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My Five Cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

Monday, January 31 is the last day to register to vote in the March primary elections. To register, simply complete an voter registration application available online through the Secretary of State’s website, fill it out with the necessary information, and return it to your county election office. The website to view this information is www.VoteTexas.gov. Remember, the voter registration application must be completed and returned at least 30 days before the upcoming election date.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. New laws now in effect as of January 1

As of the beginning of this year, 23 new state laws went into effect, most of which deal with certain tax requirements or tax-exemptions. A few new laws of note include:

– House Bill 531 – requires landlords to provide notice to renters if the dwelling they are leasing lies within a 100-year floodplain or has flooded in the preceding 5 years before or at the execution of the lease;

– House Bill 2730 – makes improvements to the Landowner’s Bill of Rights and the eminent domain process;

– House Bill 3961 – requires long-term care facilities to post information about the office of the state long-term care ombudsman on their websites. The ombudsman advocates for resident rights and helps protect quality of life and quality of care for residents;

– Senate Bill 794 – This law exempts homestead taxes for veterans who are 100 percent disabled;

– Senate Bill 911 – allows food service establishments that also hold mixed beverage permits to be classified as restaurants if alcohol sales are 60 percent or less of sales.

To see a full list of the new laws in effect as of January 1, please visit https://capitol.texas.gov/Reports/Report.aspx?LegSess=87R&ID=effectivejan1.

2. Texas Workforce Commission awards Jobs and Education for Texans grants to 5 East Texas ISDs, Lamar State College Orange

Last month, the Texas Workforce Commission announced $10.3 million in Jobs and Education for Texans grants that went to Community, Technical, and State Colleges and Independent School Districts across the state. Of that, $1.45 million was awarded to East Texas institutions. Five ISDs, including Burkeville ISD, Center ISD, Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD, Elkhart ISD, and West Sabine ISD, received between $189,000 and $328,000 grants to help purchase and install equipment to provide training in the occupations of welder, cutter, solder, and brazer. Lamar State College Orange was also a recipient of an award totaling over $208,000 for the purchase and installment of equipment for training healthcare practitioners and technical occupations. These grants will enable area education entities to provide targeted training for our communities that will lead to employment opportunities in high-demand industries.

3. Texas State Hospitals and SSLC offering hiring bonuses

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is offering up to $5,000 in bonuses for certain health care positions at state supported living centers (SSLCs) and state hospitals across the state. Positions that are eligible for a hiring bonus included registered nurses (RN), licensed vocational nurses (LVN), psychiatric nursing assistants (PNA), and direct support professionals (DSP). New RNs can qualify for $5,000 bonuses, eligible LVN hires could receive $3,500, and DSPs and PNAs may qualify for a $2,500 hiring bonus. State supported living centers provide residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while state hospitals provide inpatient psychiatric care for adults, children, and adolescents. State hospitals and state supported living centers serve some of our most vulnerable Texans and the people who work there deserve the utmost praise.

4. Texas reaches new employment high, unemployment drops

Texas reached a new record employment high last month, breaking pre-pandemic records for employment. Texas now has over 13 million jobs. The state passed pre-pandemic record employment levels in November and that number continued to grow in December. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell to 5 percent. These numbers are signs of a strong economy that continues to grow despite the ongoing pandemic. Texas business owners and employees are resilient and focused on moving forward.

5. OSHA withdraws COVID-19 vaccine mandate for large employers

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdrew the vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard for businesses with 100 or more employees this week. The standard was supposed to go into effect earlier this month and required business with 100 employees or more to ensure their employees were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or were regularly tested for COVID-19 and wearing masks. The withdrawal comes after the US Supreme Court blocked the implementation of the standard in a ruling earlier this month.

Lady Roadrunners Bounce Back with Home Win

By
Gary Stallard
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Strong Bench Play Leads AC over BPCC

A mere two nights after suffering a heartbreaking, one-point loss to a nationally ranked team, the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners hit the floor on Wednesday determined to get back on the winning track.

Behind 35 combined points off the bench, AC did so in convincing fashion, racing past the Bossier Parish Community College Lady Cavaliers 84-52 at Shands Gymnasium.

Derrica Gilbert’s basket and the bonus free throw at the 7:46 mark of the first quarter – along with five straight points from Zaraya March – helped ignite a 17-2 scoring run, and AC’s ladies would never lead by fewer than double digits the rest of the way.

  • Angelina College’s Derrica Gilbert (23) spins in the lane for a bucket during Wednesday’s game at Shands Gymnasium. The Lady Roadrunners ran past Bossier Parish Community College for an 84-52 win. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
  • Sumaiyah Abdur-Rahim (13) of Angelina College hits a layup during Wednesday’s game at Shands Gymnasium. Abdur-Rahim scored 18 points off the bench to lead the Lady Roadrunners to an 84-52 win over Bossier Parish Community College. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)

Sumaiyah Abdur-Rahim came off the bench to lead the Lady ‘Runners in scoring with 18 points. Jakayla Parks also came out of her seat to finish with seven points and 14 rebounds. Gilbert and Lovietta Walker scored 14 points each, Zaraya March finished with nine points and three assists and Aaleyah Jones chipped in another seven points.

