Home > Hurricane Rita: Lufkin > Archives > 2005 > September > 23 > Entry
New blog
Hello, everyone. We’ve set up this blog as another way for us to get information to you as quickly as possible, and for you to share information with everyone else.
Here’s what I know, from our vantage point:
— Hurricane Rita, a potentially devastating storm, is headed toward Angelina County. Exactly when and where it hits, and how hard, won’t be known until it actually happens. As of right now, it seems like the eye of the hurricane — the worst part — will be here Saturday night and might pass just west of Lufkin. (The bad part about that, apparently, is that the east side of the eye tends to be more conducive to tornadoes.) You should be able to keep up with the forecast on the front page of our site.
— We at the newspaper would love to bring you non-stop reports from the field, but for now we’re going to be working out of our homes and office. As long as we have Internet access (or even just phone access), we’ll be updating our Web site. We’re going to publish a Saturday/Sunday edition and try to deliver it tonight. We’re not going to try to publish or deliver any papers Saturday, but there will be a skeleton crew of us working to keep our information on the Web site as fresh as possible.
— Our next published edition should be Monday’s newspaper, and we think we should be able to get it printed — even if we have to do it in another city. Whether we can deliver it, of course, will be contingent on the weather, and how much damage Rita does to our roads.
I’ll be watching this blog for as long as I’m at a computer. This is my first blog experience, to be honest. I know that I’ll have to approve your comments before they’re posted, but I’ll try to do that as soon after you send them as I can. And remember that this doesn’t do us any good if I lose power and Internet connectivity; but, then, if I don’t have it then you probably don’t, either.
Stay tuned and be safe.
Andy Adams, Managing Editor
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By John Luliak
September 24, 2005 9:31 AM | Link to this
Hello Andy and people of the Lufkin and Huntington area. I am down in Sebastian Florida and visited the area last May as a possible relocation and retirement spot. My heart goes out to you all we had a double whammy here last year. I will be interested in how your area holds up to the flooding and where that might be. Hopefully it will all run off to the rivers and Sam Rayburn without loss of property and life. Anyway any feed back on the depth and bredth of flooded areas would be helpful. Thanks and good luck
By Erin Bryan
September 24, 2005 10:15 AM | Link to this
Hi Andy and LDN staff … An update from Palmore Road here in Lufkin. My neighbor’s tree fell and broke either a gas line or a gas meter. The fire department evacuated the street and we all ran up toward Largent. They ended up putting some of us in the fire truck (the kids and moms mostly) and had the gas turned off pretty quickly. Scary event! It was about 8:15 a.m. Wanted to thank those guys who are so brave to be out there in this weather and who are so competent and really saved our lives. You could hear the gas spewing out (I didn’t know what it was until they told us … sounded like a buzzing sound) … Anyway, it’s scary! KTRE is scrolling a message on TV about conserving water. It says the Lufkin EOC wants people to “curtail” their water use. Not sure if that means stop using water altogether or what. Lights flickering now … Take care everyone and be safe.
By Joyce
September 24, 2005 1:06 PM | Link to this
Have girl and her husband in your town thru this RITA and look for information on this blog as to weather and happenings. Glad to have updates. This is the first time I entered a Blog. Thanks
By Dwight
September 24, 2005 1:26 PM | Link to this
Hi everyone and I hope all is OK. I’m in Dallas and my father is up here from Jasper. Does anybody have any damage reports from that area?? What I’ve heard isn’t good. Feel free to respond to dhare1@verizon.net or the blog. Thanks.
By Carolyn
September 24, 2005 3:04 PM | Link to this
What is the news out of Jasper?
By Wolf Read
September 24, 2005 3:39 PM | Link to this
Any news out of San Augustine county? I’ve family over there, and it looks like the western part of Rita’s eyewall swept right over the county. Can get through to them by phone.
Thanks,
Wolf
By Howard Rushing
September 24, 2005 4:09 PM | Link to this
I am looking for information on how Zavalla weathered the storm.
By Don & Patricia Allen
September 24, 2005 4:26 PM | Link to this
We want to know what is happening at home.
We are in CA where my husband has been successfully treated for cancer. We are staying with a son.
Home is in Hudson on 3258 just about across the street from the new elementary school.
We have a family living there, mini-donkeys and other animals.
We have phoned everyone we can think of, but the lines must be down. Cell phones don’t work either.
We would be grateful for any information.
Don and Patricia Allen
By John Luliak
September 24, 2005 4:58 PM | Link to this
Radar now indicates things should be getting lighter in the rain department anyway. I heard some houses in Huntington lost their roofs earlier today. (on CNN) It is 4:55 PM EDST here. Hope things are going ok for you guys over their. Hurricanes tend to grind things down including your moral.
