Photo by Paula Youngblood

JEFFERSON- The City of Jefferson is working with Stephen F Austin State University’s Center for Regional Heritage Research on the Port Jefferson riverfront project. Currently Dr. Kelley Snowden, Professor of Historical Geography, Tourism Director Jeff Campbell and Gary Endsley of the Collins Academy are developing the interpretive panels that will be placed throughout the park.

The panels will help tell the story of Jefferson’s historic past. They will include information about the turning basin, the wharves, the railroad trestle bridge and the old Jefferson water works. As visitors stroll along the trail they will be able to learn some interesting facts about Jefferson’s rich history.

Photo by Jeff Campbell

The linear park will run parallel to Big Cypress Bayou. The east half of the park will be an interpretive history trail and the east half of the park will be a boardwalk that will  interpret the natural history of the area.

We look forward to the park opening this summer!

Braxton Bielski with the new Texas state record alligator taken during a public hunt on the James E. Daughtrey WMA. Bielski caught the 14-foot, 3-inch, 800-pound giant on a hook and line and then dispatched it with a rifle. © Troy Bielski

AUSTIN – A young hunter who grew up with a fascination about dinosaurs and a dream of hunting what some call “living dinosaurs” has harvested the largest alligator ever certified in Texas. Braxton Bielski, an 18-year-old high school senior on his first alligator hunt, bagged the behemoth 800-pound, 14-foot, 3-inch gator during a recent public hunt on the James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area.

Braxton and his father, Troy Bielski, were among 481 applicants vying for 10 alligator permits issued through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s public hunting program for a five-day hunt at the Daughtrey WMA.

“He’s wanted to hunt alligators for years,” said Troy, a Houston police officer who has applied annually to TPWD’s special drawing hunts for the chance to fulfill his son’s dream. “We got selected one year to go on a youth hunt at the J.D. Murphree WMA, but I didn’t get the permit in on time. I remember Brax was very disappointed. This is the first year we’ve had to enter him as an adult and we got drawn.”

The coveted permit provides the only opportunity to hunt and harvest an alligator on Choke Canyon Reservoir, situated within the Daughtrey WMA boundary.

Each year, TPWD’s public hunting program provides access to some of the state’s high-quality managed wildlife habitat to about 5,500 hunters selected through random computer drawings. Wildlife management areas, state parks and leased private property are available for these supervised hunts for a variety of game, including: white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, javelina, alligator, exotics, feral hog and spring turkey.

Through an application process, hunters select from 29 different hunt categories, including eight specifically for youth only, and choose a preferred hunt date and location from hunt areas stretching across the state. There’s even a provision for hunting buddies to apply as a group — in some cases up to four hunters can apply together on one application.

This season TPWD processed 998 applications for 2,340 hopeful applicants in the alligator hunt category. The department offered 165 permits to go alligator hunting on five WMAs (Angelina Neches/Dam B, James Daughtrey, Guadalupe Delta, Mad Island, and J.D. Murphree).

© Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Because alligator hunting in Texas is conservatively managed, most hunters selected for these public hunts are first-timers and many have never seen an alligator in the wild. For that reason, TPWD biologists go through an intensive orientation process and provide greater guidance than they would for more common hunts, like for deer or waterfowl.

“We went through a two-hour orientation and it was very thorough,” Braxton recalled. “My dad did a lot of research online about alligator hunting and we asked a lot of questions.”

Troy said he knew some about the area they would be hunting, having done some bass fishing on Choke Canyon years ago, but with current low water levels, the landscape was completely different from what he remembered.

“We spent a lot of time scouting some of the pastures in the compartment we were assigned, looking for likely spots to set our lines,” said Troy.

At one point, the pair observed what they believed to be a large gator in a cove and decided to place their baited lines nearby.

“We didn’t pressure it, but while we were putting up our cane poles we could see it watching us 30 yards away,” said Braxton.

Choke Canyon has a reputation for holding some big old gators. Unlike the alligator populations along their core range in southeast Texas, these creatures are left alone to live to a ripe old age. A 14-footer is estimated to be between 30-50 years old, according to TPWD alligator program leader Amos Cooper.

“Choke Canyon has a larger size class than other areas because they have just began to hunt the area,” said Cooper. “A large alligator in Choke Canyon is not unusual but expected. You won’t see a lot of alligators on Choke Canyon but the alligators that you do see are relatively large.”

In the five years TPWD has hunted gators on the Daughtrey WMA, several huge specimens have been harvested, including two in 2011 measuring over 13-feet and another in that size class last year.

Living in Fort Bend County, Troy and his son routinely saw alligators while jogging but being able to judge their size was tough. “I had no idea,” he noted. “The WMA staff did a really good job of explaining what we needed to do. We knew this gator was big and wanted to be sure we set the bait high enough out of the water.”

Braxton chose one of the lines as his set; the other would be his dad’s. When the two hunters returned the next morning, they realized they had their work cut out as both lines were down indicating they had two alligators hooked. A hook and line set baited with raw meat is used to catch the alligator; only after it has been hooked can a gator be dispatched at close range with a firearm.

They weren’t the only ones having a successful first day. All the hunters participating in the hunt had landed gators, which proved equally challenging for the WMA staff.

“We only have 5-10 hunters out during these drawn hunts and most of them are new to alligator hunting so I try to stay in close touch with them,” said Daughtrey WMA area manager Chris Mostyn. “I tell them to have a strategy in place because they may have to haul a big one out. Turns out we had four gators taken that morning; it was wild. The Bielskis did a good job.”

Troy’s gator turned out to be a huge female measuring 10 ½ feet long, which, as it turned out was dwarfed by his son’s catch.

“If we had just caught the one, I would have been happy for Brax,” said Troy. “He’s the reason I was there.”

More information about TPWD’s public hunting program and the application process for special drawing hunts is available online athttp://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/.

Crockett — Piney Woods Fine Arts Association is presenting The Houston County Youth Talent Showcase sponsored by Coca-Cola of Crockett, May 18^th at the Crockett Civic Center.  This annual showcase event of some of the best and brightest talent from all over Houston County is in rehearsals and getting ready for a stellar performance!  The theme of this year’s show is “Puttin’ on the Ritz!” and is dedicated to longtime Crockett resident and esteemed community member, Bill Schulman.

Mr. Schulman owned and operated the Ritz theater in Crockett. He passed away May 3, but left instructions the theater should stay open, even on the day of his service. He was a true showman and believed “the show must go on!”  The Houston County Youth Talent showcase will have the all the glamour of old Hollywood with singing, dancing, music and a percussion act that has to be seen to be believed!

