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Lane Closures Expected on Two Major Construction Projects

Rhonda Oaks
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Lane Closures Expected on Two Major Construction Projects

Motorists should prepare for delays and lane closures beginning next week on two major construction projects in Angelina County.

US 59 DIBOLL RELIEF ROUTE: There will be alternating lane closures both northbound and southbound in Burke, just north of John Means Road and continuing to Morris Road. This is near the Angelina County Airport. Crews will be setting embankment, forming ditches, and constructing a detour ramp at the US 59 Direct Connect from the Diboll Relief Route to the US 59. Work will continue on the subgrade at Conner Road with tie-ins to the main lanes, adding concrete slabs at the main lanes, and adding hot mix on the temporary detour.

US 59/SL 287 MOFFETT ROAD:  Crews will work to set concrete traffic barriers inside the media. Motorists should expect alternating lane closures on the main lanes of SL 287 and on the northbound and southbound frontage roads. Motorists are urged to stay alert for cones and barrels outlining the work zone and never drive into the work zone or between barrels. Also, be prepared to stop as lane closures are set, and always reduce speed traveling through the work zone.

Work schedules will change in the event of inclement weather. For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov. For more information on road conditions statewide, visit drivetexas.org.

Capitol Update: Protecting Our Children Online & Addressing Border Security

Rep. Trent Ashby
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Capitol Update: Protecting Our Children Online & Addressing Border Security

I want to start this column by offering my thoughts and prayers to our friends and neighbors who have been affected by the recent flooding that occurred across the Deep East Texas region. The deluge of rain in recent weeks caused significant flooding, prompting the Governor to issue a disaster declaration in Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Panola, Shelby, and Tyler Counties. My office has been in contact with local elected officials, as well as state and federal emergency response agencies to ensure that all resources are readily available to communities in need to support their recovery efforts. As we continue the recovery process, I want to encourage anyone with damage to their home or business to file a report using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT), which can be accessed at www.damage.tdem.texas.gov. Should you have any trouble accessing the website, or need any assistance whatsoever, please contact my office and we will be happy to assist you.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…

Capitol Update 

As many parents know, our children are more vulnerable than ever before to inappropriate or explicit material online. From easily accessible pornography to violent video games to chat rooms with predators masquerading as friends from school – our children face unprecedented danger online.

The Texas Legislature recognizes this ever-present threat and took decisive action during the 88th Legislative Session to protect the innocence of our children from the perils of today’s world. This past week, Speaker Phelan announced the House’s appointees for the new Joint Committee to Study the Effects of Media on Minors.

The committee was created by House Bill 18 during the 88th Session to study how social media, television, websites, and many other media formats affect the mental health and safety of our children. As a father of two young men, I have a deep appreciation for the need to protect our children from inappropriate and indecent material online. I was proud to co-author HB 18, and I look forward to the committee’s findings, which will lay the groundwork for additional safeguards to protect our children’s innocence in future sessions.

Governor Abbott announced this week that as a result of Operation Lonestar, Texas has transported 112,700 migrants to sanctuary cities across the country. To put that in perspective, that is nearly the entire population of Angelina, Houston, and San Augustine counties combined.

While I applaud the efforts of Governor Abbott to secure Texas’s border with Mexico, the fact remains that the federal government and the Biden Administration must do their part. The State of Texas will never have the abundance of resources as that of the federal government, and we will continue to be forced to use valuable resources and taxpayer dollars until the federal government does its job.

The mobile office is on the road again in May, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: May 1 at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9-11 a.m.; May 8 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9-11 a.m. and the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; and May 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

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/.

Keeping A Pond That Will Last for Ages  

Cary Sims
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Keeping A Pond That Will Last for Ages  

I had a gentleman drop by the office to ask about removing trees off his pond’s dam and how to fix some major erosion on the backside of the spillway. Ponds built in watersheds are common in East Texas. It seems like every piece of rural property has a pond.

To ensure that your pond continues its longevity, we must learn how to inspect and protect it from erosion and, worst of all, failure of the dam. While an all-out “dam-break” may be a rare occurrence, a leaking dam that requires an expensive rebuild is not uncommon.

The reason a pond exists is because some areas with a watershed had a dam built to hold back the water. Whether your pond is for livestock, fish production, or simply aesthetics, these dams hold an enormous force of water behind them. Both old and newly built dams are subject to failure if not maintained. 

