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Public Meeting Planned in Nacogdoches

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – The Lufkin District will hold a public meeting with a virtual option on August 3 to gain public input into the US 59/US 259 North (Future I-69) project being planned in Nacogdoches.

The virtual option begins at noon on Aug. 3 for public viewing, and the in-person meeting is scheduled from 5-7 pm at the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches. Both meetings, virtual and in-person, will display the same presentations. The in-person meeting will also display updated schematics of the project and engineers will be on hand to answer questions. The public will have the opportunity to leave comments and opinions both virtually and in person. Comments must be received by Aug. 18, 2023, to be included in the record.

TxDOT is proposing to upgrade US 259 and reconstruct the US 59/US 259 interchange to meet interstate standards from Stallings Drive/SL 224 to 1.3 miles north of US 259 in Nacogdoches County. The project will be designed to improve safety and mobility, due to increased traffic, congestion, and a high number of traffic crashes near the project location.

This project will bring the US 59 and the US 259 interchange to current interstate standards by reconfiguring the interchange which will include the:

  • Reconfigure US 59 to concrete barrier-divided main lanes with four, 12-foot travel lanes, two in each direction with 10-foot inside shoulders and 12-foot outside shoulders;
  • Construct northbound and southbound US 59 frontage roads, including two12-foot travel lanes, a four-foot inside shoulder, and a 10-foot outside shoulder;
  • Construct sidewalks along the proposed US 59 frontage roads and US 259;
  • Reconfigure the interchange to provide new flyover bridges to directly connect northbound US 59 to northbound US 259 and southbound US 259 to southbound US 59;
  • Develop a location for truck parking between Stallings Drive/SL 224 and FM 343.

If a translator or accessibility assistance is needed, contact TxDOT at 936-633-4395.For more information concerning the virtual option or how to leave comments, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call 936-633-4395.

Strategic Thinking for Leaders: A Catalyst for Success

By
Lee Allen Miller
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In the ever-evolving landscape of global business and politics, strategic thinking has become an indispensable skill for leaders. Not just a fleeting trend, but a cognitive ability that sets exceptional leaders apart from the pack. Ian Bremmer, author of the New York Times bestseller “Us Vs. Them”, has eloquently defined strategic thinking as “a reasoning process that supports goal-oriented decision-making using curiosity, information synthesis, and pattern recognition to generate solutions and update your worldview.” So how can leaders harness the power of strategic thinking to navigate this tumultuous terrain?

The Essence of Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking goes beyond the immediacy of daily operational issues. It involves a holistic, forward-looking perspective that probes and foresees potential scenarios and their implications on an organization. Leaders who excel at strategic thinking understand the bigger picture, are comfortable with ambiguity, and can envision the invisible connection between actions and outcomes.

The Building Blocks of Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking doesn’t come naturally to all, but it can certainly be nurtured and developed. According to Bremmer, it comprises three fundamental components:

  1. Curiosity: This is the engine that fuels strategic thinking. Leaders who are innately curious, are not only open to new ideas but actively seek them. They look beyond the obvious, question conventional wisdom, and are willing to delve into the uncharted territory for answers.
  2. Information Synthesis: It involves connecting the dots between disparate pieces of information to form a cohesive picture. Strategic leaders are adept at integrating information from various sources to make sense of complex situations, and they’re skilled at navigating through the noise to find meaningful signals.
  3. Pattern Recognition: The ability to spot trends and themes amidst a sea of information is key to strategic thinking. Leaders who excel in pattern recognition are not just observers of change but anticipators of it. They can forecast possible scenarios and make strategic adjustments ahead of time.

Strategic Thinking: A Continuous Learning Cycle

Strategic thinkers treat their perspectives as living, breathing entities, continuously scrutinizing and updating them. They see their views not as unalterable truths, but as evolving hypotheses that require constant testing and refining. In their quest for clarity and understanding, these leaders welcome different viewpoints and are comfortable with the prospect of being wrong. In fact, they view errors as valuable opportunities for learning and growth.

Implementing Strategic Thinking: A Practical Approach

How can leaders put strategic thinking into practice? Here are a few practical steps:

  1. Develop a Learning Mindset: Leaders need to cultivate an insatiable curiosity and openness to new ideas. Encourage questioning, seek diverse perspectives, and foster a culture of learning within your organization.
  2. Invest Time in Reflection: Regular time-outs from the daily hustle to think and reflect can help leaders synthesize information, spot patterns, and generate strategic insights.
  3. Leverage Diverse Teams: Different people bring different perspectives. Leveraging this diversity can help leaders challenge their own assumptions and refine their strategic thinking.
  4. Encourage Healthy Debate: An environment that encourages open discussion and debates fosters better strategic decisions. Encourage your team to challenge ideas constructively and make it safe for people to voice dissenting opinions.
  5. Stay Agile: In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt quickly is paramount. Leaders need to constantly review their strategies, be ready to pivot when required and remain receptive to new information that might contradict their current understanding.

