LUFKIN – A pre-construction meeting was held Monday in the Lufkin Area Office signaling the beginning of a new construction project in Houston County.
Barricades and signage were set this week as crews prepare to begin the project that is set to widen SH 21 east of Crockett from FM 3187 to FM 1733 and place a new overlay from the Crockett Loop 304 to FM 1733. SH 21, east of FM 1733, will receive a seal coat and new striping all the way to the Cherokee County line.
Included in the project will be the construction of driveways, new cross culverts, pavement repair, embankment, overlay, widening with a covered prime seal, new signs, seeding, mailboxes, and metal beam guard fence.
A.L. Helmcamp, Inc. Buffalo Tx, will serve as contractor for the $14.3 million construction that is scheduled to be completed in July 2025, weather permitting.
As this project begins, motorists are urged to stay alert, reduce speed through the work zone, obey all traffic control, and be aware of moving machinery and workers near the lanes of travel.
Both the Lady Roadrunner softball team and the Roadrunner baseball team played their final home stands of the season, with each team celebrating its Sophomore Day.
And while the Lady ‘Runners’ 2024 campaign came to a close on Saturday, the Roadrunners are still in the fight to extend their season with a possible postseason berth.
In addition, the entire Athletics program celebrated a massive “Signing Day” at which numerous athletes from every AC team celebrated their elevation to the next level of their respective sports.
Here’s a recap of the week, along with some upcoming events.
Roadrunner Baseball Makes Jump in Standings in Final Week
The ‘Runners started the week in last place in Region XIV’s North Division. But after taking two out of three games from third-place Northeast Texas Community College, AC now finds itself in fifth place – just three games back of fourth-place Panola College, with both teams having just three games remaining in the regular season.
The math is pretty clear for the Roadrunners: They’ll need to win all three road games at Bossier Parish Community College in the series starting on Wednesday and concluding with Saturday’s doubleheader. AC will need help, as Panola will need just one win to eliminate the Roadrunners.
In Saturday’s doubleheader win over NTCC, starting pitcher Gabe LeBlanc tossed his second complete game of the season as the ‘Runners took the 7-5 win over the Eagles. Christian Letendre went 3-for-4 at the plate, homering and driving in two runs to lead the offense. Mason Lampe, Hayden Hupe and Taz Pate also knocked in runs for AC.
In the nightcap, Ethan Jezierski threw six strong innings, allowing a single earned run while striking out five Eagles in AC’s 9-1 win in seven innings. Spencer Alexander tossed a scoreless inning of relief. Hitters were Sam Hardcastle with a pair of homers – and five RBI – and Letendre with his second long ball of the day. Lampe and Michael Herndon also drove in a run each.
Following the day’s games, the team recognized its 10 sophomores appearing in their final home games as Roadrunners: Dalton Mullins, Mason Lampe, Noah “Taz” Pate, Walton Jack, Christian Letendre, Sam Hardcastle, Spencer Alexander, Hunter Ditsworth, Hayden Hupe and Gabe LeBlanc.
AC (21-29, 10-17) finish up the regular season at Bossier Parish CC with a three-game series starting on Wednesday.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Season Ends in Galveston
The Lady Roadrunners took the playoff race down to the final day of the regular season, but the team this week just couldn’t get past two of the conference’s best teams.
In this past week, AC hosted third-place Blinn College on Monday and fell 7-3 and 6-5 to the Lady Bucs. The Lady ‘Runners bounced back with a convincing home sweep of Coastal Bend CC on Wednesday, taking wins of 10-0 and 12-0. Those wins moved AC’s ladies to within two games of a playoff spot with just two games to play.
That scenario set up a Saturday showdown at second-place Galveston College, and the Whitecaps proved too much for the young Lady ‘Runners, who finished the last few weeks of the season with just two sophomores in the lineup. Galveston ended AC’s season on Saturday with wins of 12-0 and 12-6, leaving the Lady Roadrunners with a final record of 19-39, 9-15.
On Monday, the team celebrated Sophomore Day, bidding farewell to sophomores Skyler Martin, Paige Castillo, Kaetlyn Dunbar and Emma Kovasovic. Martin finished her sophomore season ranked in the nation’s Top 50 in runs batted in with 61.
AC Athletics Signing Ceremony
On Tuesday, April 23, the AC Athletics program celebrated the reason so many athletes come here in the first place with a massive Signing Day ceremony held inside Shands Gymnasium.