Let’s review the main problems to look for when inspecting your pond’s dam. First, we want the dam to shed water. If it has low spots where the ground has settled and water puddles, that excessively wet soil over time can weaken the core structure. Ruts from vehicles or cattle trails across the dam can expand over time to increase problems.

Next, we’ll study the grass coverage on all sides of the dam. Anywhere the grass only thinly covers the soil or where the soil is bare, that site is ripe for erosion. Reseed with a perennial grass seed that will develop a permanent sod.

Finally, we’ll look for slumping, eroding edges, or areas that have collapsed. An eroding edge can simply occur from erosion caused by waves. This undercuts the bank and can grow unseen and weaken the dam. Worse is animal burrows and tunnels that go unnoticed. A tunnel right into the core of the dam is like punching a hole right through the very structure that you depend upon to hold back the water.

As you inspect the pond, remember that there are two slopes or “faces” to your pond’s dam. Simply walking to the top of the dam will not give you a good indication of any problems. It will be necessary to walk the top and both faces thoroughly. Grass can easily hide any smaller eroded areas and entrances to animal burrows. To be confident, one must not only walk along the top of the dam but also the upstream and downstream sides of the dam. 

What about trees on the dam? Earlier this week a good acquaintance of mine, Joe, asked whether he should leave his trees on the dam. As a rule, trees should not be allowed to grow on dams. A tree that blows over or dies will leave a hole from the root ball or will have a mass of decaying roots that will greatly weaken the dam’s structure. According to one state Extension website, downed trees and decaying tree roots are the leading cause of dam failure.

So how should trees be handled? If they are small, mow them down or kill them with an approved herbicide. If they are large, their removal may leave a rotting root mass that will weaken a dam. With either a taproot or a shallow root ball, both root types can cause problems. If you have any large trees, many choose to let them be and reap any repercussions, if any, years later. If you do have concerns, this is the time to find, and likely hire, expert advice.

If you find a burrow that needs filling, one possible repair method for small burrows is a thick slurry mix made from 90 percent soil and 10 percent cement. Be cautious not to make the mix too watery. We want just enough water in the mix to allow the slurry to flow into the burrow. To aid the slurry in reaching deep into the hole, insert a metal stove or vent pipe into the burrow entrance, seal the area around it well, and then use it to funnel the mix into the burrow.

Some larger collapsed areas on your dam may need rebuilding. These typically require digging out and repacking with good clay soil.

Spillways need the same attention as erosion could compromise this important area. While the water is meant to travel over a spillway during heavy rains, this area may need its own maintenance and repair over time. A good grass covering the soil is essential for protection. Refilling large areas of erosion with clay, or a mixture of stone to help the water slow down and fill up the cracks with sediment may also be of help.

I’ve seen ponds that are incredibly old for our part of the state and have survived generations just fine. I’ve also seen newly built ponds with terrible erosion problems from bare soil or seepage from improper construction. Expert advice from Extension, USDA-NRCS, and some very qualified private pond management companies can all be of tremendous help.

Pre-Construction Meeting Held in Nacogdoches

Rhonda Oaks
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Pre-Construction Meeting Held in Nacogdoches

LUFKIN – A pre-construction meeting was held this week at the Nacogdoches Area Office that signals the beginning of a new construction project in Nacogdoches County.

Barricades will be set in the coming days for work to begin on US 59 which will include resurfacing the roadway from US 259 to the Rusk County line. Texas Material Group, Inc., a global Texas company, will serve as a contractor for the $7 million construction project. Work is expected to begin on May 1 and is expected to be completed on July 30, 2024, weather permitting.

Traffic control will be set along with signage to alert motorists of the work and lane closures as work progresses. Motorists are urged to stay alert, reduce speed through the work zone, and be aware of moving machinery and workers near the lanes of traffic.

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

Governor Abbott Encourages Texans To Take Part In Emergency Supplies Tax-Free Weekend

Diana De Leon Bon
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Governor Abbott Encourages Texans To Take Part In Emergency Supplies Tax-Free Weekend

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today encouraged Texans to take part in this year’s Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend starting Saturday, April 27 through Monday, April 29.

“Having emergency supplies on hand is a critical part of being prepared for potential severe weather,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage Texans across the state to stock up on supplies they might need in an emergency to protect themselves and their loved ones, such as first aid kits, flashlights, or hand-held fire extinguishers.”