This professionally-produced showcase event has been presented by PWFAA for the youth of Houston County for 22 years and this year’s performance is sure to delight and entertain. Proceeds from the showcase will help support PWFAA’s school-time programming for the 2013-2014 school year.  PWFAA’s Arts-in-Education panelists auditioned over 140 acts at area schools and selected the best and brightest stars! This year’s panelists are:

Crockett –                               Janet Walker

Grapeland –                            Perry Bobbit

Jordan/Vista Academy –    Don Colasanti

Kennard –                               Margaret Wright

Latexo –                                  Rhonda Price

Lovelady –                              Deeanne Sweeney

Selected at this year’s auditions are:

Lovelady

Victoria Logan- “Hit Me Up”

Jacy Stubblefield, Megan Williams, Ayvery Sallee- “Swagger”

Eli Admire- “Killer Joe”

Crockett

Kiran Amjad & Kalie Land- “Cup Song”

Faith White- “One Moment at a Time”

Kendra McCullough- “Take Me to The King”

Kelsi Colbert & Cassie Murphee- “Fully Alive”

Will Brannen- “Cruise”

Kennard

Deja Peterson- “Indescribable”

Alli Rae White- “Going In”

Matthew Moore & Maddie Moore- “Amazing Grace Medley”

Lyndsey Cole- “Amazing Grace Medley”

Kennard Ringtones- “Trumpet Voluntary”

Sarah Ackley, Eli Avila, Ty Best, Collin Champagne, Stormie Davis,                                  Monica Dias, Colton Dowdy, Matthew Flower, Delailah Galvan, Kaylie                            Henderson, Miranda Peacock, Morgan Pleasant

Latexo

Sydney Furrh- “Watch Me”

Haleigh McKenney- “A Dream is a Wish”

Tamesha Duncan- “I’m Going Down”

Jordan & Randi Lane- “They’re Everywhere”

Olivia Santone- “Blue Bird”

Grapeland

Neomi Lopez- “Gold”

J.D. Martin- “Ovation 2”

Shelby Bruner & Liz Conner- “Momma’s Broken Heart”

Paige Scott- “Style vs. Anointing”

Jordan School/Independent

Eden Owens- “All That Matters”

Avery Cobbs- “TTY XOXO”

Addie Coldiron- “Millionaire’s Hoedown”

Presley Ellis- “A Thousand Years”

Katie Bradshaw, Jamie Welch, Aliya Lane, Alyssa Dilli, Avery Cobbs, Allie          White & Carson Pardue- “Dig a Little Deeper”

Katie Bradshaw, Jamie Welch, Aliya Lane, Alyssa Dilli, Avery Cobbs, Allie White, Carson Pardue, Maddie Conner, Jordan Davenport, Victoria Logan, Paige Huff,  Jamie Irvin & Kirsten Jeitz- “Survivor”

Come out and support the young talent of Houston County and see the future of entertainment as these young stars begin their rise to stardom!!  The show is Saturday May 18^th, 7:30 pm at the Crockett Civic Center with the box office opening at 6:30 pm. General admission tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for 18 and under and can be purchased at the PWFAA office or at the box office the night of the show.  PWFAA is located at 603 E Goliad, Suite 203 and is open Monday through Friday 9:00 – 1:00. For more information call (936) 544-4276 or go the website at www.pwfaa.org.  Don’t miss your chance to see this wonderful showcase and support the best of Houston County!!

A Dusty Trail of Legends and Haunts

By Dana Goolsby

MARSHALL- Red dirt roads sprawl beneath the pine tree canvas of East Texas offering a slower pace, and are perfect for a scenic drive. But not every dirt road in the Pineywoods leads to mystery and folklore like one in particular just outside of Marshall, Texas. Stagecoach Road in Harrison County has been in use since the early 1800’s, and has been the source of many, many tales, racing heart beats, and chill bumps that will raise the hair on the back of your neck for decades among East Texans.

Prior to the Civil War (1861-1865), the stage road was the main transportation artery between Marshall and Shreveport, and provided a link to New Orleans for distant markets. Traveling the dirt road was uncomfortable in dry conditions and nearly impossible during the rainy seasons.

Regular stage service was established by 1850, with three weekly arrivals and departures from Marshall. The arrival of stage coaches was a big event in Marshall. Coach drivers would sound their bugle, and the townspeople would rush out to meet incoming coaches.

Stagecoach Road was used during the Civil War, despite the shortage of drivers and horses, but declined after the war due to the completion of the Southern Pacific rail line. But even before Texans were putting this stretch of road to use legends tell of Caddo Indians who used to travel the road.

Locals and thrill seekers alike have dubbed the road haunted and mysterious. Local lore swirls about this stretch of road in the pines, producing tales that have been passed down for generations. While some lay claim to paranormal experiences others say they have encountered numerous Texas cryptids wandering along the road. Urban legend suggests, vampires and zombies do their dirty work along this dusty path during the wee hours of the night when unsuspecting drivers stop along the road. While many of the encounters range from the paranormal to mythical creatures, the only certainty regarding this dusty trail is its deeply rooted history in the region and the fact that there is never any shortage of mystery where Stagecoach Road is concerned. Fear and even death are believed to be waiting for those who brave this hidden path deep in the Pineywoods.

Reports of a clattering spectral stagecoach drawn by four black horses have been buzzing for decades. Some rebuke the reports of the rogue stagecoach however, and insist the horse drawn entity is an old wagon funeral hearse. Locals refer to the oddity as the “death coach.”

Others have reported seeing strange lights when traveling the road at night. Many believe the unidentified lights are lanterns hanging from a funeral coach as it rushes down the road in the dead of night seeking souls to take back to Hell.  The story goes, those who see the funeral coach are doomed to die, while those who hear it should drop to their knees in prayer because the coach is there to drag you away to Hell.

Other bizarre encounters have been reported on the old, graffiti laced bridge over Stagecoach Road. Locals say that if you park on the road and kill your engine if you wait patiently for 10 or more minutes you will see handprints on your car.

The legendary East Texas Bigfoot has also been spotted along Stagecoach Road. Blood-sucking chupacabras and even the Goatman have been reported lurking in the shadows by drivers as well. Other creatures that have been reported on Stagecoach Road include vampires, who many believe were buried near the road over a century ago.

The oldest and perhaps most widespread tale regarding Stagecoach Road in Marshall is that of La Llorna.  La Llorona, “the Weeping Woman,”  wanders along canals and rivers crying for her missing children. The story of la Llorna is found in many cultures and regions, making her possibly the most widely known ghost in Texas.

Legend says her children were missing, but that La Llorna actually killed her children in a crazed rage after being rejected by her beau. When La Llorna learned that her beau intended to marry another (some speculate that the other woman was Diamond Bessie herself), she led her children down to the bayou and drown them. After drowning her children, La Llorna realized what she had done and then drowned herself.

According to local tales, the next morning a man from Marshall reported he had found La Llorna dead along the shores of Caddo Lake, and the townsfolk gave her a proper burial in a family cemetery near Stagecoach Road.

Locals say la Llorna wanders Stagecoach Road dressed in black, crying out to her children. Some link the mysterious lights spotted along Stagecoach Road to La Llorna, suggesting she is using a lantern as she searches for her young ones’ bodies.  La Llorna’s face is sometimes that of a horse, but more often than not horribly blank. Her long fingernails are said to gleam like polished tin in the moonlight.

The “Woman In White” has also been spotted down Stagecoach Road. Many believe her death was the result of a horrible stagecoach accident that occurred on a rainy night. Some locals will tell you the “Woman in White” was a nurse of the Confederacy during the Civil War who was killed while traveling Stagecoach Road, and that she makes an appearance just before disaster strikes the area.

