AUSTIN – State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) has officially filed for re-election to seek another term as the State Representative for House District 57. “It is a tremendous honor to represent the wonderful people who are blessed to call this area home,” Ashby said. “After prayerful consideration and discussing it with my family, I am... Read More

I’d like to start this column by expressing my sincere gratitude to all of the brave men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in our armed forces. With Veterans’ Day around the corner, it’s important that we remember these American heroes and express our appreciation for their dedicated service. And while we... Read More

Below is a brief summary of the ballot propositions currently up for a vote. I hope this helps inform your decisions at the ballot box and that you will make your voice heard in this important election. Prop 1: Allows an elected or appointed municipal judge to serve in more than one municipality at one... Read More

As many of you are aware, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen had a meeting in June with a political operative in the Speaker’s Capitol Office. The conversations that took place that day were recorded and recently released to the public. After hearing the recording for the first time, I am deeply troubled by the profanity... Read More

I recently had the pleasure of congratulating a dear friend of mine—Dr. Keven Ellis, of Lufkin—on his recent appointment by Governor Abbott to chair the State Board of Education. This occasion reminded me of how important it is to have individuals from East Texas serving in leadership capacities. Did you know that the Governor of... Read More

Governor Abbott recently declared a state of emergency due to flooding in southeast Texas from Tropical Storm Imelda. My prayers are with all of those who have again been affected by immense rainfall from this natural disaster. As usual, our brave first responders are already helping save lives and mitigate damages for those affected by... Read More

It’s September, and that means football season in Texas is back in full swing!  Like so many of you, I relish spending my Friday nights this time of year under the bright lights of a football stadium, munching on a box of popcorn, and supporting our East Texas schools.  From the band to the drill... Read More

With the month of September just around the corner, school is officially underway, football stadiums will light up the Friday night sky, and sportsmen and women will finally have a chance to get back in the field with a shotgun for dove season. With that in mind, I want to encourage all of my fellow... Read More

Since my last column, selfish and hateful acts of violence carried out by a white supremacist took the lives of 22 people in El Paso, Texas. Just hours later, nine more were killed in Dayton, Ohio at the hands of another sick and demented individual consumed with hate. As Texans, and as Americans, we grieve... Read More

A cool front in late July?  In many areas across East Texas, records were shattered this past week as temperatures plummeted into the upper 50s and lower 60s.  The cooler temperatures were welcome relief to many as we were just settling in to the dog days of summer.  As we approach and enter the month... Read More