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TxDOT URGES DRIVERS TO ‘END THE STREAK’ OF DAILY DEATHS ON TEXAS ROADS AS 21ST ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES

By
Luis Ruperto
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It was late in the afternoon when Isaac Simmons got the call. A vehicle was broken down along a stretch of I-45 in Fairfield, and Simmons, a 35-year-old tow truck driver headed out to help.

While winching the car onto his tow truck, the routine stop suddenly became horrific. A speeding car careened off the road, rolled up the tow truck’s sliding bed and flew through the air. The airborne car slammed into Simmons. Two days later he died, making him one of more than 3,200 people who have been killed on Texas roads so far in 2021.

“He was one of the best men I’ve ever known. He always wanted to make everybody smile,” said Nathan Bryant, a fellow tow truck driver who considered Simmons a brother. “Sometimes it can be a little dicey out there because nobody moves over, nobody slows down. They don’t care about human life on the side of the road.”

This November 7, Texas marks 21 years of daily deaths on our roadways with more than 75,000 innocent lives lost to preventable fatal crashes. For the past several years, about 10 people have died every day in crashes in the state. During the height of the pandemic when traffic dropped nearly 50%, the death rate climbed to more than 11 a day, shocking state transportation leaders.

Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan, a champion for road safety and TxDOT’s #EndTheStreakTX campaign, said every Texan must do their part. And while the goal of ending the deadly streak is ambitious, Ryan said, it is far from impossible.

“We stick with it. We keep telling the story. We fight back when people say personal responsibility is not a thing. It is. And we don’t give up,” Ryan said. “I am hopeful that it will happen sooner than later, but I am confident that it will happen.”

Most crashes and fatalities are preventable and caused by things such as speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. That’s why the approach to reaching zero deaths must be through what TxDOT calls the 3 E’s – engineering, education, and enforcement. That way, everyone has a responsibility to keep our roads and fellow drivers safe.

Because #EndTheStreakTX is a social media, grassroots and word-of-mouth effort, Texans are being asked to do any or all the following to raise awareness:   

Pumpkins – the decoration that remains a vegetable and doesn’t have to be a methane contributor

By
Cary Sims
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There has been a recent wave of news articles complaining that pumpkins will cause methane in the landfill. The claim is that all the pumpkins used as fall decorations will take up space in the landfill and result in a terrible build up of methane gas.

Well, that’s true, sort of.

All food sources are organic matter and anytime an organic item decomposes in an anaerobic (absent of oxygen) environment such as a landfill, it will release methane. But any other organic food waste, from coffee grinds to banana peels, are also contributing to the production of methane at landfills.

And let us not forget that pumpkins are an edible vegetable. They are one of the many “winter squash” vegetables such as Acorn, Spaghetti, Butternut, Kabocha, and other squash types. The name “winter squash is a misnomer. Winter squash are planted in the summer and harvested in the fall.  Because of their wonderful firm rind, we can store them and consume them throughout the winter.

Your yellow crookneck squash is called a summer squash because its thin skin doesn’t allow it to be stored nearly as long. Both winter and summer squashes are grown during the warmer months, but only winter squashes will store for months into the winter.

Add to this squash conundrum that all squash, melons, gourds, and even cucumbers are in the Cucurbit plant family. If you take a moment to consider how each of these looks when cut open, you’ll see why they are in the same family. All are vining summer annual plants. Each has a fruit that have an exterior rind, followed by pulpy flesh, and then have flattened seeds in the middle of each fruit. 

But getting back to the misaligning of pumpkins as huge producers of methane, no other vegetable or fruit is purchased as décor and then thrown away. Imagine buying watermelons and displaying then on your front porch in June to celebrate the coming summer and then simply tossing them in the garbage. Or what if you made a table arrangement of cucumbers and yellow summer squash for a summer meal, and never ate them.  That would be strange indeed. 

Yet pumpkins, some larger than a basketball, are used for decorations and then tossed away without any thought. So, what can we do? 

Below are three options.

First, eat them. This option only works for intact pumpkins that have not been carved or have any other problems (such as rots or signs of animals feeding on them). Toasted pumpkin seeds are a great, nutritious snack. A quick search on the internet for recipes using pumpkin will yield a huge number of options. And yes, there is more than pumpkin pie. Be sure to use the words ‘fresh pumpkin’ so that you can skip the canned pumpkin recipes.

Second is feed the pumpkin to wildlife. Both the seeds and the flesh will be enjoyed by birds and several small animals. Wildlife experts suggest you cut up the pumpkin into smaller pieces and place away from your home so that you don’t encourage wildlife to feed too close.