The “Ax Man” is also said to travel this dirt road. Many residents of the area talk of the Ax Man’s ghost who is said to chop off the heads of those traveling alone at night.

Other local lore regarding the road suggests that the bodies of countless unknowns have been buried just off the beaten path. In the dead of night, unclaimed bodies were transported to the area surrounding Stagecoach Road for burial. This was so the spirits would not haunt the living in town.

Stagecoach Road is not lacking when it comes to paranormal encounters and reports. Ghost hunters come from near and far to investigate the red dirt road. Recently Sonshine Paranormal Investigators of Ft. Worth conducted an investigation of Stagecoach Road. Sonshine Paranormal had a successful investigation, complete with compelling evidence of their journey.

According to Sonshine Paranormal investigators Clay and Barbara Henderson, they had never heard of Stagecoach road before paying a visit to Marshall with hopes of investigating another site. Upon checking in at the Best Western in Marshall they became acquainted with a fellow paranormal enthusiast who recommended they take a drive down Stagecoach Road.

“He told us all about the lady in white that people have reported seeing, the horse drawn hearse, the men carrying the coffin. As a local he has heard all of the tales his whole life,” Clay said.

Clay wasn’t sold on the scary dirt road tale, but he and Barbara decided to venture out into the night to see what all the fuss was about.

“We got some fascinating photos. I won’t label them paranormal, but they are fascinating,” Clay said.

Clay and Barbara took numerous photos on their nighttime road trip down Stagecoach Road. Here are a few shots that turned out to be more than meets the eye. Could these two photos be of La Llorna? You decide.

“As we were driving, I told Barbara this road was probably just a place for teenage pranks and young boys who bring their dates down there hoping to get lucky,” Clay said.

According to the Hendersons it wasn’t five minutes before they stumbled upon evidence that strongly supported Clay’s theory. Just up the road Clay and Barbara discovered a pair of neon gren, glow-in-the-dark thongs.

“Looks like some girl got the pants scared off her,” Clay joked.

Check out the video of Clay and Barbara driving down Stagecoach Road.

For more information regarding Sonshine Paranormal‘s investigation of Stagecoach Road visit their Facebook page and send them a message.

Have you been down Stagecoach Road and encountered something unexplainable? If so, MYETX wants to hear from you! Email our team at myetx.team@gmail.com and find out how to contribute your story to our collection of haunted tales from the Pineywoods.

NACOGDOCHES- Texas Forest Trail Region announced the winning photographs on May 2 for the Spring 2013 “We Pine for East Texas” Photography Competition on its Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/texasforesttrail ). Certificates and $3400 in cash prizes were awarded to the 17 recipients.  The contest celebrates the natural and cultural treasures of East Texas to encourage travelers and locals alike to explore this heritage-rich region of Texas. The announcement comes on the eve of National Travel & Tourism Week, which celebrates the importance of travel and tourism to our national, state, and local economies.

Of the hundreds of photos submitted during the four-week contest ending April 7, over 300 were deemed eligible based on content matter, location, and production quality. One week of Fan Favorite voting followed the contest’s closing, in which the public could vote daily on their best-liked images on the Texas Forest Trail Region’s Facebook page.  The photographer who wins the Fan Favorite voting will receive $100.

Because these images will be used by the Texas Forest Trail Region and its regional partners in promoting East Texas in publications and social media, the photo contest challenged photographers to submit original, full-color images that reflect the wonder, the uniqueness, and the character of the Texas Forest Trail Region, a 35-county area of East Texas.

Members of the Trail’s board and guest photography professional Andrew Brosig of the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel sifted through the photos assessing how well the photo’s content adhered to the theme and displayed technical excellence. The judges selected one White Ribbon Grand Prize winner ($400), four Blue Ribbon winners ($250 each), five Red Ribbon winners ($100), and ten Honorable Mentions. In addition to the Texas Forest Trail Region awards, six Forest Trail partner organizations sponsored specific categories. These patrons included the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nacogdoches Main Street, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau, Beaumont Convention and Visitor Bureau, and Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum.

“The goal of the contest was to build a dynamic photo library representing the beauty and mystery of the East Texas region that we could use to promote travel to and around this area,” said Mary Turner, Executive Director of the Texas Forest Trail Region. “We were exceedingly pleased with the enthusiasm, interest, and originality shown by our contestants. We were grateful to amass a treasure trove of photos to use.”

All the winning photos and competition entrants can be viewed on the organization’s Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/texasforesttrail .

Texas Forest Trail Region is a regional tourism initiative developed by the Texas Historical Commission that helps Texans connect with their roots and visitors experience the Texas story. The Texas Forest Trail Region encompasses 35 counties of East Texas including Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Walker and Wood.

For more information, contact Texas Forest Trail Region Executive Director Mary Turner at 936/560-3699 and info@texasforesttrail.com, or visit www.texasforesttrail.com .

Texas Forest Trail Region’s 2013  “We Pine for East Texas”

 Photo Contest Honorees

Grand Prize ($400)

“Zydeco 1” in Jefferson County by Lacie Grant

Blue Ribbon Winners ($250)

“Fishermen” in Wood County by Charles Wright

“Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area” in Newton County by Zelma Lias

“Sunset Talk” in Jasper County by Ramsay Campbell

“Ta-’Da” in Rusk County by Leah Hamilton-Slider

All the winning photos and competition entrants can be viewed on the organization’s Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/texasforesttrail .

Red Ribbon Winners ($100)

“Fall in love with the Forest!” in San Jacinto County by Donna Allen

“Autumn Mist” in Angelina County by Larry Alford

“And then, God made a farmer” in Nacogdoches County by Megan Kelley

“Wild Bronc” in Tyler County by Lisa Richardson

“Sunrise” in Angelina County by Connie Thompson

Honorable Mention (Tote Bag + certificate)

“Tucker House at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center” in Nacogdoches County by Robin Johnson

“Sunset at Lake Livingston” in Polk County by Rachael Turner

“Dear Children, No thank you, from Turtle” in Montgomery County by Tiffany Terry

“Canoeists enjoy the Neches River” in Angelina/Houston Counties by Joe Pase

“Discussing the weather in the 1800′s’” in Nacogdoches County by Jennifer Bryant

“Warm Grass Sunset” in San Augustine County by Paul Bellinger

“Brakes Bayou” in Jefferson County by Richard James III

“Sunflowers and Thunderstorm” in Jefferson County by Lisa Richardson

“Tulips in Bloom” in Henderson County by Sherri Skeeters

“Way Back When…” in Marion County by Michelle Norris

Fan Favorite ($100) “Family Outing at the Blue Hole” in Angelina County by Rhonda Swanson

Sponsored Categories                                                       

Nacogdoches Main Street’s Downtown Nacogdoches ($250) “Nacogdoches City Hall proudly displaying our 9 Flags” by Tammy Scates

Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Spirit of Nac ($250) “Untitled” by Alex Shaw

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Best of Shelby County ($250) “Toledo Bend” by Jean Wood

Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Real Longview ($250) “Longview Glow – Home of the Original Glow” by Linda Cortelyou

Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Best of Beaumont ($250) “My daughter’s commute through the Big Thicket” by Shawn Molina

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown’s Our Built Heritage ($150) “Colorful Caboose” in Nacogdoches by Paul Bellinger

JEFFERSON- The Jefferson Historical Society and Museum will celebrate the one year anniversary of constructing a replica early 1900′s T & P Railroad depot on the Museum property to house the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad. Construction of the depot building began in late January 2012 and was completed in early May 2012. The inaugural Jefferson Train Days event on May19-20, 2012 celebrated the Grand Opening of the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad at the Museum.

