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Texas A&M Vice Chancellor Recognizes Donna Work for Public Service in Forestry

By
Lee Allen Miller
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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.

See the list of all Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence recipients for 2023 here.

104th Annual Chamber Banquet & Meeting (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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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.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors:

Gold Sponsors
Lee Trans
Lockheed Martin

Silver Sponsor
Southside Bank

Registration Sponsor
Oncor

Bronze Sponsors
McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
UBank US

In-Kind Sponsors
MSGPR Ltd Co
The Flower Loft

Interested in sponsoring? Email Admin@LufkinTexas.org.

ERCOT Expects Tight Grid Conditions, Requests Conservation Monday, January 15, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. CT

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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(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.
  • Subscribe to ERCOT Emergency Alerts, which are not sent through TXANS notifications.
  • Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO), Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), and LinkedIn (ERCOT).

This news release is also available in Spanish. Both the English and Spanish versions are accessible on the News Releases page on ercot.com.

TxDOT Issues Driving Tips Ahead of Winter Weather

By
Rhonda Oaks
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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.

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

Harsh Winter Storm Likely to Shut Down Most Home Vegetable Gardens in East Texas

By
Cary Sims
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Depending on the print date and what part of the country you live in, you are likely getting ready for or have just gone through, your first hard freeze of the year.

People who grow gardens pay particular attention to cold weather events.  We know that the first frost is an important date. We understand that the first frost of the season heralds the end of the current growing season.  Really freezing weather puts us into another gear – real preparation for what will certainly be impacted, and potentially harmed.

The four “P’s” that we will hear about protecting during really cold weather are “people, pipes, pets, and plants.” Severe cold weather is a big deal and each of those “P’s” deserves prompt attention.

And that first hard freeze likely means an end to the remainder of your vegetables. A buddy of mine named John let me gather as many mustard, kale, and collard greens as I wanted before the harsh freezing weather hit. His garden is rather extensive for him and his wife. I took well over five pounds of greens that I put in my freezer.  Looking at his garden, I bet he has a few hundred more pounds of greens.

Another friend, Scott, was asking what would brussels sprouts handle. Michigan Extension says Brussels sprouts can take down to 20 degrees F.  Our forecast for Monday, January 15 currently has us at 16 degrees. Not that cold for many to our north, but plenty cold for East Texans. 

Earlier this week, I spoke to a gardener, Jill, who said she was still harvesting tomatoes from her garden! It’s true. As of January 9, she still had some tomatoes. Now…she was covering and protecting her tomatoes every time the temperatures got below 45. Think of a large plastic “cloche” and an additional blanket during the cold nights. 

Let us look at what really happens when frost covers a plant. When water gets below 32, ice crystals that form inside tender leaves will rupture the cells and, effectively, kill it. Anything from 32 down to 29 degrees is generally considered a light freeze (or frost). Temperatures that dwindle down to the 28 to 25 range are expected to be widely limiting to most vegetation.  Only a few native or well-adapted plants will continue to grow with temperatures below 25. In February of 2021 during winter storm Uri, we truly learned what were the toughest plants in our area as the temperature went into the single digits.

So, what can you do to protect your remaining perennial plants that are still thriving? Irrigate and cover.

Irrigate before it freezes. Moist soil can hold four times more heat than dry soil.  It will also conduct heat to the soil surface faster than dry soil, aiding in frost prevention.  In a university study performed years ago, the air temperature above wet soil was 5 degrees F higher than that above dry soil, and the difference was maintained until 6 a.m. the next morning.

Covering plants with a bed sheet can give you 2 to 5 degrees of protection.  The covers can be laid right over the crop or can be supported above the plant material on stakes.  The varying degrees of protection lie with whether the cover touches the plant.  Any material can be used to cover plants. However, woven fabrics are better insulation than plastics or paper. 

Smart gardeners harvested all they could before this harsh winter weather.

Really cold-tolerant plants that can sustain some freezes: Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Onion (sets and seeds), Potato, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Spinach, and Turnip. If you want to see what lasts thru the lower 20’s, with some protection you provide, conduct your own experiment and see what happens.

The greens from John’s garden are already blanched and put up in the freezer. I’m interested to see how his greens make it through the freeze… and if he needs anymore help picking them.

