Polk County News

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From Enterprise Staff

David Phelps, a multi-Dove and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, will bring his unmistakable sound to Lufkin Baptist Church in a concert at 6 p.m. July 22.

Once a childhood musical prodigy from Tomball, Phelps earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Baylor University. Since then, he has become a nationally celebrated vocalist, whose gifts and talents are matched by none. Perhaps best known as the powerful tenor for the multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, Phelps continues to constantly build on a career that has already been groundbreaking. Emerging as a leading voice in Christian music, Phelps has been winning the hearts of audiences all over the world for more than two decades. He has performed in numerous prestigious venues across the globe, including the White House, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

This 2023 “After the Downbeat” tour stop featuring Phelps and his musical entourage will feature songs from more than a dozen multi-award winning recordings he has to his credit. His seemingly endless vocal range, which extends more than three octaves, coupled with his gift for communicating a song, moves audiences from all walks of life, crossing generational and stylistic barriers.

Any music lover, regardless of musical preference, will not want to miss this special evening of worship and celebration at First Baptist Church, located at 106 East Bremond in Lufkin. Event information may be obtained by visiting www.davidphelps.com or www.itickets.com or by calling 936-634-3386.

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From Enterprise Staff

Passage of a property tax relief package by the Texas House of Representatives Thursday is expected to deliver the largest property tax cut in Texas history.

“Property tax relief has been the number one priority for me and my constituents from day one of this legislative session. Members of both chambers have put in countless hours over the last seven months to produce the most sweeping and comprehensive property tax proposal in the history of our state, which will provide measurable relief to the homeowners and businesses alike,” Ashby said.

Highlights of the $18 billion tax cut legislation include:

•Over $12 billion to reduce the school property tax rate for all homeowners and commercial properties;

•Every homeowner with a homestead exemption (approximately 5.7 million homeowners) will see an increase from $40,000 to $100,000 on their homestead exemption;

•Non-homestead properties, valued at $5 million and under, including residential and commercial properties, will experience a 20% cap on appraised values as a 3-year pilot program; and

•Legislation will also include savings on the franchise tax for small businesses and create newly elected positions on local appraisal boards for counties with a population over 75,000.

“Though this property tax package took longer to finalize than anticipated, I believe the painstaking process of perfecting this historic victory for taxpayers reflects the legislature’s unwavering commitment to deliver real and meaningful property tax relief to the people of Texas. As a co-author for SB 2, SB 3, and HJR 2, I’m proud to have played a role in delivering the largest property tax cut in Texas history, and I remain committed to prioritizing policies that help further alleviate the burden property taxes place on Texas taxpayers,” Ashby said.

Ashby is in his sixth term as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He is the Chair of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism while also serving on the House Committee on Transportation. He currently represents a six-county region that includes: Angelina, Houston, Polk, San Augustine, Trinity and Tyler counties.

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From Enterprise Staff

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) along with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration have selected Texas State Parks as a finalist for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

“I’m proud to have the hard work of our Texas State Park staff recognized for building one of the best state park systems in the country,” Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin said. “It is an honor for Texas State Parks to be nationally recognized for our efforts to welcome all Texans and preserve the gems of Texas for all generations.”

Texas State Parks is competing against three other state park systems for the top award: Missouri State Parks, Ohio State Parks and Watercraft; and Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails. The winner will be announced in October at the NRPA conference in Dallas.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are separated into seven classes, with five classes based on population, one class for armed forces recreation and one class, awarded on odd numbered years, for state park systems.

Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year. For more information concerning the Gold Medal Award program, visit https://aapra.org/National-Gold-Medal-Award.

“We are especially thrilled to receive this recognition during our centennial year,” Franklin said. “The fact that we were named a finalist among peer institutions across the country really highlights the progress we have made over the past century to fulfill then-Gov. Pat Neff’s vision of a Texas dotted with state parks ‘to be held in sacred trust by the state for the public good, now and forever.’”

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is partnering with TPWD and HEB to celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks. HEB, the presenting sponsor of the celebration, has donated $1 million to help Texas State Parks engage all Texans in discovering and enjoying their state parks throughout the yearlong celebration.

For more information on the centennial celebration, including community events, the history of Texas State Parks and how to make a day visit or overnight reservation, visit the Texas State Parks 100 Years website at TexasStateParks.org/100years.

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From Enterprise Staff

Texas Department of Transportation crews will set barricades this week in various locations throughout the Lufkin District as annual sealcoating operations are expected to begin by July 17, weather permitting.

The sealcoat process extends the life of an asphalt roadway and enhances the safety of the roadway by helping to prevent cracks and potholes.

Roads in Polk County that are scheduled for sealcoat treatment and the work limits for each include: FM 356, from the Trinity County line to the end of state maintenance; FM 3126, from U.S. 190 to FM 2457; and FM 350, from U.S. 190 to the end of state maintenance.

As the sealcoat project begins, motorists are urged to remember this is a moving operation. There will be signs, barricades and traffic control in place. Reduce speed and obey all traffic control. Stay alert for workers near the lane of traffic and moving equipment throughout the work zone. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 936-633-4395.