Jefferson’s Cypress Bayou Model Train Club operates and maintains the model railroad layout for the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum. Since its opening last May, over 2,000 visitors of all ages have enjoyed this fabulous model railroad exhibit which is open daily year round.

The late R.D. Moses and his late friend, Jack Luck, spent over 30 years creating and building this fabulous HO scale model railroad layout that depicted the Texas & Pacific Railway in West Texas in the 1950s.This superb model railroad was published in the May 2002 Model Railroader magazine. Even before this publication, the R.D. Moses model railroad was known both locally and nationally as one of the best in the hobby.

The second annual Jefferson Train Days event will occur on May 18 and 19, 2013 to commemorate the one year anniversary of the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad layout being in its new location in Jefferson. This year’s event will also celebrate the city of Jefferson being designated by the Union Pacific Railroad as a “Train Town USA” and inclusion in the Union Pacific Railroad’s Train Town USA Registry.

One Boarding Pass will admit visitors to four activities – a visit to the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad layout, a ride on a narrow gauge scenic train, a tour of Jay Gould’s private railroad car and admission to a train show that includes several modular model railroad layouts and vendors.

Cost of the Boarding Pass is $15.00 for adults; children 6 and under are free. Boarding Passes may be purchased at two event locations in Jefferson on the days of the event. All proceeds, after expenses, will benefit the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum and the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad.
Go to www.jeffersontraindays.com

Also go to www.visitjeffersontexas.com for information on lodging and other activities in Jefferson, Texas.

Crockett- Piney Woods Fine Arts has a lot going on and the summer is going to get hot in Crockett with all the events coming up!! PWFAA will be offering lots of entertainment options for the whole family, with free concerts in the park, summer arts workshops and a children’s theatre workshops and performances….this summer is sure to be fun for everyone!

Piney Woods is bringing back it’s free concerts in the park with the “Summer Lightnin’ Series- Thursday Tunes by the Tracks”. These concerts sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Crockett will be at 8:00pm every Thursday in June at the new J.B. & Kathryn Sallas Amphitheater at Arnold Park.  The fun begins on June 6 as Texas-blues legend Texas Johnny Brown & the Quality Blues Band take the stage after the dedication of the blues mural on Camp Street.  The June 13 show will be rockabilly greats, Two Tons of Steel!! The Ezra Charles Band is June 20, followed by the Latin-influenced rocker Joe King Carrasco on June 27.  Bring a lawn chair, blanket and a picnic dinner and enjoy these wonderful concerts outside in a beautiful setting at the new amphitheater. Concessions will be available for purchase with the benefits going to the Depot Museum. The park is located next to the Houston County Visitor Center at 303 S. 1st Street.

Looking for a chance to see your kids perform onstage? Want to get them interested in acting?  The Missoula Children’s Theatre will be here June 10-15 to provide just the opportunity!  The group will hold auditions on Monday June 10 at the Crockett Civic Center and rehearse the rest of the week for a professionally-produced theatrical show for a paying audience on Saturday.  There will also be three theater arts workshops held during the week. The auditions are open to all-ages and we encourage everyone to take this opportunity to act in a show. Up to 60 local kids will have the chance to work with professional actors!

Piney Woods also will be serving up fun and inspiration at the  annual Jim Jeffries Summer Arts Workshop held at the Jordan School.  Classes will be offered in Drawing, Sculpture, Watercolor, and Photography. The workshops are taught by professional artists, guest artists in the past have included Sam Lawlace, Pipp Gillette, and Gary Williamson. Registration forms can be found at area grade schools, the Jordan School and the Piney Woods Offices. Children exiting Kindergarten through the 8th Grade are welcome to attend.

There will be no shortage of entertainment in Crockett this summer as Piney Woods Fine Arts continues to provide the highest quality shows and arts education for the children of Houston County! For more information on any of these events or if you would like to volunteer at PWFAA, call the office at (936) 544-4276 or go the website at www.pwfaa.org.

JEFFERSON- This year marked the 59^th year of the performance Diamond Bessie Murder Trial written by Mrs. Lawton Riley. Over the weekend locals performed the trial re-enactment at the Historic Jefferson Playhouse. Every year most of the same citizens of Jefferson perform in the murder trial, with some having performed in the trial for over 20 years.

This year Becky Palmer, a student from ETBU, played the ghost of Diamond Bessie and wowed audiences with her angelic voice. Other stellar performances include Zillary Easter’s portrayal of Jeannie Simpson, Jack Rasberry in the role of Justice Bankstead , Bruce Abraham as Prosecuting Attorney George Todd, Charlie Horn as Morellie, Mitchell Whitington as Sheriff John Vines, and Brooke Bradley who played the role of Isabelle Gouldy.

The entire cast of the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial was impressive and full of energy and passion. We highly recommend adding the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial to your East Texas Bucket List of must-see shows and events.

The Jefferson Playhouse is a historical gem capable of transporting you back to the days when Jefferson was a busy riverport city. Stepping foot into the old playhouse transports you immediately back to days gone by, making it the perfect place for the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial performance.

The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial is performed each year on the first weekend of May, during the Annual Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage.

The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial

January 19, 1877, a well-dressed man and a beautiful woman stepped off a train in Jefferson. They called themselves “A. Monroe and wife” upon registering at the Brooks House. The events that were set in motion once the strangers set foot in Jefferson led to the first big-name trial in Texas.

Monroe’s real name was Abraham Rothschild. He was the son of Meyer Rothschild, a Cincinnati jeweler. Rothschild was a traveling jewelry salesman for his father’s company.

Rothschild met Bessie Moore at a brothel in Hot Springs, Arkansas several years prior to their fateful trip to Jefferson. Moore was born Annie Stone, the daughter of a successful shoe dealer in Syracuse, New York. She became the mistress of a man whose last name was Moore, and although their association fizzled quickly she kept his name. Some articles written after her untimely death suggest she was a prostitute in Cincinnati, New Orleans, and Hot Springs before meeting Rothschild.

Rothschild and Moore traveled together as husband and wife, however, there is no evidence to suggest the couple was ever married. Rothschild lavished her with diamonds, which only made Bessie stand out more.

On the Sunday morning after their arrival and stay at the Brooks House, Rothschild purchased two lunches from Henrique’s Restaurant for a picnic lunch with Moore. The couple was last seen strolling together across the footbridge over the Big Cypress Creek. That afternoon Rothschild returned to town alone and went about his business.

