Consolidated Connects provides grants to schools serving K-12 students in the company’s service area. Since launching in 2021, Consolidated Connects has provided $112,500 to schools for a variety of technology-centered projects, including the creation of a maker space, virtual and augmented reality curriculum integration, a podcast enhancing student literacy, and a technology services summer work internship program for students.
“The innovative projects we have funded through the Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program are helping thousands of students gain hands-on skills and real-world learning experiences,” said Jennifer Spaude, senior vice president for communications at Consolidated. “Consolidated is proud to support our schools and the innovative projects and programs educators are developing to support their students today and in the future.”
Schools and educational programs across Consolidated’s service area are encouraged to apply now through March 1. Full program guidelines and the funding application are available at consolidated.com/cciconnects.
Consolidated Connects provides grants to programs that emphasize creative student learning; develop 21st century skills; promote critical thinking, reasoning and communication; and utilize innovative technologies to advance learning.
About Consolidated Communications Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNSL) is dedicated to moving people, businesses and communities forward by delivering the most reliable fiber communications solutions. Consumers, businesses and wireless and wireline carriers depend on Consolidated for a wide range of high-speed internet, data, phone, security, cloud and wholesale carrier solutions. With a network spanning 58,000 fiber route miles, Consolidated is a top 10 U.S. fiber provider, turning technology into solutions that are backed by exceptional customer support. Learn more at consolidated.com. Connect with us on social media.
We’re back…sort of. Our East Texas “Snow-pocalypse” hit this week, leading to Tuesday’s campus closure and a slight delay to our first day of the semester. This is East Texas, however, so by the end of the week, we’ll all be working on our tans. Here’s a rundown of the past week’s events, along with all events heading our way.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball
The Lady Roadrunner basketball team came out of the holiday break on fire, posting back-to-back blowouts to move to 2-0 in Region XIV conference play.
AC started the new semester with a convincing 83-56 win over Kilgore College Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium. Amyria Walker – who leads Region XIV in scoring at a 19.9 points-per-game clip – led the Lady ‘Runners over the Lady Rangers with an 18-point effort. Marie Kenembeni added 15 points and six rebounds, and Janay Quinn finished with 13 points and five assists.
On Saturday, AC’s ladies traveled to Jacksonville, where the Lady ‘Runners proceeded to blow past the Lady Jaguars by a 71-45 final margin. Team leaders were Kenembeni with 15 points, Quinn and Alicia Rivera-Scott with 12 points each, and Walker and Maria Andrade with 10 points each.
The Lady Roadrunners (10-6, 2-0) host No. 4 Trinity Valley Community College at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday as part of a women’s/men’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. AC caps the week with Saturday’s visit to No. 23 Blinn College in Brenham. That game tips off at 2 p.m.
Roadrunner Basketball
The Roadrunner men experienced a full rollercoaster of a week: The team first pulled off a thrilling 58-55 win over Bossier Parish Community College on Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium but then fell 70-66 in an overtime heartbreaker at Kilgore College on Saturday.
In Wednesday’s win, the ‘Runners showed just how to pull out one of those gritty, make-it-happen types of wins so common in conference play. Just three AC players scored in double figures: Xavier Owens (13 points), Nehikare Igiehon (12 points) and Eddie Evans (10 points). However, the clutch plays down the stretch were enough to hold off the Cavs. Igiehon kept a rebound alive in the final seconds, slapping the ball to a teammate and leading to Keddric Mays’ game-sealing free throws.
In Saturday’s loss at Kilgore, Igiehon posted a season-high 19 points, followed by 13 points from Patrick Johnson and 12 points each from Owens and Mays.
The Roadrunners (11-6, 2-4) host Navarro College on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. before visiting No. 11 Lee College in Baytown on Saturday. Game time on Saturday is 4 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Evaluation Session Rescheduled
The Lady Roadrunner Softball program’s scheduled “Recruiting Showcase” has been moved from its original date of Sunday, Jan. 14 to Sunday, Jan. 28. All other information remains the same.
As announced last week, both the AC baseball and softball schedules are now available online. Visit www.angelinaathletics.com to view those schedules. The Roadrunner baseball team is scheduled to open the season on Friday, Jan. 26 at Galveston. The ‘Runners then host their home opener on Sunday, Jan. 28 starting at 1 p.m.