Signed into law by Governor Abbott in 2015, Senate Bill 905 established Texas’ annual Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend allowing Texans to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax-free either online or in person.

Texans can visit the Texas Comptroller’s website for more information on qualifying purchases.

As spring storms and increased wildfire danger impact Texas, along with the approaching hurricane season which begins on June 1, Texans are encouraged to review disaster preparedness tips and information on building an emergency supply kit at TexasReady.gov.

My five cents…A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

Senator Robert Nichols
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My five cents…A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

On April 21, 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto was fought and won by Sam Houston and the Texas army in a matter of minutes. Only nine Texans were killed while 630 Mexican soldiers died in the battle. Santa Anna was captured after the battle and with the victory, the Republic of Texas began.

Here are five things happening around your state:  

1. East Texas law enforcement agencies receive grants

The Comptroller’s office announced this month it has delivered nearly $126 million in grants to rural law enforcement and prosecutor’s offices as part of a program designed to provide additional support to these offices. That’s about half of the total funding provided for the program by the Legislature last year. Over 500 qualified counties and prosecutor offices applied for the grant funding. The funding supports minimum salaries, raises, hiring additional staff, or purchases of safety equipment for rural sheriff, constable, and prosecutor’s offices. Supporting rural law enforcement is imperative to ensuring public safety in every part of our state. I was proud to support this legislation and am thrilled that our communities have taken advantage of this opportunity.

2. Rural hospitals eligible for millions in broadband infrastructure grants

The Texas Rural Hospital Broadband Infrastructure Program is open to receive grants. The program, facilitated by the Texas Department of Agriculture, is designed to improve the connectivity of rural hospitals to meet the needs of the patients they serve. The funding will support general broadband network upgrades and improvements. Requirements include strict standards for broadband speeds, installation of wi-fi infrastructure and network equipment to provide free internet coverage in the hospital for use by patients and the public, and certification that any project will not duplicate any investment from other sources of funding. Applications are due by Midnight on May 2. For more information visit https://texasagriculture.gov/Grants-Services/Grants-and-Services/Texas-Rural-Hospital-Broadband-Infrastructure-Program.

3. Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program applications opening soon

Senator Nichols will soon be accepting applications for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP). The program supports students to complete a college degree and become a member of either the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, United States Coast Guard, United States Merchant Marine, or a commissioned officer in any branch of the armed services of the United States. Each state senator may appoint one student to receive an initial conditional scholarship award. Awards will be the lesser of $15,000 or an amount not to exceed a student’s cost of attendance annually. Scholarship applicants must: submit an essay explaining why he/she believes military service is important, how he/she would fulfill the requirements of the scholarship and which university he/she would like to attend; submit a résumé, which must include his/her contact information, including his/her full name, mailing and physical addresses, Social Security number, Date of Birth, phone number and email address. Please submit up to 5 recommendation letters. Applicants may send application packets via email to Robert.Nichols@senate.texas.gov.

4. TWC awards grants to Southeast Texas schools

This month, Governor Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission announced several Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling over $2 million for Gulf Coast schools. JET grants support career and technical education training programs by helping schools purchase and install equipment to train students for high-demand occupations. The JET program helps support school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and public community, state, and technical colleges to create new or support existing CTE programs. Two of those grants are going to schools in SD 3, including:

  • Lamar Institute of Technology – a $343,340 grant to train 90 students as welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
  • Tarkington ISD: a $332,460 grant to train 145 students as welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in partnership with Lone Star College System.

5. Charter Communications deploying broadband in East Texas

Charter Communications has been building out broadband infrastructure in East Texas over the past few years. The company won a Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction award from the Federal Communications Commission which provides funding for the deployment of high-speed internet in rural areas. As of this month, Charter says they have served almost half of the locations they were awarded in East Texas through the RDOF process. Served locations are in Anderson, Hardin, Henderson, Jasper Jefferson, Newton, Orange, and Tyler Counties. Future projects are planned for Angelina, Cherokee, Houston, Nacogdoches, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, and Trinity Counties. Those counties should expect activations to start over the next year to year and a half. For more information, visit www.spectrumruralexpansion.com.

First Friday Luncheon (Angelina County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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First Friday Luncheon (Angelina County)

Join us Friday, May 3, at 12 pm for our next First Friday Luncheon, presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and this month’s sponsor, VFW POST 1836, Lufkin. We will be hearing from JB Smith with Deep East Texas Crime Stoppers.