Locals inquired about his companion upon his return to town alone, to which Rothschild  explained she was visiting with friends in the country and would join him again on Tuesday. However, when Tuesday came Rothschild left town alone with both of their luggage.

Bad weather set in, bringing snow to Jefferson for about a week after Rothschild’s departure. When the temperature began to warm a woman by the name of Sarah King went out to gather firewood. While searching for wood King discovered a well-dressed woman’s body near a twisted oak tree. There were remnants of a picnic lunch near the body, but there were no diamonds to be found.

The coroner ruled that the woman had died due to a gunshot wound to the head. Locals took up a collection and buried the unidentified body at Oakwood Cemetery. A warrant was issued for “A. Monroe” for suspicion of murder.

Later local officials learned that “A. Monroe and wife” had registered in Marshall as A. Rothschild and wife from Cincinnati, Ohio, and a new warrant was issued and the victim was identified as Bessie Moore.

While in Cincinatti, Rothschild became paranoid and attempted suicide. He only succeeded in blinding his right eye. He was arrested in the hospital and Texas and Marion County officials were sent to Cincinnati in order to identify and extradite him.

The trial became notorious and most East Texas lawyers attempted to be involved on some level, either on the side of the state for prestige or on the defense for the money to be provided by the Rothschilds. The defense had an impressive array of legal talent including a future governor of Texas, Charles A Culberson and  a United States Senator, David B. Culberson, among other legal minds who undoubtedly were paid very well for their efforts.

The first trial began in December of 1878. The legal battle lasted two-and-a-half years. After three weeks of testimony the jury found Rothschild guilt of murder in t he first degree and sentenced him to a hanging death. The defense appealed for reversal of the case on the grounds that the trial had been unfair, and the judge declared a mistrial.

December 2, 1880, the state issued another indictment against Rothschild, and the second trial began on December 14, in Jefferson. By December 30, 1880, the jury had found Rothschild not guilty.

Rumors about the trial swirled in Jefferson, and eventually became part of the local folklore surrounding the trial. Stories of twelve $1000 bills being lowered into the courtroom during deliberations buzzed through the community. And some say that all twelve jurors met untimely and violent deaths within a year after the trial. Others say Bessie was pregnant at the time of her murder, however, that was never proven.

Some time in the 1890’s, a well-dressed, elderly man wearing a patch over his right eye showed up in Jefferson seeking the grave of Bessie Moore. When shown the grave, he laid roses near the tombstone, prayed, then commended the locals on their goodness and for providing a decent burial.

Local lore suggests this one-eyed elderly stranger was a repentant Rothschild. In the 1930s a headstone mysteriously appeared on the grave where none had been before, and in the 1960s the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club built an iron fence around the grave. In 1941, E. B. McDonald admitted putting up the headstone because it had not seemed right for Diamond Bessie to rest in an unmarked grave. Thus ended at least one mystery surrounding the case.

The case, still officially listed as unsolved, attracts many investigators and lawyers to this day. Since 1955 a courtroom drama relating the story has been presented each spring as part of the Jefferson Historic Pilgrimage.

By Laura Lee Jones/Red Dirt Couture

This is a story about a casserole. Well, it’s actually about a casserole dish. I was retrieving my casserole dish from the cabinet when it fell and broke. Thinking that I surely must have another one somewhere I began rummaging through the hutch. Sure enough, I found one! It was a casserole dish that my mother gave me. I had completely forgotten how much I adored it!

Finding this treasure made me re-appreciate other little things around my house.

• I love this little bird pillow I found at Lowe’s. I’m not a huge bird fan, but this one just called my name!

• On my nightstand next to the bed is my Nook. I am obsessed with the vintage New Yorker cover I bought for it.

• My grandmother’s handmade ornaments reside in a decorative glass box in the entryway. I love seeing them every time I’m at the front door.

• The painting was a gift from a family member. I cherish it because it reminds me of my three little boys!

• Garage sales usually are not my thing, but I am extremely fond of this wooden giraffe that I acquired at one many years ago. He has lived in every classroom I ever taught in and now has a place of honor next to my bookshelf.

• This wine cork barrel is a fun kitchen decoration! Writing the date and names of friends that shared the bottle with you over dinner is a great memento.

• My stackable World Market coffee cups are the perfect size for a morning cup of Joe. I love the delicate lacy pattern on them. They sit atop the hutch not far from my mother’s casserole dish. Big thanks, Mom!

MARSHALL-  More than 120 dog breeds will be center stage at the Marshall City Arena during the Caddo Kennel Club’s 4th annual AKC sanctioned dog show this weekend.  The 2013 show boasts more than 650 entries; one hundred more entries than the 2012 dog show. 

The Caddo Kennel Club dog show is one of the shows where valuable points can be won by dogs hoping to one day be invited to the most prestigious dog show, the Westminster Dog Show in New York.  To earn an invitation, dogs must earn at least 15 points and have two major dog show wins.  The Marshall competition is only AKC sanctioned dog show in a several state region during its designated weekend.

This year, entries are coming from all over the United States, as well as Canada, Central America and even Europe.  Fed Williams, President of the Caddo Kennel Club attributes continued growth to the quality of the show hosted in Marshall.

“People are learning about the area, and how this show is run,” said Williams.  “The Marshall competition has plenty of room for the dogs to run, they’re not all cramped.  They also enjoy being in Marshall.”

The events begin Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. with a puppy fun match and obedience sessions for those who want to practice with their dogs.  Williams says it’s important to start showing puppies young, because they have to become accustomed to being shown as well as learning obedience skills. Many of the puppies are only beginning their training making the puppy fun match very entertaining for those attending. 

Saturday and Sunday, the dog show will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with event judging beginning at 9 a.m.  Dog show attendees will enjoy seeing the Conformation, Obedience, Owner-Handler, and Rallying competitions.  A variety of familiar and unusual breeds will be on display during each of the competitions, which is usually the highlight for those watching the show according to Williams.

“We have a Leonberger that is real unusual and we have Swedish Vallhunds,” said Williams.  “They are very neat because they have extra toes.  We’ll also have Irish Wolfhounds, the tallest and biggest dogs, and Bullmastiffs, which are the heaviest dogs, but gentle as can be.  One of the neatest breeds is a Rhodesian Ridgeback, which is known for the hair that grows the wrong direction towards the head.”

The registration period for those showing dogs has passed, however the dog show is family friendly, with no admission fee and every event is open to the public.  Vendors with dog supplies will also be on site, carrying everything from specialty supplies essential for showing dogs, to dog toys and tee shirts all dog owners will love.  The Caddo Kennel Club hopes visitors from across the region will attend and enjoy the show.

The Marshall City Arena is located at 3310 Poplar Street in Marshall.  For more information about the dog show, contact the Dog Show Chair, Nancy Mellott, at nkmellott@hotmail.com.  Additional event information, lodging reservations and information about Marshall can be found by visiting www.VisitMarshallTexas.org or by calling the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau at 903-702-7777.

By Jeff Campbell/Jeff In Jefferson
JEFFERSON- In the Steamboat days, when Jefferson was a trading partner with New Orleans and Shreveport, Jefferson was a strategic outpost during the Civil War. On Big Cypress Bayou, just east of downtown, the Confederate Army established an ordnance works. The ordnance works consisted of three powder magazines (only one is still standing), barracks, a warehouse and other out buildings.