Texas Forest Country Braces for Winter Weather: Tips for Staying Safe and Warm

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Texas Forest Country Braces for Winter Weather: Tips for Staying Safe and Warm

Texas Forest Country Region – As the winter season approaches, residents of the Texas Forest Country, a region unaccustomed to heavy snowfall but familiar with the occasional icy conditions, are gearing up for potential winter weather challenges. While snow might be a rare visitor, the community is advised to prepare for frozen precipitation and icy roads, which can pose significant hazards.

Understanding the Winter Forecast Meteorologists predict that the region may experience bouts of freezing temperatures this winter, with possibilities of ice formation on trees and roadways. Though snowfall is unlikely, the community is urged to prepare for icy conditions that can occur during cold snaps.

Preparation is Key Experts emphasize the importance of being prepared to ensure safety and comfort during colder months. Here are some essential tips for Texas Forest Country residents:

  • Winterize Your Home: Check the insulation, repair any leaks, and make sure your heating system is winter-ready. Insulating windows and doors can keep the warmth in and the cold out.
  • Create an Emergency Kit: This should include items like flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, water, and a first aid kit. Power outages can occur during winter storms, so it’s crucial to be prepared.
  • Vehicle Safety: Ensure your car is serviced and the antifreeze levels are adequate. Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, a flashlight, and some snacks.
  • Beware of Icy Roads: While the region seldom sees heavy snowfall, icy roads can be a hazard. Drive cautiously and avoid travel during icy conditions if possible.
  • Protect Plants and Pets: Bring sensitive plants indoors and ensure pets have warm, sheltered places to stay.
  • Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.

Community Support Local authorities and community organizations are preparing to support residents, especially the elderly and those in need, during the winter months. Emergency shelters and warm stations may be set up if required.

A Unified Effort As the community braces for the colder months, a spirit of unity and preparedness is encouraged. Neighbors are urged to check on each other, especially the elderly and those living alone.

While Texas Forest Country may not be a winter wonderland, preparation for icy conditions is essential. By taking proactive steps and looking out for one another, residents can ensure a safer and more comfortable winter season. For more tips and updates on winter weather preparedness, residents can visit the Texas Forest Country Living website.

Texas Forest Country Living Magazine
1511 S Chestnut St
Lufkin Tx 75901
(877) 537-8780

Lee Miller, Publisher

Governor Abbott Appoints Nancy Windham to the Texas Commission On The Arts

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Abid Neemuchwala of Little Elm is co-founder and director of Dallas Venture Capital. He is a board member of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Neemuchwala received a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India, and a master’s degree in industrial management from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India.

Patty Nuss of Corpus Christi is self-employed in commercial real estate. She currently serves on the board of the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, as a trustee of the Art Museum of South Texas, board member of the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, and as sustainer of the Junior League of Corpus Christi, Inc. Previously, she volunteered as president of both the Art Center of Corpus Christi and YWCA of Corpus Christi. Nuss is a graduate of Stephens College and Southern Methodist University.

Kent Perkins of Mingus is a retired Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of TV and Radio Artists actor and currently owns Lincoln Village Shopping Center. He is a member of the Historic Camp Bowie Business District of Fort Worth and the Farm Bureau of Erath County. Additionally, he is a philanthropic supporter of CASA, The Clarion Project, and Billy the Kid Film Festival.

Nancy C. Windham of Nacogdoches is president and CEO of the Texas Forest Country Partnership. She previously served as interim executive director of the Lufkin Economic Development Corporation, president and CEO of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation, and vice president of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation. She is an honorary life member of the Texas Economic Development Council and a fellow of the Industrial Assets Management Council. She is a member of the Texas Rural Practitioners Executive Board, Nacogdoches County Hero Foundation, and Texas Forest Trail Region Board. Additionally, she is a former appointee of the Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board, the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board, and the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents. Windham attended Stephen F. Austin State University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. Her studies also include basic industrial development at Texas A&M University.

Karen Partee of McKinney is the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Texas Bank and Trust Company. She is past president and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Longview and member of the Institute of Certified Bankers and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts Advisory Board. Additionally, she serves as a member of the board of the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) School of Bank Marketing and on the board of Certified Financial Marketing Professionals. She is also past co-chair of the ABA Marketing Advisory Board. Partee received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas Tech University, a diploma from the ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management, and certification from the American Institute of Bankers.