The Lady ‘Runners also finished with a 56-39 edge in rebounding, scoring 19 second-chance points off 23 offensive boards.

Ma’Kaila Lewis led the Lady Cavs in scoring with 21 points. Faith Robinson finished the game with 16.

The Lady Roadrunners (14-6, 4-5) will travel to Kilgore College on Saturday, with game time scheduled for 2 p.m. at Masters Gymnasium in Kilgore.

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

Public Relations Strategies for Small Businesses

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Marketing strategies often depend on how your company wants to reach out to potential customers. Some of the most popular commercial work done by PR firms is for large companies looking to boost their reputation. However, companies of any size can benefit from Public Relations.

Being intentional in your PR is important for effective communication, strengthening your reputation, and increasing sales. As you interact with customers on a daily basis, think about connecting in this way to promote each interaction.

The payoff of public relations can be big. Usually less expensive than advertising, PR requires time and effort but is regarded more positively. It’s a great strategy for small businesses looking to get their voice heard.

Principles for Public Relations for Small Businesses

Public Relations is a way to shape and grow your relationship with the public. Some of the elements of PR involve influencing customers, employers, and investors as well as other audiences that matter to you.

These relationship-building strategies will help a small business thrive:

1. Tell your story. Strong PR begins with telling your story and attracting new customers. Sharing a voice that is both authentic and genuine will tell your company’s story in the best light possible, while an emotional one will create the connections that build strong customer relationships.

2. Stay informed. Utilize a strategy for staying informed. Know what is going on in your field and branch out to work with others, attend conferences, read industry publications, and local news.

3. Be helpful. PR is more successful when you concentrate on what you can do for others. Try to give customers and reporters what they need instead of only worrying about promoting your own interests. One way you can do that is by being helpful. A successful PR strategy for small businesses is to think about what you can do for others, not just yourself.

4. Do your homework. Journalists and social media influencers can be overwhelmed with pitches and requests. Put in the research to identify their needs, and tailor your approach.

5. Follow through. You must follow through with the things you promise to clients. Lasting relationships depend on trust, be prepared to deliver what you promised and show them the data.

6. Spot trends. I highly encourage small businesses to attend local industry events and interact with trendsetters in the field. Knowledge can be gained by looking at how other small businesses are reaching their marketing objectives.

How Small Businesses Can Execute Agile PR Strategies

With so many options for PR, find what works best for your business. Traditional media, digital platforms or live interactions may yield the greatest return.

Try these techniques:

1. Utilize the power of the press. A great PR piece will make sure your company is getting spotlighted by some of our most known media figures. Be sure to create a story that is catchy and has an opening interview that the reporter will bite on. Once you find yourself in contact with some of these press stars, be ready to dish out your business secrets.

2. Share your expertise. Turn your knowledge and expertise into assets. Be a featured contributor to articles, publish your own content for reading on the web, or book speaking engagements with industry influencers. You can even submit your articles to publications like the one you are reading now!

3. Monitor your mentions. Keep track of what others are saying about you. Google Alerts is a great tool to use and there are many other notification services. Respond promptly to criticism or bad reviews and express gratitude to those who offer feedback on what you’ve done well, regardless of if they like it or not.

4. Give back. Public relations is not just for big businesses. Sponsoring community events and showing your commitment to the community will strengthen your small business. Have you joined your Chamber of Commerce?

5. Create resources. Create a comprehensive, accessible archive of quality content to ensure you’re accurately portrayed on search results and prepped for journalist inquiries when they reach out, especially when you’re under deadline or on vacation.

6. Consider outsourcing. Professional PR professionals, such as myself, may be valuable for managing a crisis or a new campaign as an investment. While there are many things you can handle yourself, you may want to explore hiring a pro!

You can adopt a DIY public relations approach to get the most out of limited budgets. Implementing strategic outreach and positioning your company will help you stand out and increase revenues.

Get started TODAY!

Construction Alert: Mill and Inlay Work Scheduled in Busy Lufkin Areas

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Crews will begin mill and inlay work on Brentwood Drive in Lufkin on Wednesday that will involve traffic being led by a lead car through the work zone.

Work is scheduled to begin on Brentwood, near Crown Colony Subdivision on Wednesday morning and move toward FM 58. Travel will be confined to a single lane. Work will begin once traffic has slowed from the peak morning travel hour. Once work is completed on Brentwood, crews will move to SH 94 at the SL 287/Frank Street intersection where crews will also work to mill and inlay the intersection. Motorists should expect alternating lane closures within the intersection as work progresses.