Ammunition that was manufactured in Marshall and other Texas cities was brought to Jefferson, stored at the ordnance works and then transferred east to be used in battle. The ordnance works was built away from downtown in case there were any accidental explosions.

This Friday, Texas Archeology Steward Bob Vernon will be presenting his research into the Jefferson Ordnance Works. The event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Jefferson Transportation and Visitor Center (305 East Austin) on May 3rd at 2:00 PM. We hope you will join us for this free presentation on Jefferson’s role in the Civil War. For more information please call 903-665-3733.

Jeff Campbell
Tourism Director
305 E Austin
Jefferson, Texas 75657
903-665-3733
http://www.facebook.com/VisitJeffersonTexas

PALESTINE- If you have ever wanted to be on stage your next opportunity is just around the corner! Palestine Community Theatre (PCT) will hold auditions for their upcoming summer musical production of “Annie” on May 18, at 10a.m. at the Texas Theatre in Historic Downtown Palestine.

Actors and actresses ages eight to 98 are encouraged to audition. Everyone who auditions will be expected to sing.

Songs:

Annie – “Maybe”
Orphans – “Hard-Knock Life”
Rooster & Lily – “Easy Street”
Hannigan – “Little Girls” and “Easy Street”
Grace – “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here” and “You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long”
WB – Something Was Missing
FDR & Other Adults – Tomorrow

Those who come unprepared will be taught the song “Tomorrow” to sing at auditions.

Show dates include July 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and August 2, 3 and 4. Rehearsals will begin shortly after Director Chaundra Dantin has made her casting selections.

“LIKE” the Texas Theatre on Facebook to get regular updates about upcoming auditions and shows at the Texas. For more information contact:

Chaundra Dantin at (903) 922-1146 / cgdantin@yahoo.com

Dana Goolsby at (903) 922-1327 / historic.texas.theatre@gmail.com

Photo By Jessica Grote Romrell

ATHENS- Saddle up and head to Athens to get in on the fun! Hosted by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Elder Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, the 28th Annual PRCA Stampede Rodeo promises to be one of the most exciting yet!

Contestants will compete in events including: Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, and Bull Riding.

Tickets available at Lone Star Western Wear, Cavender’s, Citizen’s National Bank, First State Bank, or the Athens Chamber of Commerce, located at 201 W. Corsicana Street.

ATHENS—The Athens community will celebrate the joint heritage of Texas and Mexico with a day of dance, food and fishing at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center on Saturday, May 4.

The event will feature performances of traditional Mexican dances in the Hart-Morris Conservation Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center will present a hawks and owls show at 1:00 p.m. Athens area restaurants will compete in a salsa contest, which will be judged at 2:30 p.m. See a complete schedule below.

All Cinco de Mayo activities are included with regular admission to TFFC.

Highlights of the dance performances include appearances by Tyler Ballet Folklorico, Athens area elementary students and Las Tapatias, Athens’ own folkloric dance group.

The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center will do walk-around displays of birds including owls and hawks throughout the day. Visitors will be able to see the birds at close range and learn about their abilities and habits.

El San Luis Restaurant will serve food in the Hart-Morris Conservation Center.

Athens High School Key Club and National Honors Society students will be decorating the facility and volunteering during the event.

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the joint heritage and history of Texas and Mexico. It honors an important victory of the Mexican army, led by Texas native Ignacio Zaragoza, over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The victory helped preserve Mexican independence.

Schedule of Events

• 11:30am Tyler Ballet Folklorico adult dance performance
• 12:00pm Dance performances by Athens ISD students and Las Tapatias
• 12:30pm Tyler Ballet Folklorico children’s dance performance
• 1:00pm Blackland Raptor Center Hawks and Owls presentation
• 1:30pm Athens ISD students dance performance
• 2:00pm Tyler Ballet Folklorico regional dances performance
• 2:30pm Salsa contest judging and Las Tapatias dance performance

For more information on the event contact James Booker at (903) 670-2266, james.booker@tpwd.state.tx.us. Se habla español.

ETX- Sky watchers are encouraged to step outside tonight to catch a glimpse of this month’s full moon, also known as the pink moon. The pink moon is generally the term used for a full moon in April, however, the full moon will not be any different, nor will it be pink. Even so, everyone worldwide will get to see a full-looking moon shining near the golden planet Saturn – now nearly at its best for this year – from dusk until dawn. Tonight promises to be a great night for moon gazing, no matter where you are!

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Pink Moon gets its name from the herb moss pink, or ground, phlox, which is a spring flower that symbolizes the arrival of spring. The April full moon is also referred to as the Full Sprouting Grass Moon and the Egg moon

NACOGDOCHES- On Saturday, May 4, 2013, the Friends of Historic Nacogdoches, Inc. and the City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites Department will host the 1st annual Living History of Oak Grove Cemetery Tour. Oak Grove Cemetery was first established circa 1837, and it was later designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission. Among those buried there are soldiers, four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence and a number of local citizens, all of whom helped shape East Texas.

This event will highlight eight prominent families and individuals who lived in Nacogdoches and helped establish the City we know today. Costumed interpreters will portray the lives of  Thomas J. Rusk, Eva Sterne and Kelsey H. Douglass, just to name a few, and talk about “their” lives. In addition to learning about the lives of these people, tour guides will talk about significant marker shapes, motifs and symbols representing fraternal organizations, religious iconography and personal interests on the headstones.

Both the Historic Sites Department and the Friends of Historic Nacogdoches, Inc. hope to make this an annual event, wherein they will give back to the community by cleaning the headstones of the individuals they portray for the tour. All funds raised by this event will be used to build and preserve the “bricks and mortar” portions of Nacogdoches history. For instance, the Friends of Historic Nacogdoches will use the funds to help with projects, such as the creation of the statues around town, the annual Christmas Tour of Homes and any other events that come their way.

The event will be held May 4th with tours beginning at 1:00pm. Tickets will be sold the day of the event across from the main entrance to the cemetery on Lanana Street. Tours will take place every 15 minutes with each lasting approximately one hour. Tickets will be $10 with children under 10 years old being free. We hope to see everyone and look forward to sharing this important look into the history of Nacogdoches. For more information, please contact Assistant Historic Sites Manager, Jessica Sowell at 936-560-4441 or by email at sowellj@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us

MARSHALL- Motorcycle bike stunt shows will add to the center stage activities of family entertainment for the public and rally attendees during the April 26 -28 Marshall Bike Rally. Hundreds of bikers and large audiences are expected during the event that is to benefit Shriners Children’s Hospital – Shreveport.