The Lady Roadrunner softball team opens its season at Tyler Junior College with a Wednesday, Jan. 31 doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. AC’s ladies host their home opener on Sunday, Feb. 4 in a twin bill starting at 1 p.m.
Live Streaming Update
Angelina College Athletics has partnered with TSBN Sports for all live streaming of AC sports events. On the AC Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com), one simply has to click the “Video” link under the rolling schedule on the right-hand side of the page.
AC Basketball Teams Cut Lines
Men:
Xavier Owens Dunk
Angelina College’s Xavier Owens finishes off a breakaway dunk during Wednesday’s game against Bossier Parish Community College. The Roadrunners held on for a 58-55 win over the Cavs at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Patrick Johnson Drive
Angelina College’s Patrick Johnson (1) drives around a defender during Wednesday’s game against Bossier Parish Community College. The Roadrunners held on for a 58-55 win over the Cavs at Shands Gymnasium. (Maria Andrade/AC Athletics photo)
Women:
Maria Andrade Reverse
Angelina College’s Maria Andrade hits a difficult reverse layup during Wednesday’s game against Kilgore College. The Lady Roadrunners rolled to an 83-56 win in their conference opener at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
India McMahon Drive
Angelina College’s India McMahon (4) finishes off a fast break with an open layup during Wednesday’s game against Kilgore College. The Lady Roadrunners rolled to an 83-56 win in their conference opener at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
That’s about it for this week. Baby, it’s cold outside, so please stay safe and warm.
I’ll see you at the games. Gary Stallard Email: gstallard@angelina.edu Phone: (936) 465-4614
Mark your calendars, the Best of Annual banquet is upon us! If you nominated a business or know one that was nominated, please share this post with them. This event is open to the public. See you there!
Date/Time Information:
Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 6 PM
Join us in two weeks for January’s Power Networking Breakfast, presented by Angelina College SBDC!
Friday, January 26, 2024 at 8 AM
Chamber Community Room, 1615 S. Chestnut St.
Stephen F. Austin State University is home to six colleges consisting of majors, minors, and concentrations available in more than 120 areas of study and more than 10,000 students enrolled. Imagine tapping into this talent pool for your business!
Brent McLemore, the Director of SFA Center for Career and Professional Development, will be our guide, sharing insights on how to make the most of this opportunity. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, learn, and fuel your business growth.
(Austin, TX) – With the winter storm encompassing the entire state and temperatures forecasted to be colder this evening and into tomorrow morning, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, Tuesday, January 16, from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. CT. ERCOT is forecasting higher demand tomorrow morning as Texans return to work and schools reopen.
This morning, ERCOT avoided emergency operations due to the conservation efforts by Texas residents and businesses, combined with additional grid reliability tools.
ERCOT is expecting similar conditions on Wednesday, January 17, and will continue to closely monitor conditions and keep the public informed through our communication channels.
Tomorrow’s conservation appeal does not indicate ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time. ERCOT will remain vigilant and communicate further if conditions change because of continued freezing temperatures and very high demand in the morning hours. At this time, if you are experiencing an outage, it is local in nature and not related to overall grid reliability. Please check with your local electric provider for more information.
Conservation is a widely used industry tool that can help lower demand for a specific period of peak demand time, which is typically during the morning hours in winter.
ERCOT is requesting all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities until at least 9 a.m., tomorrow.
ERCOT continues to use additional tools to manage the grid reliably, including using reserve power, calling upon reductions by large electric customers that have volunteered to lower their energy use, and bringing more generation online sooner. ERCOT is also working with out-of-state Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Market Participants to obtain additional power generation capacity, if available. ERCOT has obtained Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enforcement discretion, which allows a generator to extend its service/run-time/operations to help meet demand, if needed, and maintain grid reliability.
Energy-saving tips can be found on the TXANS webpage at ercot.com/txans.
Why the Request to Reduce Usage?
Weather. Most of Texas is seeing extremely cold temperatures for an extended period of time.
Demand. Texas is experiencing record-breaking demand due to the cold weather.
Solar. Solar generation isn’t available in the early morning hours, which is a peak demand time during winter, and slowly ramps up as the sun rises.
Wind. Wind generation is forecasted to be lower than seasonally expected in the early morning hours.
Peak Demand
Last night, ERCOT set a new January peak demand of 70,982 MW in the 8-9 p.m. hour, passing the previous January peak demand record of 65,915 MW set January 17, 2018, in the 7-8 a.m. hour.