Register by Wednesday, 5/1, and be entered to win $100 in our On-Time Drawing, presented by Servpro of Lufkin & Nacogdoches >>> bit.ly/May-FFL24

Location:
Crown Colony Country Club

Navigating the Aging Journey: Power Networking Breakfast (Angelina County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Navigating the Aging Journey: Power Networking Breakfast (Angelina County)

Join us this Friday, April 26 at 8 AM for April’s Power Networking Breakfast, presented by Angelina College SBDC! Thank you to our monthly sponsor, Elite Medical Home Care.

Kendall Beattie, Director of Operations/Community Liaison with Elite Medical Home Care will go over “Navigating the Aging Journey” with guides and resources for loved ones. See you there!

Location:
Lufkin Chamber Community Room

Angelina College Athletics Celebrates with Signing Ceremony

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Athletics Celebrates with Signing Ceremony

Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunners Heading to the Next Level

For the 18 Angelina College athletes sitting with pen in hand inside Shands Gymnasium, Tuesday was more than a commemoration of accomplishments.

The event solidified the very reasons those athletes first signed with their respective Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner programs in the first place.

AC’s Athletics staff held a mass “Signing Day” ceremony for those athletes who have already signed to play at the next level – from Division I to NAIA programs. By no means were those present Tuesday the only recipients, as numerous others are still finalizing offers or still out on the recruiting trails.

J.J. Montgomery, head men’s basketball coach and athletic director, said Tuesday ??

“It’s really all about the coaching,” Montgomery said. “What our student-athletes showed here today is the direction our coaches take their players and their commitment to creating future opportunities for all their student-athletes.

“To see this many kids moving on is bittersweet, but it’s why they come here, and the coaches do a fantastic job pushing and preparing these kids for what comes next. Having a day like today is a big reason to celebrate. We’re going to be rooting for them after they leave here.”

Teammates (including underclassmen) were there to cheer on the signees, a factor Montgomery said will serve as motivation for those players to push for the same result.

“Just seeing their teammates experience success speaks for itself,” Montgomery said. “I mean, if that doesn’t motivate you, I don’t know what would. Those signed players have set an example, and they’ve shown the others that success really is possible.

“They’ve seen the blueprint, and now they know what it takes.”

Those AC athletes who signed on Tuesday (along with their chosen programs) were as follows:

Men’s Soccer: Omar Mora, (Oral Roberts University, NCAA Division I); Kaito Ueki (Coastal Carolina, NCAA Division I); Bryan Aguirre, (Purdue Fort Wayne, NCAA Division I); Rochaine Baker (Incarnate Word, NCAA Division I); Lennart Poth (Pacific University, NCAA Division I); Shota Tokuhisa (Lubbock Christian, NCAA Division II); Luan Rangel (University of Texas-Tyler, NCAA Division II); and Octavio Jacquez (Letourneau University, NCAA Division III).

Women’s Soccer: Antonia Henao (University of New Haven, CT, NCAA Division III); Camilla Bedin (Oakland City University, IN, NAIA); and Halee Hernández (Louisiana Christian University, LA, NAIA) 

Men’s Basketball: Xavier Owens and Nehikhare Igiehon (Henderson State University, AR, NCAA Division II). 

Women’s Basketball: Marie Kenembeni (Old Dominion University, VA, NCAA Division I); and Amyria Walker (University of South Alabama, AL, NCAA Division I).

Baseball: Dalton Mullins and Spencer Alexander (Stephen F. Austin State University, TX, NCAA Division I.   

Softball: Skyler Martin (Texas A&M University-Texarkana, NCAA Division III).              
The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

2024-2025 Drug-Free All-Star Applications Now Available!

Diana De Leon Bon
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2024-2025 Drug-Free All-Star Applications Now Available!

Attention Angelina County high school juniors! Applications for the Drug-Free All-Star program are now available.  The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, are a group of high school seniors that serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. All current high school juniors who are passionate about being drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free are eligible for the program. The application can be accessed on The Coalition’s website at www.angelinacoalition.org/youth. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 31st. For more information on the Drug-Free All-Star program, visit The Coalition’s website or social media channels @thecoalition936, or contact Abby Baker at abaker@angelinacoalition.org.

For over 35 years, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. Since the inception of the Drug-Free All-Star program, The Coalition has trained over 1,700 youth as drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free leaders in the community.

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