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

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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One hundred years ago this week, Lamar University in Beaumont originated as South Park Junior College when the Beaumont ISD superintendent sought to develop plans for a junior college. Later that year, the institution’s doors opened, and the name was changed to Lamar College and later Lamar University. I’m a proud alumnus of Lamar University!

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Property tax relief passes Senate

This week the Senate passed Senate Bills 3, 4, and 5 which would provide $16.5 billion in tax relief. All three bills are primarily authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt.

Senate Bill 3 would increase the homestead exemption to $70,000. This is an increase from the current homestead exemption of $40,000. The bill also raises the over-65 and disabled homestead exemption to an additional $30,000, meaning if a homeowner is over 65 or disabled their exemption will total $100,000. The bill is co-authored by all 31 senators and was unanimously voted out of Senate this week. SB 3 is the enabling legislation for the requisite constitutional amendment this would require. Senate Joint Resolution 3, which proposes the constitutional amendment, also passed the Senate unanimously. It would put the issue to the voters in November.

Senate Bills 4 and 5 were also passed unanimously. SB 4 compresses school district tax rates beyond the current rates. Essentially the state is appropriating tax dollars to buy down school district tax rates. Senate Bill 5 raises the personal property tax exemption for businesses. Currently, businesses only have a $2,500 exemption for personal property owned by the business. Senate Bill 5 would raise that exemption to $25,000. That measure is also included as part of the ballot measure that will go to the voters in November. I was proud to co-author all of these bills to provide meaningful property tax relief.

2. TRS cost of living adjustment heard in Senate Finance Committee

This week the Senate Finance Committee voted to give our retired teachers a well-deserved cost-of-living adjustment. Senate Bill 10 passed the Senate Finance Committee unanimously and all

31 Senators have signed on. The bill would provide a four percent increase for teachers who retired before September 1, 2013, and a two percent increase for those who retired after September 1, 2013, and before January 1, 2022. The bill also gives a one-time $7,500 supplemental check to any retirees 75 years old or older. The total cost will be $4.7 billion. Our retired teachers deserve a cost-of-living adjustment, and I was proud to sign on and vote for this bill.

3. Broadband bill heard in committee

Senate Bill 1238 was heard in Senate Business and Commerce Committee this week. Last session, the Legislature took incredible steps toward ensuring all Texans are connected to high speed Internet in House Bill 5. It directed the Broadband Development Office to create and publish the state’s first broadband map and plan – which it has, and both are now publicly available. Senate Bill 1238 increases the speed threshold for an area to be considered “served;” brings state statute in compliance with federal guidelines, which includes the preference for fiber deployment; and updates how broadband access is defined and adopts standards for what constitutes served, underserved, and unserved areas, among other things. This bill is vital to our continued efforts to support broadband proliferation throughout the state. I’m excited to work with my fellow Senators and Rep. Trent Ashby to get this done.

4. Ankle monitor removal increased penalty bill passes Senate

This week the Texas Senate passed a bill that would increase the penalties for tampering with or removing an ankle monitor that a person is required to wear. Senate Bill 1004 by Senator Joan Huffman increases the penalty to a state jail felony, unless the person is in a super-intensive supervision program in which case the penalty would be a third degree felony. Ankle monitors are used to ensure that there is accountability for defendants who are out on parole or on bail. This bill enhances public safety for our communities, and I was proud to support it in the Senate.

5. Bail reform moves to House

The Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 44 this week which would deny bail to offenders accused of violent or sexual offense or human trafficking. In recent years, there have been instances of violent offenders being let off on low or no bail. This bill would ensure a defendant’s appearance in court, the safety of the community, law enforcement, and the victim. This is another proposition that would appear on the ballot in November should it pass both chambers with enough support.