Today, ERCOT has already broken that January peak and set a new all-time winter peak demand record with 75,559 MW in the 9-10 a.m. hour.
The previous winter peak demand record of 74,525 MW was set December 23, 2022, in the 7-8 a.m. hour during Winter Storm Elliott.
In 2023, January peak demand was 65,632 MW in the 6-7 p.m. hour January 31.
The all-time peak demand record of 85,508 MW occurred August 10, 2023.
Join the Chamber Governmental Affairs Program with featured guest State Representative Trent Ashby on Thursday, January 25, at 8 AM in the Chamber Community Room. This is your chance to connect with influential professionals, gain valuable insights into governmental affairs, and stay ahead in your industry. Don’t miss this unique opportunity for networking and learning. We look forward to seeing you there!
Jeff Savell, Al Davis and Donna Work at the Vice Chancellor’s Awards on Thursday, Jan 11, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas— Donna Work, Texas A&M Forest Service Biologist IV, can most likely be found beneath the green canopy of pine trees, climbing more than 50 feet to reach the burrowed nests of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker— sometimes in the dead of night.
Work’s dedication to the conservation of Texas’ natural resources and the red-cockaded woodpecker species is what has made her an invaluable member of Texas A&M Forest Service and to the state of Texas.
With 33 years of service with Texas A&M Forest Service and decades of leadership in red-cockaded woodpecker conservation efforts in East Texas, Work was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for her public service in forestry during the Texas A&M AgriLife Connect event Thursday, January 11, in College Station, Texas.
Established in 1980, this awards program recognizes the commitment and outstanding contributions of faculty, staff and students across Texas A&M AgriLife. The awards were presented by Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Savell.
Work began her career with the agency in 1990 in the Forest Pest Management unit, working to address forest health concerns facing Southern forests which included collecting data to help predict and manage the Southern Pine Beetle, the most devastating insect pest to southern yellow pines.
As Work transitioned through the agency, she began to enhance the Water Resources and Forest Stewardship Programs to promote conservation practices that protect soil and water, increase biodiversity and enhance forest health and productivity. At the heart of the success of these programs was Work’s efforts to build relationships with private landowners, loggers and other forestry entities to provide site visits, educational workshops and technical assistance in forest management.
“She [Work] has championed conservation education her entire career,” said Burl Carraway, U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station Program Manager. “Her commitment to detail, customer service and self-insistence on performing at an extremely high level ensured that these workshops, originally developed in 1994, are still a success today.”
Work’s time as a Texas A&M Forest Service biologist has resulted in successful impacts on wildlife and forest sustainability in East Texas and beyond as she has shared her expertise and enthusiasm for wildlife biology with thousands across the state and Southern U.S. In addition to her hands-on workshop and training sessions, Work also publishes quarterly outreach newsletters and has co-authored numerous agency-applied research publications.
Most publicly notable of Work’s accomplishments are her efforts in managing the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker program in East Texas. This program is conducted to ensure the endangered woodpecker population has a sustainable habitat in which to repopulate. Through her woodpecker translocation efforts, Work has successfully introduced breeding pairs to restored habitats, gaining national recognition.
Since 1999, Work has been involved with the red-cockaded woodpecker Safe Harbor Program. This program, nationally directed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior, seeks to encourage the conservation of endangered and threatened species on private lands. Through her involvement in the program, Work makes routine visits with the general public, private landowners and land managers to educate them on the program, survey land for the presence of red-cockaded woodpeckers and create Safe Harbor Cooperative Agreements for landowners.
“Her expertise in the lifecycle and needs of wildlife species of concern has ensured that Texas’ state forests are managed to maintain and enhance critical habitat, in particular, the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker,” said Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head.
In addition to her regular duties as a biologist, Work also serves as the coordinator for the Texas Forest Legacy program, a voluntary cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and the State of Texas that keeps working forests sustained while protecting ecologically important forests threatened by conservation to non-forest uses through the development of conservation easements.
Work has been previously honored with numerous awards for her dedication to natural resource conservation including Forestry Educator of the Year for 2012 from the Texas Forestry Association and D.A. “Andy” Anderson I & E Award for 2004 from Texas A&M Forest Service.
Work was also recognized in 2023 for her involvement in the Virtually Wild! Texas program, which received the Director’s Award for Team Effort from Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provided accessible forest conservation and natural resource education for classrooms and students learning from home and in healthcare facilities with virtual field trips.