Texas Forest Country Living Magazine
1511 S Chestnut St
Lufkin Tx 75901
(877) 537-8780

Lee Miller, Publisher

24 NEW Things To Try in 2024: Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana Edition

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Shreveport-Bossier, LA – As the curtain has closed in 2023, the show is anything but over for Shreveport-Bossier,  Louisiana as the area welcomes 24 new happenings in 2024! From culinary magic and entertainment hubs to cultural landmarks, Shreveport-Bossier is showcasing what visitors and locals can expect beyond enough flavor, style, and soul for two cities (because, c’mon, that’s a given)!

  1. Louisiana LIVE! Casino (Coming 2025):

The grand opening may not be until 2025, but locals can barely contain their excitement for the first LIVE! Casino and world-class resort to be in Northwest Louisiana. The development promises a significant economic upswing for the region and is expected to generate numerous jobs while ushering in a fresh identity to the world of immersive gaming and hospitality.

  1. 50-Cent at Millennium Studios:

The city gears up for the excitement of film and media with the introduction of 50-Cent & Millennium Studios. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting addition to Shreveport-Bossier in the coming months.

  1. National Beverage Manufacturer coming to Shreveport-Bossier:

An established packing and distribution company has plans to invest in Shreveport-Bossier for 2024 ($10.4 million worth). Multipack Services will introduce a new manufacturing facility to Shreveport-Bossier which will offer up to 150 new jobs in Northwest Louisiana.

  1. Crockett Street Trading Co. – Downtown Development Authority:

Davy Crockett’s namesake street in Shreveport transforms into a trading post filled with essentials, breathing new life into downtown. Explore the latest in the DDA eBlast.

  1. The Glass Hat:

Start your new year off right with breakfast from The Glass Hat, one of Downtown Shreveport’s newest restaurants, located at 423 Crocket Street. They serve breakfast, daily plate lunches, and desserts! They are open Tues – Sat, 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  1. The Shoppes at Bellemead Expansion:

Retail therapy reaches new heights with the expansion of The Shoppes at Bellemead, welcoming a national retailer to their shopping center! Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the latest announcements about what retailer to expect.

  1. New Aldi Shreveport:

Visitors and locals can have a refreshed grocery shopping experience with the arrival of Aldi, providing quality and budget-friendly choices to its customers. Open now!

  1. Southern Maid + Rhino Coffee Fusion Restaurant:

Besides combining two local favorites into one place to satisfy all your caffeine and breakfast needs, this new location is perfect for book clubs, study dates, or just a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

  1. Let’s Get Artsy at the Louisiana Boardwalk:

Three art-related businesses opened at the Louisiana Boardwalk outlets this summer. SAS Art Gallerie is the region’s newest premier showcase for the area’s most accomplished artists. Sanctuary Paint Party is a place where friends and family can gather to create works of art. Point Studio Art is where visitors can make their own prints, or experience a print-making workshop.

  1. SRAC Grant for LED Riverfront Illumination:

Shreveport Regional Arts Council announced a $30,000 grant from Centerpoint for more LED lighting on the riverfront to complement the beautiful Bakowski Bridge of Lights that connects Shreveport and Bossier City.

  1. Glow Alchemy Kitchen Event Space:

Glow Alchemy Kitchen, a wellness café in Shreveport-Bossier, is now transitioning into a premier event space and catering company.

  1. 2nd Act Supper Club:

A new venue at 440 Olive Street, 2nd Act Supper Club, will be hosting exclusive underground dinners for up to 50 guests. Owners of Fat Calf Brasserie, Anthony and Amanda Felan, are excited to share this side project with the city in 2024.

  1. New 7th Tap in East Bank:

One of Shreveport-Bossier’s three breweries is opening a new location in early 2024. The second 7th Tap will be opening in the East Bank, the city’s only open container district. This is the perfect addition to Hurricane Alley downtown nightlife.

  1. New Piano Bar at the Louisiana Boardwalk:

Known for its New Orleans reputation, Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar is open now at the Louisiana Boardwalk and is expected to become the ultimate destination for music enthusiasts and nightlife aficionados.

  1. Simple Church at the Louisiana Boardwalk:

Starting January 7, 2024, Sunday services for the Simple Church will be held at the Regal Louisiana Boardwalk as well as the Shreveport Convention Center.

  1. New venue in the East Bank:

310 Garage, formerly known as Red River Brewpub, has recently been redesigned as a venue in the East Bank district in downtown Bossier! Party the night away after each event by stepping outside into Shreveport-Bossier’s main nightlife district.

