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Governor Abbott Provides Update On Ongoing Response Efforts Following Hurricane Beryl

Diana De Leon Bon
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Governor Abbott Provides Update On Ongoing Response Efforts Following Hurricane Beryl

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Texas has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance program for 15 counties as Texas communities continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Beryl.

“The State of Texas continues to deploy all resources and assistance needed to help Texans and communities impacted by Hurricane Beryl,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas has requested 15 counties be approved for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program so Texans have access to additional funding to cover expenses caused by this disaster. I remain in regular contact with Acting Governor Dan Patrick and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd on Texas’ ongoing response and recovery efforts. We are working around the clock to ensure electrical providers quickly restore power to all Texans. Texas will remain engaged until every Texan recovers from this disaster.”  

Acting Governor Dan Patrick today requested that FEMA grant eligibility for Individual Assistance for qualifying Texans in the following counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Wharton. Additional counties may be requested at a later date as damage assessments are completed.

If approved, FEMA’s Individual Assistance program funding would assist with expenses such as temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance, and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster.

Additionally, Acting Governor Patrick requested that the federal government reopen the incident period for Hurricane Beryl, which was closed on July 9, and instead designate the event as “continuing,” as the state remains engaged in the response to the storm. State and local partners continue to actively respond to this event and remain committed to protecting life and property.

Acting Governor Patrick and Chief Kidd joined local officials in Houston today to announce a new initiative to bring law enforcement personnel from across the state to work alongside local law enforcement in support of local disaster response efforts. In addition, the Texas Department of Public Safety has position 80 state troopers in the Houston area.

State emergency response resources remain engaged with local partners, and state agencies continue to surge personnel and additional resources by the truckload into impacted communities, including generators, tarps, fuel, ready-to-eat meals, water, and ice. To date, the state has distributed more than 1,723,600 bottles of water, more than 218,875 ready-to-eat meals, and more than 15,485 bags of ice to areas affected by Hurricane Beryl.

The State of Texas continues to take action to provide all available resources to help support local communities from the impacts of Hurricane Beryl, including:

Let’s Break the Stigma: It’s Ok To Not Be Okay (Angelina County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Let’s Break the Stigma: It’s Ok To Not Be Okay (Angelina County)

Join us, Friday, July 12, for our First Friday Luncheon, presented by Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company where we will cover mental health in the workplace with the topic “Let’s Break the Stigma: It’s ok to not be ok” with panelists Dr. Laura Beth Cooper and Alana Culpepper, MHRM; MAdEd. Attendees will experience decision-making around mental health issues and learn the importance of timely interventions.

If you would like to sponsor a future luncheon or event, please email the Chamber at Admin@LufkinTexas.org.

Date/Time Information:
Friday, July 12, 2024 at 12 PM

Location:
Crown Colony Country Club

Business Bitez Expo (Polk County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Business Bitez Expo (Polk County)
We have rescheduled the Business Bitez Expo to Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We still have a couple of booth spaces available, call the Chamber office for more information.

Pre-sale tickets: $10


Date/Time Information:
Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 11 am to 2 pm

Location:
Polk County Commerce Center

TxDOT Continues Cleanup After Beryl

Rhonda Oaks
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TxDOT Continues Cleanup After Beryl

LUFKIN – TxDOT crews in the Lufkin District began storm cleanup Monday as soon as it was safe to respond to impacted areas after Tropical Storm Beryl caused extensive damage. Work to remove debris will continue for several weeks.

The wind caused hundreds of trees to fall throughout East Texas, including more than 465 in San Jacinto County, another 275 in Trinity County, and nearly 70 in Angelina County. The Emergency Operation Center closed at noon on Monday as crews in all nine counties of the Lufkin District continued work to remove debris from the roadways in many areas.

Only one high water location was reported as of Tuesday morning, located on FM 945 North at the San Jacinto River. Several traffic signals remain inoperable due to power outages throughout the district. Motorists should treat any intersection as a four-way stop if traffic signals are not working.

“We are still assessing damage and we continue to receive calls in regard to downed trees through the district,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We had more than 1,200 trees total come down on our right of ways and roadways throughout this weather event, and the public can expect crews to continue to respond in an ongoing effort to keep the roads clear of any debris and open for travel.”