Friday’s activities begin at 1:00 p.m. with vendors, biker rides, and live entertainment. Concerts will be performed on a stage set up at North Washington and Houston in Telegraph Park facing north towards highway 80. Concerts are planned for 2:00 p.m. with Robert “Blind Dog Cook’, 4 p.m. will feature Category 5, and the 8:00 p.m. concert is 8 Track. All concerts are free and the public is invited. Vendors will open at 1:00 p.m. and continue into the evening. Contests for registered biker attendees will be from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Motorcycle stunt shows will be a highlighted family event on Saturday. 7th Letter Entertainment from Dallas will stage professional stunt riders performing on their Yamaha r6 bikes. A narrative during the performance will explain the stunt riding, the gear used and the long hours of practice to master the skill. Shows are scheduled for 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. near the intersections of North Washington and Austin.

Saturday will also feature five free concerts center stage during the event. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. is Stateline, 11:00 a.m. None the Wiser, 1:00 p.m. Unit 9, 4:00 p.m. Blue Tin Roof, and Dusty Rose will complete the concert event schedule at 8:00 p.m. Music By Larry will perform at 7:00 p.m. in front of Under The Texas Sun.

A full schedule of activities are scheduled for biker attendees including poker runs, bike shows best paint competition, best engine competition plus bike shows and biker games. Except for the biker rides, all activities are held on North Washington in downtown Marshall with all activities and access free to spectators.

Bike enthusiasts can pre-register for $35 for a single registrant or $60 for couples until midnight, April 25. The pre-registration fee includes the official rally shirt, event pin, bike ride under the Texas sun, poker run events, games, and the bike show. Bikers will also be able to register on site for $25 per person. Persons who register on site will enjoy all events, contests, rides and concerts; registration begins at 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, April 26.

Rally registrations, lodging reservations and information about Marshall can be found by visiting www.VisitMarshallTexas.org or by calling the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau at 903-702-7777.

SLOCUM- Wild things in East Texas are on the move, which is just one good reason to have your pets vaccinated. Slocum FFA is hosting their “Bi-annual, All animal Shot and Rabies Clinic” this Wednesday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Slocum ISD Ag Department. Bring your dogs, cats, and horses in for their rabies,  puppy shots, yearly shots, wormer, flea meds, coggins…etc.

Please send any special requests to Maggie Salem Slocum Ag Dept 903-478-3624.

“War of the Hoses”

PALESTINE- Meet Rocky, the world’s most precarious Black Labrador puppy on April 27, during a live broadcast to benefit Anderson County Champions for Children (ACCC). Join ACCC as they put on a hilarious comedy about the struggle between a man and his dog for domination of the backyard. 

Anderson County Champions for Children (ACCC) is hosting its second annual radio comedy broadcast before a live audience on KNET  95.7 FM & 1450AM. Palestine on Saturday, April 27th, 2013, at the Meals on Wheels building, located at 200 N. Church in Palestine. Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM. Live radio show begins at 7:00 PM Sharp.

Dinner tickets are $25. Advertising spots are $250 per 30 second spot and will be run 3 times during the show.

For advertising or dinner tickets contact Leslie Sausage at 903-723-5567 or email info@andersoncountychampions.com. Or log on to http://andersoncountychampions.com/ for more information. 

The Anderson County Champions for Children is a collaborative coalition composed of community leaders and early childhood professionals leading the crusade to improve early childhood education and child care in Palestine and Anderson County.

The mission of Anderson County Champions for Children is to ensure optimal development and school readiness for our county’s youngest citizens by providing services to families and early childhood programs. They strive to improve professional practices in early childhood programs and support early childhood programs to ensure a quality system of early childhood education, as well as enhance the quality of life for the families of Anderson County. Anderson County Champions for Children provides training, a resource room, resource and referral system, activities for children, and fundraising events.

Please, help us help the children of Anderson County toward a brighter future through improved early education.

EARTH- For 43 years earthlings have been celebrating and appreciating our planet and the two-way relationship we have with it on April 22.  Earth Day is designed to activate individuals and organizations to strengthen and fight against man’s relationship with the planet. It is easy to take Earth for granted because she is the background of our daily lives, which is why we have to learn to appreciate and preserve our planet. Earth Day is an opportunity for individuals to take a moment out of their lives to think on a broader scale, beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings. 

Today, when many people think of Earth Day, they think of planting a tree or changing the types of lightbulbs they use in order to save energy. By planting a tree, you are putting in place a plant that will produce tons of oxygen during its lifespan, create a habitat for numerous species and potentially create shade that will reduce heating costs and energy dependence. By changing your lightbulb to a more energy-efficient version, you are not only going to save money on your electricity bill, you will also extend the life of your light source, reducing the amount of waste going to a landfill or other location. Above all of these small, simple actions should rise the original initiative of Earth Day: Education.

According to Earth Day Network, the organization behind Earth Day, one billion people participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Participants plant trees, clean streams and resolve to recycle more.

What really matters, though, is what people do the day after Earth Day — and for the 363 days after that. Earth Day was born out of a desire to do something. In 1970, 20 million individuals from all walks of life united to protest the deterioration of the environment, and the results included the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Earth Day, above all else, should be a day when we all educate ourselves about the complexities and fragility of the planet, as well as the huge effects we can all have in promoting its health. Through education, we will not only become more enlightened about our place and our potential upon this small blue marble we call Earth, we will also become aware of the vital importance our actions can have in forging a better, healthier path for our planet and our future.

Log on to http://www.earthday.org/ to learn more abotu Earth Day and how you can make a difference.

NACOGDOCHES- Beginning Thursday, April 18, in a seven-day competition, the general public can vote daily on-line for the best-liked photograph among the qualified 300+ images submitted to the Texas Forest Trail Region’s 2013 Photo Contest. The photographer of the Fan Favorite winner receives a cash prize ($100) and the distinction of being the 2013 Fan Favorite.

People can vote for their favorite photo, April 18-April 25, 2013, in two ways. Visit the Texas Forest Trail Region’s “Photo Contest” tab on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/texasforesttrail) or access the contest page at the organization’s webpage (www.TexasForestTrail.com/photo). Being awarded Fan Favorite winner does not preclude winning a judges’ award. Last year’s Fan Favorite by Nacogdoches photographer Robin Johnson also won the judges’ award in the Family Fun category and has been published in at least two travel magazines, including Texas Monthly, with photo credit.

All photo contest winners will be announced on the Texas Forest Trail Region’s Facebook page on May 2, 2013 and nearly $4000 in prize monies will be awarded. Judges select one White Ribbon Grand Prize winner ($500), four Blue Ribbon winners ($250 each), and five Red Ribbon winners ($100).

In addition to the Texas Forest Trail Region winners, the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nacogdoches Main Street, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, City of Longview and Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum of Beaumont are each sponsoring cash prizes for winning photographs in their designated categories.

Titled “We Pine for East Texas,” the four-week on-line photo contest that ended April 7, called for original, full-color photographs that reflect the wonder, the uniqueness, and the character of the Texas Forest Trail Region, a 35-county area of East Texas. Suggested ideas for the photo subjects are regional events, family fun, nature scenes, East Texas heritage, remarkable East Texans, and the unique ways of East Texas culture. The submitted photos will be used in publications and social media to market the region and credit is given to the photographers.