Harold’s House to Host Abuse Awareness Event

By
Larry Waldorp
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Harold’s House-East Texas Alliance for Children will host Standing Up for Children: A Leader’s Response at Eastview UPC church on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 1pm to 3pm, located at 1407 N. Medford Drive, Lufkin, Texas. It is a 2-hour training session to inform the community on how to respond when one of the abused children come to them.

Harold’s House is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the trauma that children of abuse suffer. It provides families with aid and resources, including helping them complete the application for Crime Victims Compensation. Its mental health services advocate healing and decrease chances of revictimization.

Agencies that specialize in helping abused families will be in attendance to meet with those looking to be involved. The event is specifically for leaders in the community in order to equip them with the tools necessary to get involved, but is open for anyone interested. there is no cost for admission, the event is free.

For more information, contact Harold’s House at (936) 634-1999 or mpool@haroldshouse.org.

Easter Walk With Jesus

By
Rozalin Martin
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Gloria Russell’s Children Ministry is hosting a fun filled Easter Walk from 1 – 4pm on April 1st. The church will have a bible lesson, then a giant easter egg hunt.

Free bags will be provided for the easter egg hunt. There will also be other fun activities, including a bouncy house, fishing, archery, snacks, a Victory Express Gospel Train, and more.

This fun filled is located at 2474 FM 1745, Colmesneil, Texas. This event is a free for all so bring all who can come and have a blast.

Color Out Tobacco: An Obstacle Challenge Course

By
Larry Waldorp
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On Saturday, April 1st, from 10:00AM – 12:00PM, Pineywoods Community Academy’s Drug-Free Council and Say What (Students, Adults, and Youth Working Hard Against Tobacco) students will be hosting Color Out Tobacco: An Obstacle Challenge Course, to celebrate Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day. Participants will make their way through an obstacle course filled with fun challenges. But watch out! Color will be coming from everywhere so that we can Color Out Tobacco!

All participants will receive a FREE t-shirt (white) that can be worn during the event, and prizes and free swag will also be awarded (while supplies last)!

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about this free event or how to register, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Why Early Detection of Lung Cancer is So Important

By
Statepoint
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. While early detection can vastly improve a patient’s chances to lead a full and healthy life, the majority of those who are high risk are not getting screened.

The American Lung Association, which is committed to defeating lung cancer and supporting those with the disease, is sharing vital information to help more people learn their risk and connect them to screenings and other life-saving resources:

Preventable Deaths

According to the 2022 “State of Lung Cancer” report, a mere 5.8% of Americans eligible for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan were screened. A low-dose CT scan is a special kind of X-ray that takes multiple pictures as the patient lies on a table that slides in and out of the machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed picture of the lungs. Studies estimate that if even just half of the approximately 8 million Americans identified as high risk for lung cancer were screened with a low-dose CT scan, over 12,000 lung cancer deaths could be prevented. In fact, since low-dose CT scans started to be used for screening, it has reduced cancer deaths by 20% and it has reduced deaths from other causes by almost 7%.

Risk Eligibility

Many people who are at risk for lung cancer and are eligible for screening are not identified and are not referred for screening. Under the most recent lung cancer screening guidelines, those ages 50-80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history or who have quit smoking in the past 15 years should get screened for lung cancer.

The American Lung Association offers a helpful tool for determining your eligibility for screening, found at www.SavedByTheScan.org.

Eliminating Racial Disparities

It is especially important for Black men and women to speak to their health care provider about their risk and get screened if necessary, as they are more likely to develop lung cancer and less likely to survive five years with the disease than people of any other racial or ethnic group.

Research suggests that Black Americans have a higher baseline risk for developing lung cancer — Black American smokers get lung cancer at least 20% more often than other people who smoke. Furthermore, systemic racism and injustices and issues continue to persist in the healthcare system, and Black people and other communities of color are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and more likely to not receive any treatment at all.