Strategic thinking is more than just a cognitive skill. I can’t say I’ve mastered the skill. I still work on it daily! It is a mindset, a habit, and a discipline. Leaders who can master strategic thinking are those who will navigate the complexities of today’s world with ease, steer their organizations toward long-term success, and leave an enduring legacy.

Caterpillar Sightings on Pecan Trees

By
Cary Sims
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Walnut caterpillars, Datana integerrima Grote and Robinson (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), early stage (instar) caterpillars. Photo by H. A. Turney.

It is sometimes easy to tell which pest is breaking out around the county by the sheer number of phone calls that I get. This week it is the walnut caterpillar that is being found all over our beloved pecan trees.

Don’t let the name mislead you, the walnut caterpillar has a wide host range of woody plants and trees such as pecan, walnut and hickory. The larvae start off as a reddish-brown color and then become black with grayish lines and hairs as they grow and develop. These caterpillars can reach lengths of up to two inches when fully grown.

Damage caused by the younger reddish-brown larvae is typically localized to a few branches because the larvae feed in colonies. Larvae further along in their development (called ‘instars’) can cause more damage as they spread throughout the canopy and they venture away from each other. These caterpillars damage the trees by feeding on leaves, eventually consuming the entire leaf surface, leaving only the larger leaf veins.

The walnut caterpillar has been around here for ages as it is native to North America and is common throughout most of the eastern United States. The western edge of its range can be found as far west as Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas. In Texas, the walnut caterpillar is found throughout areas east of the Pecos River.

The walnut caterpillar has a wide host range of both shrubs and trees. The primary host for walnut caterpillar includes trees in the Juglandaceae family such as butternut, hickory, pecan, and, of course, walnut trees.

Each year in mid to late spring, overwintering pupae emerge as adult moths. After mating, adult females lay eggs once in a mass of around 600 eggs. Egg masses are laid in a single layer on the underside of leaves on their preferred trees. Larvae hatch from eggs in roughly 9 days and pass through five larval stages (instars) over the course of about three weeks.

During the first four larval stages, the reddish-brown caterpillars can be found feeding in clusters. When molting from the fourth instar to the fifth instar, the caterpillars move to the trunk or a main branch and molt together. Larvae in the 5th instar are black with grayish markings and long hairs. Fifth instar larvae venture out to feed on their own. In Texas, the walnut caterpillar can complete two to three generations per year depending on the number of frost-free days between spring and fall.

In our part of the state, the walnut caterpillar rarely reaches levels that cause economic damage, but there have been occasional outbreaks that have caused economic loss to pecan crops. Normally, parasitic insects, predatory insects such as ladybugs, and arthropods like spiders keep populations from causing economic damage.

If you are really lucky and happen to find a caterpillar egg mass under the leaves of a tree, go ahead and remove them. If you already see the caterpillars feeding, they are easy to kill with most any insecticide so long as you can get it on them. I don’t have a simple method for homeowners to treat caterpillars feeding up high in a large tree.

Truth be told, your pecan tree has likely survived several attacks from these same caterpillars. Unless you are a commercial pecan grower whose livelihood depends on a good pecan crop, those caterpillars may bother you much more than they are bothering the tree!

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

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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Summer is in full swing, but back to school is right around the corner. Be sure to stay cool during these hot Texas days!

Here are five things happening around your state:

  1. Property tax relief measures passed, signed by Governor Abbott

This month, the Texas Senate and House of Representatives came together and made a deal to deliver property tax relief to homeowners across the state. The $18 billion package is the largest tax cut in Texas history. Senate Bill 2, by Senator Paul Bettencourt and Representative Morgan Meyer, includes an increase in the homestead exemption from $40,000 for most homes to $100,000. It will go into effect on this year’s property tax bill if the accompanying proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the voters in November. The bill also includes $7 billion for the reduction of school district maintenance and operations tax rates statewide. Senate Bill 2 also includes a 3-year pilot project for non-homesteaded property valued at $5 million or under to receive a 20% circuit-breaker on appraised value increases. It also includes a change to County Appraisal District boards of directors to include 3 county-wide, elected director positions in counties with a population of 75,000 or more.

The accompanying legislation Senate Bill 3, by Senator Paul Bettencourt and Representative Charlie Geren, includes a doubling of the franchise tax exemption for businesses from $1.23 million to $2.47 million. An estimated 67,000 businesses will no longer pay a franchise tax. It also eliminates a “nuisance-tax” for 1.7 million business owners who previously had to file no-tax-due forms for franchise taxes. I was proud to co-author and vote for both bills and thrilled that the Governor signed the package.