By Tammy Eaton
September 24, 2005 6:28 PM | Link to this
In search of mother evacuee. 72 year old white female driving 97 dodge ram (dark blue). Last seen thursday afternoon on 59N between shepard and livingston. She was leaving laporte area on her way to tyler area. Has not made it to her destination as of 5:30pm saturday afternoon. Anyone with ANY information on Zeldia “Jane” Eaton of Laporte please call Tammy Eaton at 281-542-9960. Thank you.
By Beverly
September 24, 2005 10:58 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know about school closings for Monday, Sept. 26 in Angelina County and Houston County?
By Winnie Harris Hanson
September 25, 2005 12:53 AM | Link to this
I’m presently working in Iraq and have lots of family in the Lufkin/Corrigan area. I was in contact with them at 8:30 PM last night, our time — it was 11:30 AM there. There was no power but the wind had finally quieted down.
Just checking to see if there is an update on damage or injuries — it is now 8:55 AM on Sunday here but only 11:55 PM Saturday night there.
By Steve Wanderman
September 25, 2005 7:04 AM | Link to this
Reports from ALCO, about 7 miles east of Loop on SH103 are power is out from the loop to nearly the Lake. TXU local repairman report 3-5 days before power restored, but they do not know. Many trees and limbs down. 4-Way water supply from Huntington has stayed up and running. Thanks for the blog Andy.
By Daniel Patterson
September 25, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this
Whats the latest on local school closings? Anyone know?
By Kerri
September 25, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this
My family is in the Hemphill/Fairmount area right on the lake. I talked to them when the eye was approx. 10 miles from Hemphill and have had no contact since then. Any news on that general area?
By Kelly Conner May
September 25, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this
I am trying to get info about conditions in Colmesneil, TX, 10 miles north of Woodville off Hwy 69 @ 256. My cousins live on Lake Amanda and we haven’t heard from them since Sat. morning. Anita Jarone, Kurt Russell & Devon & Angelina Jarone (ages 12 & 5) are their names. Want to find out if they are ok. Can’t reach emergency services in the region & I’m sure it’s impossible to get to with trees/power lines down & gas situation. Any info would be appreciated. We are in Houston & are not getting info on this region. Thx, Kelly
By Mary Sego
September 25, 2005 2:38 PM | Link to this
Wanting information about the Dillard family, in Huntington. Dan and Julie and their 8 children. Any one that can tell me conditions in Huntington, I would be thankful for. trip0d2@aol.com
By Gail
September 25, 2005 3:07 PM | Link to this
I would also like any information about Hemphill. My sister and mother evacuated from Orange to Hemphill on Thursday. Last I talked to them, Rita was headed up there and they were leaving their friend’s mobile home, to go to a shelter set up at a church. I don’t know what church. If anyone has any information about that shelter and where those people are now, I would greatly appreciate it. The friend with the mobile home is Mary Lee Parker. I assume she’s with them. My sister is Sherry Windham and my mother is Betty Hudson. Thanks in advance for any info!
By Anna Shadix
September 25, 2005 3:08 PM | Link to this
Hello, I live in San Marcos, but I am from out by Sam Rayburn Lake Reservoir. I was able to speak to my parents who live out there last night, but I am unable to reach them this morning, nor anyone else I know from there. They have a cell phone, and I have left a message for them on it, but I am just wondered if anyone knows when they will have phone service again. I miss them over here in college anyway, and I know they are o.k. from the storm, it is just unsettling to not be able to call them now. Thanks for any info… —Anna
By misty
September 25, 2005 3:36 PM | Link to this
I live in huntingotn on porterville and i am wondering how the street looks and if i still have a home.. i live in a mobile home my adress is 848 porterville in huntington if ANY one has ANY info about it please PLEASE let me know if i have a home to come back to!! thanks so much and God bless
By sue
September 25, 2005 4:12 PM | Link to this
My parents live out of Huntington on Ralph Nerren road. My sister and I are concerned about them. My father is disabled. They do not have electricity back and will soon be out of water. My mom tried to find ice earlier in the day but could not. I was wondering if anyone has any concrete ideas about how I can find out when electrical service might be restored. They are on the Sam Houston Elect coop and I have had no luck getting intouch with them. I did e-mail them but I am sure they are very busy. If it will be more than a day or two I want to come up and get them.
Any info appreciated. Sue
By Joni
September 25, 2005 4:41 PM | Link to this
I am reading your online news from Kansas. We lived in Orange, TX for 6 years, and have many friends there. We also have family in Lufkin. I have noticed that there has not been alot of coverage on Orange, and I have been trying to find things online as well as the TV. Is there a particular place that I could go for more information on this area? The Weather Cahnnel did have a reporter there yesterday, but very little about the town/ or pictures. Thank you for doing such a good job on keeping your newspaper updated during this devestating time for East TX. It is our home too and we are praying for everyone involved. God be with you.
By tally
September 25, 2005 4:44 PM | Link to this
sept 25 3:30 pm, txu says lufkin and nac. worse areas hit, cant even begin to state when txu crews will be out in allentown area…dealing w/tyler and palestine first, they shld be up in 3 days. power lines down and trees everywhere.