Fighting Barriers

Despite the fact that lung cancer screening is extremely effective at improving life expectancy and has the potential to dramatically improve lung cancer survival rates, many patients are not getting screened, even when they have a referral from their doctor to do so. The reasons for low screening adherence range from practical concerns, such as financial and transportation barriers, to more elusive issues like distrust of the medical system and lack of awareness regarding the seriousness of the disease.

Emerging resources are helping eliminate these barriers and are making it easier for people to assess their screening eligibility, locate screening centers, schedule appointments, and receive financial assistance if they don’t have insurance or transportation. Free tobacco cessation resources and other lung health resources also exist to help people to reduce their risk. To learn more, visit www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases.org or speak directly to a nurse or respiratory therapist by calling the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNG-USA.

When lung cancer is detected and treated in its earliest stages, more positive outcomes can be expected. That’s why it’s so important that everyone learns their risk and connects to resources to help them get screened.

New Life Lufkin to Hold Priceless Conference 2023

By
Larry Waldorp
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Beginning on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 6 pm, New Life Lufkin will host its annual Priceless Conference at the church, located on 4333 State Highway 103, Lufkin, Texas. A kickoff service will be held at the Diboll Correctional Center on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Last year, the theme of the Priceless conference was “Beauty for Ashes,” which centered on suicide. New Life partnered with ADAC (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council) to bring awareness and healing to those suffering with anxiety and severe depression.

Pastor Tony reveals that this year’s theme will be “Welcome Home,” focusing on the Word of God and worship. His goal is to unite the community and invite those abroad, who are afflicted and depressed, to convey that they can come to New Life for refuge, that there is hope for the broken.

“Home is a funny word. When you’re at home, you’re at peace, you’re comfortable. You’re with family,” Pastor Tony said. “You see people genuinely love each other.”

Pastors Tony and Tammy Holder founded New Life in 1998 and have recently celebrated their 25th anniversary of pastoral ministry in East Texas. They have made long strides to ensure that there is an atmosphere of family whenever someone graces the entrance doors, so that freedom is invoked. Pastor Tony believes that the next “Jesus revolution” will be brought about through racial reconciliation and unification; and also through an outpouring of the Spirit.

“It’s not about race, it’s about a sovereign move of the Spirit, where He breaks down people. It’s not tokenism,” Pastor Tony said.

Kenith Jackson, the Adult Ministries Pastor who also manages the LifeCourts basketball facility at New Life Lufkin, was inspired by the fact that the Priceless Conference had only been primarily a black women’s conference and he was seeking someone white to speak. One day, he was refereeing a basketball game, saw Tammy Holder, and blew the whistle to get her attention. He asked if she wanted to come speak and she agreed.

“Pastors drive from 600 miles away just to come to the conference. And they stay the entire time! You can’t just hear about it, you have to be there,” Pastor Kenith said.

Speakers include Wess Morgan (Sunday), Latifah Fleniken (Monday), Bishop Joseph Hall Jr (Tuesday), Cliff DeArmond (Wednesday), and New Life’s own Pastor Tony Holder to wrap it up on Thursday.

One of the keynote speakers, Latifah Fleniken, also the Executive Chief of Staff at New Lufkin said, “When I pulled in to the campus last year, the Holy Ghost just hit me in the chest.”

Last year at the Diboll Correctional Center, 518 people showed up to the service. The entire worship team comes and there are ministers who minister to the prisoners. The prisoners also are fed; this year, 600 pounds of beef was donated by Brookshire Brothers that will aid in serving the prison.

The admission is absolutely free of charge and anyone is invited, of any race, creed, and denomination.

For more information, go to https://www.newlifelufkin.com/events.

Two Delicious Summer Treat Spots in Lufkin TX

By
Rozalin Martin
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The Downtown Scoop

Summer is coming fast, and yummy treats should come right along with it! The Downtown Scoop has the best summer treats you can imagine. They have many different tasty treats to taste test. They serve milkshakes, ice cream cones, waffle bowls, etc. some of their flavors include anniversary cake, sea turtle, strawberry cheesecake. You can find The Downtown Scoop 117 W Shepherd Ave, Lufkin, TX.