In addition, crews have scheduled mill and inlay this week on Lufkin Avenue from Timberland Drive to SL 287 in Lufkin. This work will include the closure of both outbound lanes from Timberland Drive and inbound traffic from SL 287 will be confined to a single lane. Traffic control will be set through this work zone and near Lufkin High School as this work continues through the end of the week.

Motorists are urged to choose alternate routes, prepare for delays and reduce speed. Obey all traffic control set through these work zones. For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395. Visit drivetexas.org for road conditions/closures statewide.

SFA music alumna Allan to serve as president of NATS

By
Luis Ruperto
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Performer and educator Dr. Diana Allan, who earned a Master of Arts in vocal performance from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1989, will be installed as the president of the National Association of Teachers of Singing during the organization’s biennial business meeting on July 6 at the 57th National Conference in Chicago.

“NATS is fortunate to have so many talented professionals in our organization,” Executive Director Allen Henderson said in a press release from NATS. “I have full confidence that these elected officers will lead this organization forward with great conviction, talent and dedication to serving the NATS membership. The NATS staff and I are thrilled to work with these individuals for the next two years as we set forth on our continued path of success.”

Allan, a soprano, has appeared in operatic and concert performances throughout the Mid- and Southwest as well as Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy and Brazil. In addition to her public performing, she has more than 30 years university-level teaching experience, including 26 years teaching at The University of Texas at San Antonio as well as a recent teaching assignment at Missouri Southern State University in her hometown of Joplin, Missouri.

Allan has students singing, teaching and working in the arts all over the country. Her students have been national finalists in the National Opera Association Competition, as regional Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions winners, and as a Presidential Scholar of the Arts and a National Federation of Music Club regional award winner.

Allan has been a NATS member for more than 40 years

SFA Percussion Ensemble to present TMEA concert preview

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Percussion Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin State University has been invited to perform at this year’s Texas Music Educators Association convention slated for Feb. 9 through 12 in San Antonio. Representing more than 17,000 current and future music educator members, TMEA works to support the future of music education in Texas.

The ensemble’s TMEA program will be presented in a preview concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus. The recital features works by Joe W. Moore, Francisco Perez, Andrea Venet and Andy Akiho. The Percussion Ensemble is directed by Dr. Brad Meyer, director of percussion studies at SFA, with Dr. Jamie Vilseck, the ensemble’s coach.

Written in 2018, Moore’s “Ojo” was inspired by Latin folklore with a goal of keeping the audience engaged with quick passages, rhythmic variety, timbre changes, and movements transitioning between instruments, giving the performers “ojo” (meaning “evil eye”) because “there is no other option but to watch and listen intently,” according to Moore.

“Ephemera” was inspired by the Lamar University students of Perez during the past two years of the pandemic. “After almost two years without composing any original music for percussion, witnessing the grit and hard work from my students at Lamar University over the course of the eventful 2020-2021 year inspired me to write this short but deeply meaningful piece for mallet sextet,” he wrote.

Venet’s “Omnes Trio,” Latin for “Trio for All,” was written as an expression to promote equality within the percussion field, according to the composer. “With homogeneous instrumentation and a shared set-up, the piece is characterized by hocketed rhythmic lines, trading grooves between players, and soloistic passages that create rapidly flowing textures and quasi-melodic lines,” Venet wrote.

Akiho’s “to wALk Or ruN in wEst harlem” was originally written for chamber ensemble (flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, vibes and drums) and premiered at the 2008 Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival. Akiho said 2008 was one of the most influential and fortunate years of his life, but it began “hilariously tumultuous.”

“Within the span of 48 hours, I carelessly threw myself into multiple ridiculously unfortunate New York City situations – illegally parking my car under a suspicious overpass only to find it completely trashed and inoperable after being broken into; nearly slicing my thumb off cutting carrots with an ironically dull knife; and being attacked and stabbed by a gang while cluelessly walking home from the Manhattan School of Music after a late-night practice session,” he wrote. “This seven-minute composition depicts that particular evening expressed as a nonlinear soundtrack: escaping the attack, following the perpetrators in a taxi, trying to convince the apathetic cops to help me find the suspects, and the hospital monitor beeps of the emergency room are some of the themes in the music narration. Balancing out the NYC karma later that year, I found an old upright piano on the same corner where I was attacked. With the help of a friendly bystander, I pushed the piano up the hill to my apartment and composed this piece on it.”

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. To purchase tickets, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit finearts.sfasu.edu. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.

Ladyjack Bowling Places 5th at Northeast Classic

By
Luis Ruperto
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The SFA Bowling team placed 5th out of 18 teams at the Northeast Classic this weekend, as the ‘Jacks totaled a 207.0 team average for a record of 6-4. 