  1. American Pickers returns to Louisiana:

The well-known History Channel Show ‘American Pickers’, is set to return to Louisiana! Shreveport-Bossier has been featured multiple times since the show started in 2010, and history lovers are excited for what is to come on the show in 2024. Read more here: Louisiana To Host American Pickers In 2024 (710keel.com).

  1. Jacquelyn’s Café Redesign:

A Shreveport classic has completed a makeover and work behind the scenes! With a fresh paint job, new fans inside and out, a newly graveled parking lot, and a new website and social page, they are ready to offer customers the best of the best in 2024.

  1. The ClayGround:

Shreveport-Bossier’s newest pottery painting and wheel-throwing outlet! “Get your hand dirty, and your mind clearer” is their motto! This is the perfect gathering for friends and family spending a weekend in Northwest Louisiana.

  1. The Brown Vibe Coffeehouse:

At 5500 Jewella Avenue, visitors can be immersed in an inviting atmosphere and discover a diverse menu featuring high-quality brews and delectable treats.

  1. Cassandra’s on the River:

Cassandra’s on the River is a local, Louisiana Style restaurant dedicated to serving up authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine in Shreveport-Bossier!

  1. SOBO Food Truck Park:

In South Bossier, there is now a family-friendly food truck park offering an area for both food truck entrepreneurs to showcase their delicacies and a place where visitors and locals can enjoy the weather and delicious food.

  1. The Pearl Shreveport:

Located at 6871 Fern Avenue, The Pearl Shreveport, is taking the term “oyster bar” to the next level. With fresh seafood and superb cocktails, this will be a dining experience like no other.

  1. Tea Mochi:

This recently opened local boba tea house offers a unique variety of delicious drinks, mochi donuts, and Korean corndogs.

As Shreveport-Bossier unfolds its 2024 chapter, the city invites visitors and locals alike to experience these exciting additions for the new year! For the history lover, thrill seeker, art aficionado, soul searcher, adventure hunter, beer connoisseur, or classic foodie, Shreveport-Bossier has everything a traveler’s heart could desire!

Lufkin TxDOT District Preparing Roadways for Possible Winter Event

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – TxDOT crews in the nine-county Lufkin District will begin pre-treatment operations and shift work on Friday ahead of a winter weather event expected late Sunday.

A meeting was held Wednesday morning to plan emergency operations and responses. Crews will begin placing a brine mixture on major roadways, overpasses, and bridges Friday ahead of the predicted winter weather. Crews will re-treat on Saturday and/or Sunday if needed.

If freezing precipitation occurs, crews will begin monitoring and inspecting roadways and bridges and re-treat with brine, if necessary. Should the roadways need to be cleared of winter precipitation, equipment will be staged for quicker response times in local areas. Tier I roadways will be treated and monitored. Those roadways include US 59 and US 259. Bridges and overpasses throughout the district will also be treated, including those on US 69, US 190, US 84, US 287, US 259, SH 94, SH 103, SH 7, SH 21, and others throughout the district.

“While we know how unpredictable East Texas weather can be, TxDOT plans to be prepared and respond appropriately should we see extreme winter weather,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We ask that motorists slow down and give our crews room to work should they encounter TxDOT vehicles and workers preparing the roadways.”

Brine operations is a moving work zone. Motorists should obey all traffic controls in place, not try to pass a TxDOT moving convoy placing brine and stay alert for the possibility of crews working near the roadways during this time.

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

Drug-Free Business Partnership Luncheon

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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The Coalition is hosting the annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon at 11:30 am on Tuesday, February 6th at Crown Colony Country Club.  The luncheon will acknowledge businesses in our community that recognize the importance of being drug-free.  The luncheon’s guest speaker will be Officer Jermaine Galloway known nationally as Tall Cop. Regarded as one of America’s top experts in drug and alcohol trends, Officer Galloway has specialized in alcohol and drug prevention and enforcement for more than 15 years. His many years of experience have taught him, “You can’t stop what you don’t know.” Join us at the annual luncheon to hear Officer Galloway share about ever-evolving drug trends and provide ways to prevent them in our community.

Awards will be presented for new members and membership upgrades. If you would like to attend the luncheon or if your business is interested in joining the Drug-Free Business Partnership, please contact The Coalition at (936) 634-9308. Please visit The Coalition’s website at angelinacoalition.org for more information.

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