Kibbies Shaved Ice

Kibbies Shaved Ice has off the wall flavors and unique decor. They have the most refreshing snow cones in Lufkin Texas. They have mango chamoy shaved ice, delicious blue raspberry snow cones etc. My family and I love going to kibbies every summer. The location to kibbies is 2109 W Frank Ave.

Angelina College’s Livin Surpasses 800-win Mark

By
Gary Stallard
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Roadrunner Skipper Owns Record for Career Wins at AC

Angelina College head coach Jeff Livin doesn’t have time to celebrate anything right now. His Roadrunner baseball team is in the midst of conference play in the brutal league that is Region XIV, so anything worth celebrating – according to Livin – will have to wait.

That includes any personal milestones – such as topping the 800-win plateau.

Recently, the Roadrunners’ long-time skipper collected his 800th win as a head coach. Before stepping on the field at AC, Livin served as head coach at Wayland Baptist University (1991-1995), earning the Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award in ’95. An alumnus of Southwestern University, Livin was selected in the 15th round of the 1984 major-league baseball draft and spent four years with the Houston Astros organization.

He’s been named the Region XIV North Coach of the Year (2005) and was inducted into the Clarina A’s Hall of Fame in 2008.

His impact as a head coach goes beyond the wins: In Livin’s tenure at Angelina College, he’s had more than 40 players selected in the MLB draft, with more than 20 of those reaching the professional ranks. In 2016, Livin watched two of his proteges, Clay Buchholz and Josh Tomlin, face one another on the mound in the American League Division Series: Buchholz with the Boston Red Sox and Tomlin with the Cleveland Indians.

A lot of memories collected over those 800 wins.

Livin just doesn’t care to celebrate it right now. His ‘Runners just earned a key conference sweep against Navarro College on Saturday and will host Bossier Parish Community College on Wednesday.

Maybe he’ll celebrate at the end of the season.

Knowing Jeff Livin, probably not.

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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March 12-19, 2023

While the rest of the Angelina College campus experienced Spring Break, the Lady Roadrunner softball and Roadrunner baseball teams stayed busy, with both teams picking up steam as they dive full-speed into Region XIV conference play.

In addition, AC Baseball head coach Jeff Livin surpassed the 800-win plateau.

Following is the recap for the week, along with upcoming events.

Livin Surpasses 800 Wins:

Angelina College head coach Jeff Livin recently surpassed his 800th career win as a head coach, extending his record as the head guy at Roadrunner Baseball with the most all-time wins in program history.

Before arriving at AC, Coach Livin was the head coach at Wayland Baptist University from 1991-1995. He was elected as the Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1995. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach at Southwest Texas State University and Southwestern University. Coach Livin played collegiate baseball at Southwestern University; he was selected in the 15th round of the 1984 draft and played for the Houston Astros organization for four years.

Livin’s Roadrunners have averaged more than 30 wins per season since 2003. AC was a conference co-champion in 2005 following a 46-14 season. Throughout his tenure at Angelina College, Coach Livin has had more than 40 players selected in the major league draft. Thus far, nearly 20 former Roadrunners have gone on to play professional baseball. In 2005, Coach Livin was honored as Region XIV North Coach of the Year; and in 2008, he was inducted into the Clarinda A’s Hall of Fame.

Roadrunner Baseball:

The ‘Runners opened the week with a single home game against Alvin College, with AC emptying the bench in an 8-3 loss in non-conference play.

The Roadrunners on Wednesday traveled to Paris College for a Region XIV doubleheader. AC won the opener 3-2 behind two RBI from Sam Hardcastle and a clutch pitching performance from Peyton Fosher and Taylor Seay. Fosher allowed just one earned run over 5 1/3 innings, and Seay wrapped things up late to earn the win after his relief appearance.