SFA’s very own Isabel Hughes finished in 2nd place (237.60 average) for a spot on the All-Tournament team, along with Carlene Beyer slating a spot on the Second-Team for a 6th place finish (229.60 average).

CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET RESULTS
256 Mount St. Mary’s University – SFA 167 
Mount St. Mary’s University 215 – SFA 167
SFA 224 – Mount St. Mary’s University 168 
Mount St. Mary’s University 221 – SFA 192
SFA 206 – Mount St. Mary’s University 174
Mount St. Mary’s University 208 – SFA 197

The Ladyjacks will be back in action on February 11-13th at the Louisiana Tech Bulldog Classic in Dallas.

For results, updates and a complete schedule for all SFA Athletics, visit sfajacks.com.

SFA Track and Field Completes Competition at FasTrak Collegiate Challenge

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks completed competition at the FasTrak Collegiate Challenge at the University of Houston this weekend, coming back to Nacogdoches with several Top-5 finishes and personal-bests.

FULL RESULTS

WOMEN’S TOP 5 FINISHERS
1st – Erica Ellis – Pole Vault – 4.30m
1st – Brianna Nolen – 800m Run – 2:14.99
1st – Christiana Mudd, Brianna Nolen, Annie King, Mathilde Guillaume – 4x4m Relay – 3.58.47
3rd – Christiana Mudd – 400m Dash – 58.22
3rd – Maggie Marshall – 1 Mile Run – 5:08.77
4th – Allyson McCutcheon – 1 Mile – 5:10.36
4th – Jayla Hooper – Weight Throw – 17.54m
4th – Tori Hardy – 60 Meter Hurdles – 7.98
5th – Michelle Ogbemudia – Weight Throw – 16.52m
5th – Riley Cross – Shot Put – 13.88m

MEN’S TOP 5 FINISHERS
1st – Branson Ellis – Pole Vault – 5.40m
2nd – Max Murphy – 3000m Run – 8:28.17
2nd – Muzuri Mattar, Rodney Johnson, Sheldon Noble, Kortlon Erskine – 4x4m Relay – 3:25.90
3rd – Keaton Parker – Triple Jump – 14.10m
3rd – Gabe Gilfillan – 4.95m
4th – Lewis Mills – 3000m Run – 8:31.24
5th – Riley Elliot – 1 Mile Run – 4:23.97
T-5th – Ethan Hollis – 1.93m

Both teams will compete at the Texas Tech Open and Multi’s next Friday and Saturday in Lubbock.

Lumberjacks Fall to New Mexico State, 72-58

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks took their seventh loss of the season despite staying in second-half striking distance against New Mexico State on Saturday afternoon, falling 72-58 in William R. Johnson Coliseum. SFA moves to 17-7, 4-3 WAC.

Gavin Kensmil sparked some quick offense as the ‘Jacks took a 4-0 boost during the first few moments of the contest, but the Aggies took an 8-6 lead at 15:11 just before the first media timeout, able to hold on the entirety of the half with a 35-26 lead after the first 20 minutes of play.

The ‘Jacks open the second half with a 10-2 run to cut the Aggie lead to a one-possession game at the 12:27 mark, but the Aggies responded out of the media timeout with a 6-0 run of their own to reestablish the momentum for the remaining of the contest.

SFA was led by Sadaidriene Hall (14p/4r/3a/3s) followed by Calvin Solomon (11p/3r/3a/3s).

For results, updates and a complete schedule for all SFA Athletics, visit sfajacks.com.

Madi Wilkerson Named Ladyjack Volleyball Assistant Coach

By
Luis Ruperto
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Head Coach Debbie Humphreys added Madi Wilkerson to the Ladyjack Volleyball staff this afternoon, as she will be an assistant coach for the ‘Jacks ahead of the 2022 season.

“We are excited to have Madi join the SFA volleyball family,” said Head Coach Debbie Humphreys. “After a successful playing career, she has received high level experience at SMU and Auburn. She brings lots of practical experience to our passers and defenders. We look forward to working with her, as we prepare to take steps forward in the WAC.”

Wilkerson spent the last two seasons as the Director of Volleyball Operations and Technical Coordinator for Auburn University. She was the “master calendar” for the program, where she handled team travel and scheduling as well as camps and finances. Wilkerson handled the statistical and video work for the program with her expertise in Data Volley in addition to her Director of Operations role.
 
A four-year libero at Saint Mary’s College of California, she finished her career second in program history with a 3.64 digs per set average. During her time at Saint Mary’s, Wilkerson led the Gaels to a runner-up finish at the West Coast Conference Beach Volleyball Championship as a sophomore. She led her indoor squad in digs each of her last three seasons.

Wilkerson joined the Auburn volleyball staff after serving as a graduate assistant at SMU for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
 

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