Finally, while the landfill, by necessity, is an anaerobic site prone to the production of methane, you can aerobically compost your pumpkin and use the finished compost in your landscape in the spring. Composting is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to recycle. Done correctly, compost piles are meant to be turned regularly and full of air.  This aerobic process eliminates most of any methane gas that could be formed. 

There is no need to feel guilty of contributing to buildup of methane gasses in the environment. Kudos to everyone that recycles their fall ornaments and repurposes the humble pumpkin for a second (and perhaps third) additional use. 

SFA regents approve faculty, staff appointments

By
Luis Ruperto
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Two administrators new to Stephen F. Austin State University were among the appointments approved by its Board of Regents during the group’s quarterly meeting Monday.

Andrew Dies was named assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students. Dies previously served as dean of students at Northern Arizona University, where he was chief student conduct officer and the primary contact for students in crisis, in addition to serving on the emergency management team and the academic standards committee.

He received his Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Kansas at Lawrence and his Master of Education in higher education administration from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He is currently completing his dissertation at Georgia Southern University for a doctoral degree in educational leadership.

Mickey Diez is serving as SFA Registrar. He has 21 years of experience in higher education, spending 13 of those years as a university registrar. He previously served as the registrar for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Diez holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. He is currently completing his dissertation for a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Freddie Avant, associate dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts and director of the School of Social Work, was named interim dean of research and graduate studies.

In the Rusche College of Business, Carol Wright, associate professor, was approved as interim chair of business communications and legal studies, and Justin Blount, associate professor, was approved as interim assistant chair of business communications and legal studies. Regents also approved the appointment of Jamie Kurash as visiting assistant professor of economics and finance and Jamie Derrick as lecturer of management and marketing. 

In the College of Fine Arts, Professor Gary Wurtz, director of the School of Music, was approved as interim dean of the College of Fine Arts. Nathan Nabb, professor of music, is serving as interim director of the School of Music. Tamey Anglley, associate professor and former associate director of bands, was approved as director of bands.

Regents also approved appointments including Kristen Blossom, assistant professor, and James McDaniel, lecturer, theatre; Andrea Denis, Kathryn Fenton, and Minhae Lee, assistant professors, and Margaret Fay, visiting assistant professor, music; Erik Ordaz Lozano, visiting lecturer/exhibit coordinator, and Selma Morales Roberts, visiting assistant professor, art.

In the Perkins College of Education, Heeok Jeong was appointed assistant professor of education studies, Jennifer Luque as clinical instructor of human sciences, Pietro Sasso as assistant professor of educational leadership, and Keilea Sumrall as assistant professor of kinesiology and health sciences. 

Stephanie Strahl was promoted from academic advisor II to academic advisor III in College of Education Academic Services, and Hayley Tutt was promoted from assistant teacher to lead teacher in the Early Childhood Lab. Tiffany Carr was appointed teacher/counselor, and Michelle Brazeil was appointed assistant bursar in the Charter School. 

In the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, Andrew Lannen, associate professor of history, was named interim chair of the department, and Emmerentie Oliphant, professor of social work, was named interim director of the school. 

Mario Morera-Jimenez was appointed visiting assistant professor of languages, cultures and communication; Alicia Moss was appointed visiting assistant professor, and Stephanie Washington was appointed assistant professor, social work; Rebecca Spears was appointed visiting lecturer of English and creative writing; and Lydia Towns was appointed lecturer of history. 

In the College of Sciences and Mathematics, Odutayo Odunuga, professor of chemistry, was named interim chair of the department. Jason Pratscher was appointed assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, and Hacer Varol was appointed assistant professor of physics, engineering and astronomy. Laurel Matthews was promoted from clinical instructor to assistant professor of nursing. In the STEM Center, Cynthia Maurstad was appointed teaching and learning coordinator.

Anusha Shrestha was appointed assistant professor of forestry in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. 

The appointment of Judith Kruwell, associate vice president of finance and administration, as interim vice president was approved by regents. In financial and administrative services, Michaelyn Green was promoted from director of administrative services to director of treasury and student business services. Amy Mooneyham was promoted from accounting clerk III to assistant bursar in the controller’s office.

In financial aid, Irish Beason was promoted from counselor I to counselor II, Matthew Miller was promoted from counselor I to counselor III, Tammy Mitchum was promoted from assistant director to associate director, Donna Story was promoted from counselor II to counselor III, and Sara Williams was promoted from counselor I to counselor II.

Regents appointed Dontae Armstrong and Carl Mackey area coordinators in residence life. Judy Duffin was promoted from residence life operations coordinator to staff services supervisor. Gavin McCarty was promoted from director of print and postal services to assistant director for the student center. Alex Reisinger was promoted from supervisor to manager for the Axe Handle one-stop shop. Raquel Skidmore was promoted from coordinator to director of student success.