AC would drop the nightcap 4-3 in the Dragons’ walk-off win.

Saturday featured a home twin bill against Region XIV North Zone leaders Navarro College. The Roadrunners put together one of their best two-game series of the season, sweeping the Bulldogs 9-6 and 4-3 at Poland Field on the AC campus.

In the opener, the ‘Runners trailed 6-0 early before rallying big in the fourth inning. Trip Cromer finished the game having driven in three runs, Weston Dean and Noah Pate added an RBI each and Carson Dearing and Seay combined for four innings of scoreless relief for the win.

The nightcap saw Dalton Mullins and Pate each launch long solo homers in the first and third innings, respectively. Mason Swidersky added an RBI single in the fourth.

But the big news was the pitching performance from Garret Nail, who carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning – against the league’s second-best hitting team, no less. Nail struck out five Bulldogs while allowing no runs, eventually giving up a pair of seventh-inning singles. Navarro would make things a little dicey with a three-run ninth inning to close the gap to 4-3 in favor of the Roadrunners, but AC closer Tyler McCuistion ended the threat while earning the save.

AC (17-15, 7-9) will host Bossier Parish Community College on Wednesday in a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Poland Field on the AC campus. The Roadrunners are at Tyler Junior College on Saturday in a twin bill set for a 1 p.m. start.

Lady Roadrunner Softball:

AC’s ladies opened conference play on Wednesday against Alvin College, and by the end of the week, the Lady ‘Runners were 3-1 in conference play.

AC split with Alvin on Wednesday, dropping the opener 4-3 when the Dolphins posted a three-run sixth inning to take the lead for good.

The Lady Roadrunners rebounded in the nightcap, run-ruling Alvin 8-0 in five innings. Pitcher Morgan Louviere shut down the Dolphins from the circle, and Madi Baker and Lace Tangianau drove in two runs each, with Baker providing the walk-off dramatics in the bottom of the fifth inning.

On Saturday, AC earned its first conference sweep of the season. Playing on the turf at Lufkin High School, the Lady ‘Runners took 9-1 and 7-1 wins over Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

In the first game, Skyler Martin collected three RBI, while Hailey Fuentes and Bailey Frenzel knocked in two runs each. Martin, Fuentes and Madi Baker homered in the game.

Louviere earned another pitching win after striking out four Seahawks and allowing a single earned run over five innings.

The Lady ‘Runners finished off the sweep with Tangianau driving in two more runs and Fuentes, Haley Primrose, Kaetlyn Dunbar and Brynn Davis adding to their RBI stats. Mia Gilmore pitched a five-inning shutout, striking out six while allowing just one hit; and Gia Wade threw two innings of relief.

The Lady Roadrunners (12-12, 3-1) will host a doubleheader with Blinn College on Wednesday starting at 1 p.m. AC then travels to Coastal Bend Community College on Saturday, with another double dipper starting at 1 p.m. in Beeville.

For further information, contact AC’s Sports Information Director at gstallard@angelina.edu.

Lets Celebrate Easter In Lufkin Texas

By
Rozalin Martin
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Easter at Eastview

Two days of fun will be at Eastwood, starting on Saturday, April 8th. Bring your own picnic and enjoy live music, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, a train, snow cones, and lots of fun for the whole family! Indoor & Outdoor seating will be available.

And on Sunday, April 9th, Easter Sunday Worship Service at 10am. Come worship the King of Kings with us on Easter Sunday morning. Children will be dismissed to Kids view Children’s Church after the worship service.

Easter Sunday City Church

City Church will be hosting an exciting Easter service as we celebrate life in Jesus & victory over death! Come in at 9am or 11am service.

Family Easter Story Walk

from the Thursday before Easter, April 6th, through Easter Sunday, April 9th. Children are welcome to bring their baskets and get a treat at each of the 15 stations that tell the Easter story that is fun for the whole family.

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