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It’s Friday, Lufkin! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Sid Miller’s plan to curb data centers on farmland, Blues & Brews, and Wizard of Oz on Ice + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Lufkin protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Power demand reshapes land use: In February, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller proposed Agriculture Freedom Zones to keep data centers off farmland with tax incentives. He says counties lack siting authority. Congress must still approve — get all the details.

Budget squeeze from inmate care: Angelina County commissioners approved another transfer for jail medical costs, shifting $9,400 from utilities after a $50,000 boost, as inmate numbers have increased demand for addiction and mental health care — see what’s driving costs.

Young rodeo talent shines: East Texas high school rodeo athletes packed Lufkin for the Region 5 qualifier, with top ten finishers set to compete in April finals, including breakaway roper Kali Jo Bannister — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Watch Happy Feet under the stars
• Sing and dance at baby storytime
• Experience TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Quilt stash refresh: Whether you’re piecing your first throw or chasing the perfect print, Tupelo Rose Quilts brings quilting ideas to life in Lufkin. Guided by Kim’s fabric-forward vision that began on Etsy in 2017, you’ll find fresh fabric, friendly know-how, and leave inspired, already sketching your next quilt.

Backyard upgrade, anyone? If the porch is begging for an upgrade, Seymore Home Improvements designs and builds custom wood decks in Lufkin, handling design, permitting, and the final stain. Built for East Texas weather, your morning coffee spot and weekend hangout will feel solid long after summer.

Seafood night sorted: Craving seafood? Captain Crab serves lobster, crab, and tender shellfish cooked your way, whether steamed, sautéed, grilled, or poached. Cozy, ocean‑inspired vibes meet a menu of classics and riffs, perfect for weeknights or low‑key celebrations.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🩺 Colon Cancer Screening Drive @ Dedicated Medical Center & Urgent Care | Friday (3/13) at 7:30 AM – Do your future self a favor and swing by this Colon Cancer Screening Drive, partnered with Shield, for on-site lab draws. It is quick, discreet, and way easier than pretending fiber gummies count as preventive care. Real talk, early screening saves lives, and weekends.

🎨 Paint N’ Potatoes @ Timberland Unitarian Universalist Fellowship – TUUF | Friday (3/13) at 6:30 PM – Paint N’ Potatoes is serving a free craft night, a baked potato bar with all the fixings, and zero pressure to color inside the lines. Queer Craft Club brings supplies, you bring your appetite, tolerance for glitter, and your favorite brushes; all ages welcome.

🧩 Puzzle Swap @ Kurth Memorial Library | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – If that 1,000-piece lighthouse has stared at you long enough, bring it to the Puzzle Swap and trade your finished puzzles for new challenges. Meet fellow piece counters, swap stories, and go home with something new, complete, and gloriously time-consuming. No missing pieces, please.

🎬 Maker’s Matinee: The Notebook @ The Pines | Saturday (3/14) at 2:00 PM – The Pines is going full cozy with a free Makers’ Matinee screening of The Notebook, so yes, bring tissues. Pack your dry, non-messy craft, or snag a little yarn there, and stitch, bead, or sketch through the swoons. Girl time in downtown Lufkin, upgraded.

🍺 Blues & Brews @ Cotton Square Park | Saturday (3/14) at 3:00 PM – Downtown Lufkin nights hit just right when the amps hum, the taps flow, and the Rusty Axe Kitchen crew is slinging something fried and glorious. Live blues, food trucks, beer and wine outside, good company inside. Third annual, which means they figured out the kinks.

🧘 Sound Bowl Meditation @ Shepherd Street Yoga | Sunday (3/15) at 4:00 PM – If your brain has been doing jumping jacks since 1998, come get bathed in sound instead. Crystal and Tibetan bowls, Koshi chimes, and a touch of shamanic drumming ease you into that rare state where shoulders drop, the mind hushes, and calm lingers.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/14 Blues & Brews @ Cotton Square Park – 3:00 PM
• 3/19 LHS Choir Pre-UIL Concert @ Tom Jack Lucas Auditorium – 6:30 PM
• 3/20 Jay White @ The Pines – 7:00 PM
• 3/21 Matthew Marcus McDaniel @ Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp – 6:00 PM
• 3/21 Logan Ryan Band @ Banita Creek Dance Hall (Nacogdoches) – 8:00 PM
• 3/22 Wizard of Oz on Ice @ Temple Theater – 3:00 PM
• 3/27 Dancing with Dinos @ Pitser Garrison Convention Center – 6:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Lufkin report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 73°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 73. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

This house is wild

This turnkey, true-waterfront escape sits on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, a top Texas fishing and recreation destination. The 3-bed, 2.5-bath layout features an open-concept living area, large windows, and sweeping open-water views. Outdoor perks include expansive spaces for grilling and sunsets, boat parking, and two storage buildings for lake gear or a workshop. Proven Airbnb performance adds income potential.

Take a peek inside →

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