Boone
A celebration of life will be held for Patsy Jean Boone, 91, of Livingston, Texas, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Polk County Commerce Center located at 1017 US Hwy. 59 Loop …
Blanch Gabriel
Funeral services for Blanch Mont Gabriel, 78 of Magnolia, Texas, will be held Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas. Interment will follow at Midway …
Outdoors
Edgar Cotton, his son David and Choctaw Lodge Manager Dusty Vickrey (far right) getting ready for a turkey hunt. Photo by Larry Weishuhn

FUN ACROSS THE RED

When I crossed the Red River north of Paris last week, heading north to spend a couple of days at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge with some great old friends and a few new ones, “Ole’ Red was …

Pineywoods Fishing Report 05-11-2025

B.A. Steinhagen FAIR. Water stain; 70 degrees; 0.11 feet below pool. Very few anglers on the water. Expect fish to start pushing shallow as the water warms. Bob Sandlin GOOD. Water …

My week in the outdoors

Last week was a quiet one for me. With intermittent rain throughout the week, I did a good bit of ‘inside’ work, catching up on some magazine articles and finally getting some of my more …
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What's that racket? 4 car noises you shouldn't ignore
CheapInsurance.com encourages drivers to listen for car noises that can help diagnose a potential problem before it becomes a serious emergency situation.
Two-thirds of U.S. families live with a furry or feathery friend
(BPT) - It's no surprise that people love their pets. In fact, 97 percent of pet owners consider them part of the family, according to a study from the Pew Research Center. To celebrate our …
New study: Americans rate their financial happiness a 4.9 of out 10
(BPT) - On America's financial scorecard, people rate their happiness with their overall personal finances a 4.97 out of 10 — and scores need improvement across the board, as the majority (91%) …
Cooking Up Comfort with Ease and Convenience
(Culinary.net) Checking all the boxes with family meals - convenience, nutrition and, of course, deliciousness - can be a tall task.