Motorists are urged to stay alert for work zones that will be set in many areas until this work is completed. Obey all traffic control in areas damaged by the storm. Visit drivetexas.org for all road conditions or closures statewide.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Stay Prepared: Texas Hurricane Readiness and Legislative Updates

Rep. Trent Ashby
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Stay Prepared: Texas Hurricane Readiness and Legislative Updates

Our region of Texas is all too familiar with the impacts of hurricane season. With Hurricane Beryl moving west across the Caribbean, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is urging Texans to keep a close eye on the Gulf, heed local officials’ warnings, and have a plan in place should tropical weather reach Deep East Texas.

I want to reiterate TDEM’s call for preparedness which includes staying informed, monitoring local weather forecasts, having an emergency plan, and preparing an emergency kit.

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recommends that you prioritize acquiring non-perishable food, water, and essential supplies for your emergency kit. You can find DSHS’s Disaster Supply Checklist at https://texasready.gov/build-a-kit/disaster-supply-checklist.html to ensure that you and your loved ones are ready for any disaster that may occur.

With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .

House Interim Charge: State Affairs

The House Committee on State Affairs has jurisdiction over all matters relating to state policy, the regulation of electric utilities and the electric industry, cybersecurity, telecommunications utilities, and many other important issues that affect our state. The Committee also oversees many state agencies, such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Texas Ethics Commission, and the Department of Information Resources.

The Committee has been charged with monitoring the implementation of five important bills passed during the 2023 Legislative Session, including SB 1699, HB 2555, HB 5174, SB 2627, and HB 9.

SB 1699 allowed distributed energy resources, which are small-scale power generators such as home solar panels, small wind farms, or backup natural gas generators, to become part of the ERCOT grid system to provide more power to the grid. HB 2555 allows electric utilities to formulate and file resiliency plans with the Public Utility Commission to plan for extreme weather events that may impact electric services. HB 5174 established the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium to formulate a strategic long-term plan for research, design, and manufacturing of semiconductors in Texas.

SB 2627 created the Texas Energy Fund, which set aside $5 billion for low-interest loans to construct new power plants, which we desperately need. The bill also allocated funds to repair existing power plants, fortify the grid around hospitals, and upgrade grid infrastructure outside of the ERCOT service area.

HB 9 created the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which allocated $1.5 billion to expand broadband internet services to the nearly 7 million Texans who currently lack reliable home internet access. I was proud to author HB 9 and pass it through the Legislature, and I was equally pleased to see voters overwhelmingly approve the program in the November constitutional election.

Additionally, the Committee is charged with reviewing how state agencies have carried out Operation Lone Star along our southern border and make recommendations on how to increase the safety and well-being of our military and agency personnel, as well as the overall efficiency of our border security operations.

The Committee is also charged with reviewing the operation and funding of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and evaluating the ability of state agencies to secure the Texas coast’s ability to produce energy while maintaining adequate coverage for policyholders.

Finally, the Committee is tasked with evaluating the findings of the Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires and developing legislative solutions for preventing future wildfires and improving wildfire mitigation, preparedness, and response.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Angelina College Weekly Update

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Weekly Update

Hey, sports fans,

This past week saw the Roadrunner family grieve the loss of a “founding father” while also continuing to look forward to the future.

We’ve got more Youth Camps and Showcases, and we now have schedules in place for both the Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner soccer teams.

It’s about to get crazy up in here.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Roadrunner Program Mourns Loss of ‘Coach Ferg’

The entire Roadrunner Athletics family is saddened to learn of the loss of Cecil “Coach Ferg” Ferguson this past week.

Coach Ferg was the very first Athletic Director and head men’s basketball coach in Angelina College history. He also served as a faculty member, teaching biology courses at AC, and his granddaughter Krissy played on the Lady Roadrunners’ Division I NJCAA Softball National Championship team back in 2014.

In 2015, Coach Ferg was present when he and former athletic director Guy Davis inducted J.J. Montgomery (the current Roadrunner head men’s basketball coach) into the Angelina College Athletics Hall of Fame. (See attached photo)

While his contributions to Angelina College are immeasurable, it’s important to note how Coach Ferg was instrumental in choosing the AC mascot (the roadrunner) and official colors when he joined the college back in 1968.

Since his retirement several years ago, Coach Ferg has maintained numerous relationships on the campus and often could be seen at various Angelina College events.

While our condolences go out to his entire family, we here at AC Athletics also will choose to celebrate the life and contributions of such a good man.

