The outpouring of comments, calls, and e-mails made it quite apparent that most every East Texan had at least some memory of Charlie Wilson’s influence. Following his death from cardiac arrest on February 10, 2010, everyone I came in contact with had an opinion of some sort. Many recalled the first time they met Wilson….
Category: Lane’s Topics
These posts are general interest topics that I address.
WATCH: Aerial tour of Angelina County flooding
Click here to watch my report on widespread flooding across Angelina County.
Judging the Southern Hushpuppy Championships
Nothing showcases ‘East Texas’ heritage like the people, food, and fanfare of the Texas State Forest Festival. First held as a county fair in 1938, the annual carnival and celebration of forestry activities has been held in Lufkin in its form since 1984. On Saturday, September 19, 2009, I had the privilege of taking part…
It’s time to be kind
Not long ago, I was wrapping up my workout about the same time as the woman on the elliptical machine next to me. Deep in “the zone,” I didn’t immediately notice that she was struggling. She was having a somewhat difficult time getting off of the machine. Careful not to embarrass her, I asked, “Can…
Finding a way to fight students’ refusal to read
Every once-in-a-while, we’re all entitled to a break from work, a well-deserved day of vacation. When it’s not a week-long get-away, what do you do with just one extra day added to your weekend? I decided to make good on some much-needed household chores and personal errands. I spent my extended weekend in the “Regional Hub”,…
Oldest town in Texas celebrates diverse heritage
Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, is quite proud of its rich heritage. Having worked for the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Natchitoches, Louisiana, I have a special interest in history and cultural studies. Through Nacogdoches’ architecture, people, food, and in the city’s general way of life it’s easy to see the many different influences. Sacred Heart…
Fuzzy baby birds are here
I wanted to share with you some real signs of spring here in East Texas. About two weeks ago I noticed a bird nest in a plant on my patio. Every day I’ve checked up on them, making sure they weren’t disturbed. This morning mama bird was keeping warm several little sparrow chicks that hatched overnight. Hopefully…
Tempted to tweet? Twitter is gaining popularity
No, this isn’t an attempt at being clever by playing off of my last post. I’ve taken a certain amount of pride in regularly blogging over the past few years. I’ve slowly added new content from other social media outlets, such as my photo album. I’ve seen a flood of co-workers and friends flock to Twitter. It allows…
Baby birds are on the way
Yesterday morning, as I was on my patio, I decided my hanging fern needed a drink of water. As I was giving the plant a good soaking, I wasn’t expecting to be harassed by a little sparrow taking shelter in the fern. This cranky bird was making some noise and kept watching me from a…
Are we losing faith in America?
The number of Christians in the U.S. has decreased by 10 percent over the last decade, according to the American Religious Identification Survey. Protestants accounted for the biggest segment of the membership drop. Roman Catholicism, the other segment of Christians, saw a shift in geographic location. The majority of the denomination’s members is now centered in the…
Finding the time to eat right
Eating right is hard when you’re always on the go. Especially here in Lufkin, dozens of tasty eateries dot the major thoroughfares. I’ve decided that I haven’t been putting into my body what I know it deserves. Growing up in Louisiana, I’ve become accustomed to great food. However, just because it makes your mouth water doesn’t mean your heart won’t cringe at certain…
Taking a walk on Lufkin’s wild side
Lions and tigers and bears, hippos and snakes; the Ellen Trout Zoo has them all. The zoo appears to be an East Texas hidden treasure. It is heralded as one of the best small city zoos in the United States, home to 800 wild and exotic animals from around the world. Endangered species are protected here and…
Camera cops are watching our streets
In the blink of an eye, you’ve not only run a red light, but now you’re facing a automatic traffic ticket. Since moving to East Texas, it’s been hard to find an intersection that doesn’t have a set of electronic eyes watching and waiting for a car to run the red. Photo-enforced intersections aren’t as new as you’d…
This Isn’t Your Daddy’s Journalism
I recently had the opportunity to return to my alma mater to participate in the 41st annual Northwestern State University J-Day. Journalism Day gives discerning high school students the opportunity to attend hands-on workshops and lectures at NSU. Professionals talk with students about the changing field of journalism and mass communications and give advice on how…
Caring. Committed. Proud of East Texas.
Caring. Committed. Proud… not your usual “Action News” or “On Your Side” marketing slogan. I’ve recently made a move to KTRE-TV in Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Texas to be the 6 and 10 p.m. anchor and executive producer. The slogan, which represents this station’s commitment to meaningful news coverage is known throughout the region. Over the years I’ve had the fortune of…
No More Pain at the Pump?
A month ago, I was seriously considering taking out a loan to be able to afford filling up my gas tank. I can remember filling up my car in high school for about $1.19. I know gas prices have been much lower than that in my lifetime, but I never honestly expected to see a gallon…
Giving thanks this Turkey Day
“What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?” It’s one of those unavoidable questions like “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” or “What are you asking Santa for?” I usually avoid things that scream cliche, but I’d say it’s a fair question. For me, I’m usually thankful for things like my family and good health; true blessings that…
>Live Election Chat
Lane Luckie will be answering your Election 2008 questions and hosting discussions about the issues important to you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take part in this special election chat! Update 3:36 AM Wednesday: Election 2008 Chat has been closed for the evening. Thanks to those who participated!