  1. Lamar State College Port Arthur opens new industrial training facility

This month Lamar State College Port Arthur opened a new $6 million, 33,000-square-foot industrial training facility that has been in the works since 2018. The facility will train to be soon-to-be electricians, pipe fitters, or other essential workers, including training for jobs at the nearby petrochemical facilities. Courses can range in length from one to six months and at the end of each course students will receive certificates, which may open doors to new job opportunities. The space was once used as a National Guard armory and was converted using federal and city grants.

  1. TxDOT, law enforcement launch Operation Slow Down

This month, TxDOT teamed up with law enforcement to urge drivers to “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” – a speeding awareness campaign aimed at saving lives. According to TxDOT, speed was a contributing factor in more than 162,000 roadway crashes in Texas in 2022, resulting in 1,469 deaths. It is the number one factor contributing to roadway crashes in Texas. Safe driving goes beyond just observing the speed limit. It also means matching speed to road conditions if there is bad weather or road construction, slowing down and allowing for more space to stop when traffic is heavy, and watching for road signs indicating reduced speed limits ahead. Operation Slow Down and “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” are both components of #EndTheStreakTX, an effort to end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways. The last deathless day on Texas roads was November 7, 2000.

  1. Texas drawn hunt applications open for 2023-2024

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) opened applications for their drawn hunt permits program for the 2023-2024 season. The program, which issues permits for drawn hunts on both public and private lands statewide, issues almost 10,000 permits in more than 60 high-quality hunt categories. Hunts available include white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, alligator, and dove, and guided packages for exotic species and bighorn sheep. Last year there were more than 278,000 applications. Application fees range from free to $10, depending on the hunt category. Applications are due by the 1st and 15th of each month between August 1 and November 1. A full list of categories, maps, and deadlines can be found online at https://tpwd.texas.gov/.

  1. SFA hosts rural economic development forums

Stephen F. Austin State University Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation and the Texas Forest Country Partnership hosted forums on Rural Economic Development this month in San Augustine County and Polk County. Future forums are planned in Nacogdoches County, Angelina County, Trinity County, and Newton County throughout early August. The forums include discussions on workforce, economic development, education, industry, and community needs. I was happy to attend the forum in San Augustine and discuss important topics facing business owners and the community.

Ribbon Cutting for Flexxology Health & Fitness Studio (Nacogdoches County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Ribbon Cutting for Flexxology Health & Fitness Studio
Celebrating one year in business!
Date and Time Information: Thursday, August 10 at 4:30 pm
Location: 1023 N University Dr., Ste. 6 Nacogdoches TX 75961
Website:  http://www.flexxology.net
Contact Information:  Harmony Packard, (936) 645-6785

Legacies Nursing and Rehabilitation Receives Grant for Angelina College Training

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Lex Hernandez (holding check, left) and members of Legacies Nursing and Rehabilitation pose with a ceremonial check representing a $10,800 grant awarded through the Texas Workforce Commission Skills for Small Business for Employers (SSB). Pictured with several nurse aides are (in no order) Tiffani Bradberry, Legacies Administrator; Amber Williams, Director of Nursing; Amanda Corley (ADON); Jordyn Eddings, LVN; and instructor Lucy Puntes. (Contributed photo)

AC to Provide Enhanced Training for Nurse Aides

In June of 2023, Angelina College and Legacies Nursing and Rehabilitation located in Hemphill, Texas partnered to upskill a select group of Legacies’ employees through the Texas Workforce Commission Skills for Small Business for Employers (SSB) program. The purpose of the SSB program is for qualifying small businesses with fewer than 100 employees to enhance their business operations by obtaining training needed to enhance skills for both their new and incumbent employees. All training must be provided by a public community or technical college, or by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.

As a result, Legacies Nursing & Rehabilitation was awarded $10,800 in SSB grant funds for 13 employees for training as nurses aides through Angelina College. The employees are completing their training at the San Augustine County Career and Education Center located in San Augustine, Texas where Angelina College courses are held throughout the year.

Angelina College offers programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications in high-demand career field areas, such as healthcare, business, industry, and public safety. Grant funding is available to individuals and businesses that qualify.

Those interested in applying for the SSB grant or enrolling in a program leading to a high-demand career field should contact the Angelina College Workforce and Continuing Education division at wce@angelina.edu or call (936) 633-5424.