Thanks for everything, Coach Ferg.

Focus on FUNdamentals

Angelina College Athletics programs are hosting a series of youth summer camps in conjunction with the college’s “Camp Roadrunner” recreation camps. The camps focus on building both fundamentals and love of the game; instructors include the AC coaching staff and player/volunteers.

The camps are open to youngsters from kindergarten through 5th grade. Cost for each camp is $110. Attendees can make this a full-day camp by purchasing a Recreation Camp “Add-on” for $75.00.) Sessions run from 9 a.m. until noon each day.

For registration and other information, visit https://www.angelina.edu/camproadrunner/ and look under the “Athletic Camps” section for the desired sport.

Following are the dates and locations by sport:

Basketball –July 15-18, Shands Gymnasium on the AC campus.

Soccer –July 15-18, AC Soccer Complex on the AC campus.

AC Basketball Hosting Showcase for Incoming High School Seniors

Angelina College Basketball will host an invitation-only showcase for incoming high school seniors on August 2 at Shands Gymnasium. The camp runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and is designed to allow those Class of 2025 student-athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college coaches.

The session is “Invite Only”, but anyone interested can check out the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ac-basketball-2024-summer-showcase-tickets-923982224707?aff=erellivmlt

AC Soccer Teams Release 2024 Schedules:

Last week, the Roadrunner men’s soccer team released its 2024 schedule.

This week, the Lady Roadrunners announced their future presence.

AC’s ladies, under first-year head coach Sergio Gardea, have put together a grueling schedule for the pre-season, the non-conference season, and the conference season.

The Lady ‘Runners open the pre-season with a pair of home scrimmages on Wednesday, Aug. 7 (vs. LSU-Shreveport) and on Saturday, August 10 (vs. Brookhaven College). Kickoff times are 6 p.m. on Aug. 7, while the Aug. 10th match kickoff time is TBA.

The Lady Roadrunners open the regular season on Aug. 22 at Miami Dade College in Miami before opening conference play at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 against Northeast Texas Community College.

The men and women currently are schedule to host a total of six home doubleheaders at the AC soccer complex on the Angelina College campus. See the attached schedules for the dates and times.

Changes, Upgrades Coming to AC Athletics Web Site, Social Media

We’re gonna need a bigger website.

Angelina College Athletics’ official website (www.angelinaathletics.com) and all related social media will be getting a massive, much-needed overhaul over the summer. Joining our staff are some true website and graphics wizards, and they’re going to help with the redesign and upkeep of all our forms of internet and social media presence going forward.

Our tentative launch date for all the new-look media is August 1st. That’s when we’re hoping to reveal the new website, along with all the revamped (and possibly reborn) social media sites.

In the meantime, we’ll be posting on all those sites to make everyone aware of the coming changes. Some of the current sites needly only a little updating, while others may have to disappear completely in order to make room for the new version.

As always, we’ll keep you updated all the way up until the big date.

Guy Davis Golf Tournament Date, Location Set

The 17th Annual Guy Davis Golf Tournament has a date now, along with a temporary change in location.

The tournament, hosted by the Roadrunner Foundation, serves as the biggest fund-raiser for all our AC Athletics programs.

This year’s tournament will take place on Saturday, August 17, with the pre-tournament kickoff dinner taking place on Friday, August 16.

Because of the ongoing course renovations at Crown Colony Country Club – the usual site for the tournament – this year’s golf will take place at the Neches Pines Golf Course in Diboll, Texas.

Crown Colony will still serve as the site for the kickoff dinner.

We’ll send out more details as the event draws nearer.

For any other information, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

TxDOT Urges Public to Prepare for Hurricane Beryl

Rhonda Oaks
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TxDOT Urges Public to Prepare for Hurricane Beryl

LUFKIN – The Lufkin District is preparing to open its Emergency Operations Center ahead of the impacts expected in East Texas from Hurricane Beryl.

Crews will begin working 12-hour shifts beginning Monday at 7 am in order to begin monitoring and clearing the roadways of any debris caused from the incoming storm. TxDOT also encourages the public to make a plan to stay safe and prepare for winds, possible flooding, and any damage that could occur near their homes.

“Our number one goal is safety, both for our crews as they work through the coming days, and also for the traveling public and our communities as we prepare for a possible Category 1 or 2 hurricane in East Texas,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We urge the public to make a plan, and if you travel, visit our website to determine the best route.”