A total of 18 student-athletes from every AC team showed up to sign their letters of commitment to play at the next levels of their chosen sport. There are still players going through the recruiting process as the year winds down, meaning the total certainly will grow over the next few weeks.
Click the link for the full story and list of signed athletes:
AC athletics director and head men’s basketball coach J.J. Montgomery spent a busy week addressing the community, first as a guest speaker on Monday at Hospice in the Pines, where he led a discussion on “Team Leadership.”
Montgomery then served as the keynote speaker for Central High School’s athletics banquet.
There are photos provided from each event.
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball subject to change with pending inclement weather):
Roadrunner Baseball:
Wednesday, May 1: AC at Bossier Parish CC, single 9-inning game starting at 1 p.m. in Bossier City, LA.
Saturday, May 4: AC at Bossier Parish CC, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Bossier City, LA.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Camp Roadrunner – Angelina College’s Camp Roadrunner is a series of recreational and athletics camps offered throughout the summer for youngsters of various age groups (Kindergarten through 5th grade). On the Athletics side, there will be camps offered in every sport. Here are the current schedules by sport:
Baseball: June 3-5.
Softball: June 10-13.
Basketball: June 10-13; June 24-27; and July 15-18.
In addition, there likely will be various evaluation camps offered for prospective athletes. We’ll send out notifications as the information is provided to us.
For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)
Reminder: Nearly all Angelina College games (even road games) are live-streamed on TSBN Sports. Visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com), look for the scrolling schedule on the right, and click the blue “Video” link for the game you want to watch. (If there’s no blue link, that means TSBN isn’t streaming that particular game.)
Titles are more than just prefixes or words attached to a name; they carry weight and significance within the workplace. In many organizations, a title is not just a formality but a clear indication of one’s role, responsibilities, and standing in the hierarchy. Understanding the importance of titles can help leaders use them as a tool to foster a more effective and motivated workforce.
The Symbolic Importance of Titles Titles serve as a key component of organizational identity and culture. They signal authority and establish expectations for both the title holder and their colleagues. For instance, being promoted to “Manager” or “Director” not only alters how an individual perceives their own role but also changes how they are perceived by others. This shift can enhance an individual’s influence and facilitate smoother interactions when authority is clear and recognized by all.
Functional Benefits of Clear Titles In practical terms, titles clarify the structure of an organization. They define roles and responsibilities, making it easier for employees to understand their own positions and those of their colleagues. This clarity is crucial for effective communication and operational efficiency. For example, knowing who the “Chief Financial Officer” is, distinguishes that person as the go-to authority on financial matters, streamlining decision-making processes and accountability.
Titles and Employee Motivation The assignment of a title can also be a powerful motivator. Recognition in the form of a title can validate an employee’s hard work and expertise, boosting morale and loyalty. However, titles must be allocated wisely as inappropriate or unclear titles can lead to confusion, conflict, and dissatisfaction. Ensuring that titles match the actual responsibilities and contributions of an individual is key to maintaining harmony and motivation within the team.
Cultural Variations in the Significance of Titles Globally, the significance and perception of titles vary widely. In some cultures, titles are highly prized and deeply integrated into professional interactions, while in others, a more egalitarian view may prevail, with less emphasis on formal titles. For international organizations, understanding these cultural nuances is essential to ensure that titling conventions are respected and adapted appropriately across different regions.
Case Studies Consider the example of a major tech company that restructured its titling system to better reflect its flat hierarchy and innovative culture. By doing so, they reported increased collaboration and faster decision-making. Contrast this with a traditional manufacturing company that failed to align titles with actual job functions, leading to role ambiguity and inefficiencies. These cases illustrate the potential impacts—both positive and negative—of how titles are managed.
Titles are a potent element of organizational dynamics. They can enhance clarity, efficiency, and morale when used correctly, or they can cause confusion and conflict when mismanaged. Leaders must consider both the symbolic and functional aspects of titles and use them strategically to bolster their organization’s goals and culture.
Examine your organization’s titling strategy. Are the titles accurate and reflective of the roles they represent? Could rethinking this strategy improve communication, clarity, and morale within your company? Leaders should continually assess and adapt their approach to titling to ensure it serves the organization’s objectives and culture effectively.
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