Texas WIC Celebrates National Breastfeeding Month

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Breastfeeding Month

Program Provides Free Support and Resources

AUSTIN – August is National Breastfeeding Month, and Texas WIC is sharing resources to support moms and pregnant women to help meet their breastfeeding goals.

“From the start of your pregnancy through your child’s fifth birthday, Texas WIC is here for you every step of the way,” said Texas WIC Nutrition Education and Clinic Services Director Amanda Hovis. “Pregnant women in Texas wanting nutrition advice, moms looking for breastfeeding support, and families with young children are encouraged to apply for WIC to help give their children a healthy start to life.” 

The benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby last a lifetime. Breastmilk has hundreds of ingredients and antibodies that help protect babies from illness and allergies. For moms, breastfeeding has been linked to lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even certain cancers.

Breastfeeding can be challenging sometimes, and Texas WIC has a free 24/7 lactation support hotline, breastfeeding peer counselors, lactation consultants, and free nutrition and breastfeeding classes available to all Texas moms, regardless of whether they qualify for Texas WIC. Texas WIC also provides women who qualify with a free breast pump and pumping supplies.

WIC benefits are provided at no cost to eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, and families with children younger than 5. Anyone with children under the age of 5 can apply for WIC, including dads, foster parents, guardians, or grandparents. Moms-to-be can qualify for WIC as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. WIC recently updated its income guidelines, allowing more families to participate.

For more information or to apply, visit TexasWIC.org/apply or call 1-800-942-3678.

About WIC
WIC is a federal nutrition program providing healthy food, one-on-one nutrition counseling, recipes, nutrition classes, and breastfeeding support to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and families with children younger than 5. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission administers WIC in Texas. For more information on WIC benefits and questions about eligibility, visit TexasWIC.org.

Texas A&M Forest Service Encourages Caution As Wildfire Danger Increases Statewide

By
Lee Allen Miller
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As persistent triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire danger for much of the state, Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to be cautious with outdoor activities that create sparks.

Through Friday, high temperatures and increased wind speeds will support the potential for large wildfires that may be resistant to firefighters’ suppression efforts.

Areas at risk include North, Central, and South Texas, the southern region of East Texas, areas in the Rolling Plains near Wichita Falls and Abilene, and areas in the Hill Country near San Angelo, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio.

The risk for wildfire activity will remain elevated through the first week of August, as very hot and dry conditions are likely to continue.

“With the recent uptick in wildfire activity, Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized additional personnel and equipment to assist with the response,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “State and local firefighters are prepared to respond quickly but we need Texans to be careful and prevent wildfire ignitions while conditions remain hot and dry.”

In Texas, nine out of 10 wildfires are human-caused and preventable. The most common causes of wildfires during the summer months are debris burning and equipment use, which includes parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains.

“Every year, Texans eagerly await the summer months when they can enjoy their favorite outdoor activities like camping, boating or grilling,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator. “Unfortunately, these activities can also spark an unintended wildfire. It is important that everyone consider their surroundings and remember that simple preventative measures can keep a wildfire from igniting.”

Throughout the summer months:

  • Always check with local officials for burn bans and other outdoor burning restrictions. Pay attention to local guidelines regarding open fires, campfires, and outdoor activities that may pose a fire hazard. For burn ban information, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans/.
  • Park in designated spaces and avoid driving over and/or parking on dry grass. The heat from a vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
  • When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure it is completely out by drowning it with water, stirring it, and feeling it to ensure it is out cold before leaving.
  • When pulling a trailer, ensure the chains are properly connected and do not drag on the road as this can create sparks.
  • If you witness suspicious behavior or signs of arson, immediately call the local authorities.

Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

For more information about summer wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires/.

For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.

Blood Drive at the Chamber (Polk County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Date and Time

Monday, Jul 31, 2023
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM CDT

Location

Chamber office
1001 Hwy 59 Loop N
Livingston, TX 77351

Website

Blood Drive Registration

August First Friday Luncheon (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Name: August First Friday Luncheon
Date: August 4, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT
Location: Crown Colony Country Club

Please join us on Friday, August 4 for our next First Friday Luncheon, presented by Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company, featuring Dr. Michael J. Simon, President of Angelina College. Dr. Simon will be sharing exciting updates and insights during the luncheon, focusing on the key presidential priorities that will shape the future of our institution. He will also unveil new programs that aim to enrich the educational experience for our students and meet the evolving needs of our community.

Thank you to August Gold Sponsor, St. Luke’s Health – Memorial Lufkin, and our Media Sponsor, The Lufkin Daily News.
Save your seat by Wednesday, August 2 @ 5 PM to be entered to win $100, sponsored by Servpro of Lufkin & Nacogdoches.
Register here >> bit.ly/AugustFFL2023
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