The Texas Forest Trail Region is a regional tourism initiative developed by the Texas Historical Commission that helps Texans connect with their roots and for visitors to experience the Texas story in 35 counties of East Texas.  For more information, contact Texas Forest Trail Region Executive Director Mary Turner at 936/560-3699 and info@texasforesttrail.com, or visitwww.texasforesttrail.com .

TYLER- With a name like “What About Kabob” you can’t help but wonder, “What about it?” MYETX usually looks for southern-style diners and dives on the road, but this time we decided to try something untraditional in East Texas. While the Pineywoods is not known for serving up Greek dishes, What About Kabob in Tyler proved to be a rare gyro-gem that we can’t wait to visit again!

Photo by Melissa Firmin

Having never dined at a Greek eatery before our team had no idea what to order. The woman behind the counter recommended the Original Gyro, along with pita chips and hummus. She was spot on because the combination was enough to hook us and have us shouting from the rooftops about the coolest place in Tyler to grab some Greek grub.

The Original Gyro came on a fresh, warm whole pita and was loaded with vertically carved beef and lamb, lettuce, red onions and tomatoes with a tasty, tangy sauce. It was amazing! We give it two thumbs up.

The pita chips and hummus were also a new adventure for our team. Hummus is smooth thick mixture of mashed chickpeas, tahini, oil, lemon juice, and garlic, used especially as a dip for pita. While chips and salsa are generally the appetizer of choice in East Texas, this was a pleasant change, and one we can’t wait to sink our teeth into again!

What exactly is a gyro? A gyro is an American-Greek sandwich. Most food historians generally agree the name “gyro” and the current sandwich are both recent inventions originating in New York during the early 1970s. Gyros, as we know them today, are thought to have evolved from the traditional “Doner Kebab” of Turkey. Some Greek historians believe that the dish originated during Alexander The Great’s time, when his soldiers used their long knives to skewer meat and kept turning the meat over fires.

Gyro is probably the most often mispronounced food name. Even its fans usually do not get the pronounced correctly – whether it is mispronounced as “jee-rohs,” “jai-rohs,” “gee-rohs,” The correct Greek pronunciation is “yee-rohs.”  The varied names have geographical origins from different peoples’ languages.

If you are in Tyler and you have a stomach, swing by What About Kabob and put a gyro in it! We did! You won’t regret it.

What About Kabob is located at 713 W.S.W Loop 323 River Oaks Plaza, in Tyler, Texas.

Hour of Operation:

Monday- 11a.m.-2p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday- 11a.m.-7:30p.m.

Sunday- CLOSED

© Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

ATHENS—Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries biologist Robert J. Mauk of Wichita Falls tells how a routine refueling stop at a gas station turned into something quite out of the ordinary.

“Recently, I had a new experience that I had hoped never to have and hope I never have again. I’ve discussed and written articles about the importance of cleaning, draining and drying your watercraft when removing it from the water, especially when taking it to a different water body, to insure that you are not spreading invasive species. In my 16 years as a TPWD biologist for the Wichita Falls area, I have come in contact with invasive species that are illegal to possess, such as applesnails and giant salvinia. Both were in private waters, and the owners had to eradicate them.

“This leads me to a recent event. The staff and I were heading to a lake to collect largemouth bass to stock into the new Maplewood Pond. We stopped at a local gas station to fill up, and I noticed a large boat parked in the lot missing most of its identification such as up-to-date plates, boat registration and numbers. The stern was a mess, obviously having not been cleaned since being in the water. The technicians and I discussed that if there was ever a boat that could be transporting invasives, this was the one. The owner was nowhere to be seen, so I went over to the stern of the boat to have a look. The first thing I saw was small triangular shells indicative of zebra mussels covering the back of the boat. I immediately contacted the game wardens so they could handle the situation.

“Upon arrival, the game warden obtained pertinent information from the driver, who was transporting the boat to Pueblo, Colorado, for the boat’s owner. While the game warden discussed the situation with the driver, we tried to positively identify the mussel species. We had to return to our office with samples of the shells to examine them under a dissecting scope. It took a long time and many phone calls and text messages to experts in mussel identification before the mussel was identified as a dark false mussel. This is a brackish water mussel originally found along the Gulf coast that is nearly identical in appearance to the zebra mussel. The only way to tell it apart is by opening the mussel and looking at the beak of the shell.

“Even though it was not a zebra mussel, it is a species that could cause significant problems if it became established in brackish waters such as the Brazos and Red River basins. While the dark false mussel is native to the Texas Gulf coast, it is considered an exotic species in Colorado where the boat was being towed, so officials there were very interested in knowing it was coming to their state. They required the driver to meet them for a boat inspection as soon as he arrived in Colorado. We required the driver to clean the boat before resuming his trip.

“The situation could have easily been avoided had the boat owner followed a few basic rules that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been recommending:

1. Inspect the boat and trailer and remove any mussels, vegetation or foreign objects.
2. Drain all water from the boat including such things as the engine, bilge, ballast, livewells and bait buckets before leaving the lake.
3. Open all compartments and livewells and allow the boat and trailer to dry before entering another water body. To determine how long to allow the boat to dry before using it at a new lake, go to http://www.100thmeridian.org/emersion.asp and click your location on the map and the month. The length of drying time depends on the temperature and humidity.
4. If you can’t dry your boat and leave it out of the water for a week or more, you should wash it at a commercial carwash using high pressure and hot (>140°F) soapy water. The hot water will kill zebra mussels, and when the water from the carwash goes through a wastewater treatment plant, the process should kill any remaining mussels. Also, flush the motor for five minutes with the motor running and be sure to pay special attention to small crevices and other hidden areas.”

Zebra mussels have been found in Lakes Texoma and Ray Roberts. It is extremely important that boaters be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to insure they are not responsible for their spread. The possession or transportation of invasive species in the state of Texas is illegal. Trailers, boats, motors and anything else that has been in contact with Texoma or Ray Roberts water should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected.

Boats that have been stored or kept at a marina on infested waters for an extended period of time should be professionally cleaned before launching in another body of water. Because invasive species are so detrimental, it is a good idea for all boaters to thoroughly wash and dry their vessels any time they go from one lake to another, regardless if that lake is known to be infested or not.

If you have any questions, please call the Wichita Falls Inland Fisheries Office at (940) 766-2383 or e-mailrobert.mauk@tpwd.state.tx.us. Boaters and anglers can also help by reporting sightings of suspected zebra mussels to the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline at (800) 792-4263.

LUFKIN- Get your canoes ready and your life jackets on! The Neches River Rendezvous is Saturday, June 1 at International Paper’s North Boggy Slough Wildlife Management Area. This scenic 10-mile canoe trip has something for everyone. Whether you’re a bird watcher, or just need a relaxing day out of the house, the Neches River Rendezvous is for you! This nature tourism event is designed to promote outdoor wilderness adventure in East Texas by framing a day of paddling with the panoramic Neches River and surrounding forests. The event is scheduled for an 8:00am start, with free shuttle service available to and from the river.

Registration is open! If you know people interested in this nature tourism event who have not yet registered, please have them contact the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce with their contact information.

For more information on the Neches River Rendezvous, contact Melissa Wheeler at (936)634-6644.

Find Neches River Rendezvous on Facebook!