Currently, Work represents the agency on several wildlife-oriented committees and task forces, including the Louisiana Pine Snake Recovery Task Force, Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Translocation Team and East Texas Black Bear Task Force.
Just 1 WEEK until the 104th Annual Chamber Banquet & Meeting, presented by Lufkin Ford! Join us on January 18 for an evening filled with networking, good company, and celebration.
Doors open at 6 PM for the reception, followed by dinner, remarks, and award presentations at 7 PM. Whether you prefer a table for your business/organization or an individual seat, there’s still time to register!
Tables and individual seats are still available. Call 936-634-6644 or email RSVP@LufkinTexas.org to reserve your table or seat.
(Austin, TX) –Due to continued freezing temperatures, very high demand, and unseasonably low wind, operating reserves are expected to be low during the morning hours of Monday, January 15, prior to the solar ramp-up. As a result, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, Monday, January 15, from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. CT. ERCOT is expecting similar conditions on Tuesday, January 16, and will continue to closely monitor conditions and keep the public informed through our communication channels.
Tomorrow’s conservation appeal does not indicate that ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time. ERCOT will remain vigilant and communicate further if conditions change because of continued freezing temperatures and very high demand in the morning hours. At this time, if you are experiencing an outage, it is local in nature and not related to overall grid reliability. Please check with your local electric provider for more information.
Conservation is a widely used industry tool that can help lower demand for a specific period of peak demand time, which is typically during the morning hours in winter.
ERCOT is requesting all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities until at least 10 am tomorrow.
ERCOT continues to use additional tools to manage the grid reliably, including using reserve power, calling upon reductions by large electric customers who have volunteered to lower their energy use, and bringing more generation online sooner. ERCOT is also working with out-of-state Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Market Participants to obtain additional power generation capacity, if available. ERCOT has obtained Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enforcement discretion, which allows a generator to extend its service/run-time/operations to help meet demand, if needed, and maintain grid reliability.
Energy-saving tips can be found on the TXANS webpage at ercot.com/txans.
Why the Request to Reduce Usage?
Weather. Most of Texas is seeing extremely cold temperatures for an extended period of time.
Demand. Texas is experiencing record-breaking demand due to the cold weather.
Solar. Solar generation isn’t available in the early morning hours, which is a peak demand time during winter, and slowly ramps up as the sun rises.
Wind. Wind generation is forecasted to be lower than seasonally expected in the early morning hours.
Peak Demand
In 2023, January peak demand reached 65,632 MW, with the current all-time peak demand record of 85,508 MW set on August 10, 2023. The all-time winter peak demand record of 74,525 MW was set on December 23, 2022, in the 7-8 a.m. hour during Winter Storm Elliott.
Consumer Assistance
Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline: 1-888-782-8477
Stay Updated
Sign up for TXANS notifications on the TXANS webpage.
Download the ERCOT Mobile App for additional notifications: iOS | Android.
Monitor real-time and extended conditions at ercot.com.
LUFKIN – With winter weather predicted to move into East Texas in coming days, TxDOT wants to remind drivers of how to maneuver the roadways should freezing precipitation occur.
TxDOT crews in the nine-county Lufkin District began Friday pre-treating Tier I roadways (US 59 and US 259) and bridges and overpasses. Crews will continue monitoring and re-treat if necessary.
If East Texas experiences freezing rain or snow on the roadways, drivers are urged to stay home, if possible. If you must drive, follow these tips that will help you arrive safely.
Slow down. Speed limits are based on normal weather conditions. Always choose a speed according to weather conditions at the time you drive.
Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice to allow for more time to stop. You should allow five to six seconds between vehicles to allow for safe stopping on ice or snow.
Stay alert for emergency and TxDOT vehicles working near lanes of travel.
Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first. County roads that are untreated are likely to be frozen or have patches of ice.
If your vehicle begins to slide, ease off the gas pedal. Do not hit your brakes, if possible. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction. Then straighten your vehicle and slowly proceed.
“Winter is moving into East Texas, and it will require special attention behind the wheel,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Staying alert and following a few simple safety tips will help you stay safe and possibly keep you from being stranded on a frozen roadway.”
For statewide road conditions, visit drivetexas.org. If you become stranded on a frozen road or your vehicle becomes disabled, call 911 if it is an emergency, or call 800-525-5555 for roadside assistance.