By Tracy
September 25, 2005 5:19 PM | Link to this
My sister evacuted Houston only to run out of gas in Colmesneil trying to get to my moms. They road out the storm in the hight school. They have finally been able to leave today. The roads are beginning to get cleared but there are tremndous number of trees down. Emergencey personnel at the shelter had heard of no deathsso far. They also indicated power would be out three to four weeks. They did see national guard in the area and the elderly in the area were being brought to the shelter so they could try to keep them cool and fed. I hope this info helps a little. The high school is right at 69 and 256. God Bless.
By Kimbo
September 25, 2005 6:11 PM | Link to this
My grandmother lives in Lufkin (Huntington) very close to 69. I haven’t been able to reach her since Friday evening. Does anyone know anything about this area and how it faired after Rita? I am very concerned. Thank you.
By Susan
September 25, 2005 6:51 PM | Link to this
When and where can the locals expect to get gas? I was told possibly Monday. Is that true?
By susan
September 25, 2005 6:59 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if gas is being delivered to the Lufkin area? If so, do you know to which convenience stores? Thanks!
By Melissa
September 25, 2005 10:31 PM | Link to this
Does anyone have any information on the condition of Hwys. 69 or 96 going into Jasper? Are they accessible?
By Barbara
September 25, 2005 11:31 PM | Link to this
i am in huntington very close to 69, i am sure your grandmother is fine i hope you have heard news by now
By Lisa
September 26, 2005 1:00 PM | Link to this
Roads to Jasper are closed. Police say it is so bad they are not letting anyone in. Lots of trees on homes and no water or electricity. Will be a while before anyone can return.
By Homebound
September 26, 2005 4:16 PM | Link to this
Thinking about traveling 59 from Texarcana to Houston. Any comments or suggestions?
By Linda
September 26, 2005 5:05 PM | Link to this
Need information about Colmesneil and surrounding community of Bethany on Hwy 256. Are roads passable. Is food available. Water? What is estimate for power? My mother is resident and evacuee in Midlothian with me. Thanks, God bless. Linda
By h bishop
September 26, 2005 6:54 PM | Link to this
Daughter traveled lufkin to houston on 59 today without any problem. It was backed up in corrigan for a little bit and only bathroom in livingston was at Lowe’s. Good luck
By Jo Gibson
September 27, 2005 9:05 AM | Link to this
I’m concerned about the situation in San Augustine County. My family lives in Broaddus; like most throughout the county,they have no food, water, electricity, or gas. Wondering if anyone has a good idea of when the power could restored. The city feels like it has been forgotten, as it is just a very small community. If anyone has any news, I’d appreciate it.
By Bernetta Rosati
September 27, 2005 11:58 AM | Link to this
I would like to know why is is taking so long to throw a cutout in Diboll,which serves what I believe is called Sherwood Forest area. My sister and a niece live there,my niece has 2 small children and has been without power and water since the first day of the storm.I understand vital services first but the locals who so willingly helped others,need attention. Thank you,I live in Connecticut,but I have brothers and sisters and their children,in Diboll,Huntington and Lufkin,,thanks
By J. K. Burroughs
September 27, 2005 6:49 PM | Link to this
I am also concerned about Broaddus, Texas. Will this be declared a disaster area? I have a house close to the lake which has extensive damage cause by a fallen tree.
Thank you.
By Gary Stricklin
September 28, 2005 2:03 AM | Link to this
Hey from Abilene. Left Lufkin last Thursday. Saw some of the pics on your web site.
Need some quick info of what’s going on there.
Electricity still off? Gas? Gas prices? Businesses open? Safe to go back? (I’m in no hurry).
Thanks for reading, Gary Stricklin 1:03 am (9-28-05)
By Greg Cameron
September 28, 2005 12:26 PM | Link to this
I am a resident from middle Tennessee that is planning a trip to the Lufkin/Pollok area to assist a friends with trees that are down on their property. I am not looking to get rich,and would like to help area residents with tree clean-up. I have excellent references from Tennessee(where I live) to Florida ( where I helped with Ivan clean-up) and can provide upon request. Please feel free to contact me at 931-639-2416. Thank You and God Bless, Greg Cameron
By Diana
September 29, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this
I evacuated from Jasper to Lufkin. All roads are open to and from Jasper. Some county roads have been cleared, but for the most part all main highways leading to Jasper such as Highway 69, 63, 255, 190 and 96 are open.
By bonnie
September 30, 2005 6:27 AM | Link to this
how many people are still with out power in lufkin ? do you have water & mail service? I wish you all the best..
By bonnie nichols
September 30, 2005 6:32 AM | Link to this
hello to all in lufkin .. I hope you are all safe..can any one tell me what your situation is..what are your needs.. do you have water and power, mail service back ? any up dates on lufkin will be helpful. Thanks Bonnie in florida