Additional information for hurricane preparedness, safety tips, and evacuation routes can be found at https://www.txdot.gov/safety/severe-weather/hurricane-preparation.html . Also, drivetexas.org will be updated regularly and the public can access information regarding road conditions and closures statewide.

Items to include in your basic emergency disaster kit include:

·         Water (one gallon per day for drinking and sanitation)

·         Food (non-perishable)

·         Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with a NOAA Weather Radio tone alert

·         First aid kit

·         Extra batteries

·         Extra fuel (gas for vehicles or generators or propane for grills or cooktops)

·         Moist towelettes

·         Can openers (for food)

·         Cell phone chargers and a backup battery

To stay aware of events in the Lufkin District during the Beryl weather event, follow us on Facebook at Texas Department of Transportation (Lufkin), on X (Twitter) at TxDOTLufkin, or Instagram at txdotlufkin.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Response To Hurricane Beryl

Diana De Leon Bon
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Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Response To Hurricane Beryl

Announces Severe Weather Disaster Declaration For 40 Counties

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas’ ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Beryl and announced a severe weather disaster declaration for 40 counties. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) increased the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center as of 10 a.m. this morning and Texas Emergency Management Council agencies are working 24-hour operations, while also prepositioning state emergency response resources that were readied for deployment yesterday.

“As Hurricane Beryl approaches Texas, a severe weather disaster declaration has been issued for 40 counties to ensure at-risk communities have access to the resources and assistance needed to respond to this storm,” said Governor Abbott. “I remain in daily contact with Acting Governor Patrick, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other state officials to ensure Texas swiftly deploys all resources needed to help Texans as heavy rainfall, flooding conditions, and strong tropical wind are expected to impact multiple regions of the state. I thank our state’s emergency response personnel who are working around-the-clock to protect their fellow Texans. Holiday travelers and communities in at-risk areas are urged to heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their families safe.” 

Counties in the disaster declaration issued by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, as Acting Governor, include: Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Frio, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, LaSalle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala. Additional counties may be added as conditions warrant.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Beryl is expected to briefly weaken before intensifying as it moves northwestward through the Gulf of Mexico. As Beryl moves over water, the risk for rip currents along beaches across the Gulf Coast will increase. Beachgoers should heed warnings of lifeguards, local officials, posted signs, and flags before venturing into the water. Interests in Texas should closely monitor this system and prepare now for potential hurricane impacts, including heavy rainfall, flooding, and damaging winds, as the system moves inland across the state.

Texans are urged to stay informed, monitor local weather forecasts, follow directions from local officials, make an emergency plan, review hurricane evacuation routes, build a kit containing emergency supplies, and consider reviewing flood risk and insurance coverage. Additionally, visitors to Texas beaches should review beach safety tips and remain aware of the risks of rip currents during an approaching tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico.

Texans are encouraged to visit the TDEM Disaster Portal or Texas Hurricane Center webpages for storm information. Additional storm safety and preparedness information is available at TexasReady.gov and tdem.texas.gov/prepare. 

Governor Abbott yesterday directed TDEM to increase the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response Conditions) and to begin readying state emergency response resources for potential deployment ahead of Hurricane Beryl.

Lieutenant Governor Patrick is Acting Governor while Governor Abbott leads an economic development mission to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

Read the disaster declaration.

Back to School Give Away (Nacogdoches County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Back to School Give Away (Nacogdoches County)

Join us for a fun event to help children of all ages prepare to go BACK TO SCHOOL! FREE Backpacks and school supplies are being given to the first 500 participants. A parent or guardian must be present with the child(ren), to receive the backpack and supplies.

Date/Time Information:
Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 9 am

Location:
Festival Park, 507 South Pecan Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

Small Shop Pop Up – Beauty Lox Edition (Jasper County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Small Shop Pop Up – Beauty Lox Edition (Jasper County)

Pop into The Beauty Lox on 7/18 for all things fabulous and delicious. I’ll have a great selection of cupcakes, cookies, and mini cakes to choose from (full menu to come). There will be a full trucker hat bar and of course, you can schedule an appointment with your fave stylist or pop next door for a tan.

The Beauty Lox will be the spot from 2-6
Grab a friend and we’ll see you there!

Location:
231 W Houston Street Jasper, TX

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