Voting is becoming big business for non-partisan companies
Can you measure the value of a vote? Does each one really count? Obviously in 2008, a person’s right to vote is held in high regard. With two days left until the election, early and absentee voting numbers have been staggering. This trend will probably carry over into the turnout numbers for the general election. Do…
An update on my “Going Green” success
After a little searching and planning, my efforts to go green have been met with some success. In my last post, I discussed my frustration with not being able to participate in curbside recycling. Unfortunately, I’m not eligible for a recycling canister to be placed curbside. I called Shreveport Green, which suggested I save my…
One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State
What will likely be remembered as one of the longest and most unpredictable presidential races in history is nearing an end. With absentee voting already underway, voter turnout could reach levels exceeding the record turnout in the 1960 presidential election between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Until recently, this campaign cycle actually focused on issues, rather…
Overcoming my obstacles to “Going Green”
From the rolling hills of the Kisatchie Forest to the marshes and bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin, you can’t overlook Louisiana’s natural beauty. Why would you want to? It’s easy to understand why so much time and effort is spent protecting Mother Nature. Current efforts, however, may not be enough. With a disappearing coastline and hazy…
WATCH: Hurricanes Gustav and Ike dump heavy rain, force evacuations
Click here to watch a montage of my reports on the evacuation and sheltering of tens of thousands of Louisiana and Texas residents during hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
“…And I approve this message.”
Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and other new media have assumed a more prominent role in the 2008 Presidential election. Barack Obama is touting more than a million Facebook friends and John McCain is capitalizing on his “Original Maverick” brand of advertising. This historic campaign is unlike any that we’ve seen in recent history, with a number…
Standing eye-to-eye with Hurricane Ike
Gusts of wind topping 100 miles per hour, 20 foot storm surge, hazardous airborne debris; you couldn’t ask for a more hazardous work environment. Who would be crazy enough to voluntarily brave the elements? I’ve always thought it irresponsible and somewhat sensationalist for TV journalists to stand out in the middle of a hurricane, all for a…
I’m on the move…
I have accepted a job as a general assignments reporter at KTAL-TV in Shreveport, Louisiana. I’ve lived in the viewing area for the last four years, so it will be an excellent opportunity to cover stories affecting my friends and neighbors. I hope to continue my government reporting at KTAL, as the focus turns to the upcoming 4th…
Video series focuses on preserving our past, protecting our future
Living in Natchitoches, reminders of the city’s rich history are everywhere you go. From antebellum homes, colonial fort sites, and historical markers, preserving our history is imperative. Fortunately for Natchitoches, there’s no shortage of those with an interest in preserving the past for future generations. The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, headquartered on…
Getting a balanced diet of news coverage
Professionals and their audiences alike can agree that the state of journalism isn’t at its peak. Tired of your time being wasted with stories of Paris and Britney? Who is to blame? Unfortunately, finger pointing isn’t going to solve the problem, because we’re all guilty of accepting second-rate news coverage. As a journalist, it’s frustrating…
Are you safe in the Cyber Age?
I used to think one’s safest quality was their reputation. Of all the potential harm someone could inflict, certainly your reputation is untouchable. Right? Apparently not. It’s unnerving to think how much information is readily available to any random person. With the advent of the internet, we’ve got to revisit our personal information security. We’re…
Reflecting on the fruits of freedom
Happy Independence Day! I’m looking forward to spending my last 4th of July in Natchitoches. I’ll work for half of the day, then I plan to spend some quality time with friends. Do you ever stop to think about the liberties we enjoy by living in the world’s oldest modern democracy? What things do you…
Governor Jindal vetoes legislative pay raise
Today, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed Senate Bill 672, which would have more than doubled the salaries of state legislators. The bill would have increased legislator’s pay from $16 thousand a year to over $37 thousand. Sponsored by Senator Ann Duplessis of New Orleans, the bill originally proposed tripling legislator pay. That proposition was later amended…
NBC News’ Tim Russert dead at 58
I just learned of the death of Tim Russert, long-time moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press. As we approach Father’s Day on Sunday, I can’t help but think of the many stories I remember hearing in interviews about his close relationship with his father. This is certainly very sad news for journalists, young and old….
Pursuing a “mid-year resolution”
Who needs January 1st to resolve to make change in your life? Most people break their New Year’s resolution within a week or two. In January I didn’t make a traditional “resolution,” but I made a conscious effort to be healthier. Many people set out to lose weight, quit smoking, or get fit for their spring…
My photographic journey hits bookshelves
I’ve always had a love and respect for documentary photography. As a journalist, I appreciate quality storytelling. I think a powerful photograph or visual medium is an incredible means for creatively telling a story without leading the observer. I’ve always enjoyed photographing the natural beauty of historic Natchitoches, Louisiana, so I’ve assembled my favorite shots into a published…
Meet the woman profiled in ‘The Armless Marvel’
Natchitoches, Louisiana is home to an extraordinary number of remarkable individuals.While Mary Belle de Vargas’ name may not be widely known, her story is deserving of attention and admiration. Born without arms, she refused to let others’ perceptions limit her abilities. She taught herself to paint using her toes and feet, gaining the attention of…
Lane Luckie 