In campus recreation, Justin Ellerbe was appointed assistant director, and Jacie Klose and Jasmine Randolph were appointed coordinators. Karissa Rickman was appointed a nurse in health services, and in the post office, Bobbie Stewart was appointed manager. Clare Fite was promoted from counselor to director in counseling services, and Natalie Buuck was promoted from coordinator of disability support services to assistant director of disability services. 

Barbara Olds was promoted from manager of e-resources and assessment to manager of technical services in the Steen Library. Beverly Morehouse was promoted from sponsored programs specialist to sponsored programs specialist senior in research and graduate studies.

In admissions, Kimberly Morris was promoted from associate director of admissions to director for enrollment and communication strategies. Emily Jefferson was promoted from coordinator of transfer students for admissions to director for undergraduate enrollment. Courtney Branton was promoted from coordinator to assistant director, and Amy Kobuck was promoted from regional coordinator to senior regional coordinator. Janet McLeroy was promoted from assistant director to program director of admissions.

In athletics, regents approved Chamissa Anderson as women’s basketball assistant coach, Charles Crawford as director athletic program video services, Jon-Paolo D’Este as strength and conditioning assistant, and Kaylee Shores and Jacolby Whitaker as athletic trainers. 

Karl Berry was promoted from athletic program director to assistant director of athletics broadcast technology and marketing operations. William Crittenden was promoted from athletic program director-ticket operations and business development to associate director of athletic business development and revenue generation. Chelsea Groves was promoted from assistant program director-strategic communications to program director of athletic social digital media. Jordan Rains was promoted from student compliance specialist to interim director for athletics academic services.

Regents approved the appointment of John Branch, associate director of the Physical Plant, to interim director. They also approved the appointment of Christopher Adams and Taylor Ingram as programmer analyst I in information technology services. Joshua Renfro was promoted from coordinator in the registrar’s office to assistant registrar.

Regents appointed Gabrielle Czapla as photo/videographer I in University Marketing Communications and approved the promotion of Kerry Whitsett from marketing communications specialist-editorial services to marketing communications coordinator-digital.

Al Greule was named associate professor emeritus of mass communications. Troy Davis was named professor emeritus of history, and Robert Szafran was named professor emeritus of anthropology, geography and sociology. Regents approved the retirement of Danny Gallant, former vice president of finance and administration, with 38 years of service to SFA. 

AC Baseball Holding Winter Evaluation Camp Session Takes Place Dec. 12

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Angelina College baseball team is looking for some future Roadrunners.

AC coaches and staff will hold a winter evaluation camp for prospective players ages 16 and older at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12 at Roadrunner field on the Angelina College campus.  

            The camp will focus on skill evaluation only; there will be no game. Staff will grade on running, arm strength, fielding, hitting and power. Pitchers will throw brief bullpens in order to grade all pitches and velocity.

The cost of the session is $40.00 to cover administration fees. Registration for the session will begin 45 minutes prior to starting; payments are cash only and payable at the gate when registering.   

The Roadrunner baseball program has established itself as a pipeline for players seeking to advance to the next level, including those at the university levels and the major leagues. With several former Roadrunners on current MLB rosters, AC Baseball is a proven source of locating and developing young talent.

For further information, contact the AC baseball staff at (936) 633-5367, or e-mail head coach Jeff Livin at jlivin@angelina.edu.

Tips for Fall Hikes That Are Great for the Mind and Body

By
Madi Stephens
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Americans are discovering the mental and physical benefits of outdoor recreation with great enthusiasm. Not only does fall hiking offer unparalleled views and breathtaking experiences, it is a great way to relieve stress and even a better way to stay fit.

Whether it’s a hike in the woods, a walk along the shore of your favorite beach or even just a stroll in your neighborhood park, it’s important to be prepared. Having the right footwear, apparel and gear will help ensure that you can focus on the beautiful surroundings, and better enjoy the time spent with the friends and family who accompany you. To prepare, consider the following tips:

  1. Check a fall color guide. While you can be sure of vibrant fall foliage and leaf-peeping opportunities in many areas of the country, it’s a good idea to check a fall color guide for the particular area you’re visiting, especially if you love a good photo opportunity. Factoring in a range of scientific data, like historical temperatures and forecast precipitation, these tools can help you catch colors at their peak.
  2. Pick a trail that is right for you. Make sure you look at the altitude, terrain and difficulty of the trail before tackling it. This can help you select an experience that matches the skill levels of your group. Online trail maps will give you this exact information. You can also check with your local parks department.
  3. Have proper footwear: What if you could feel comfort right out of the box with your footwear with no break-in required? New footwear technologies are making this possible.
  4. Be prepared for changes in temperature. Weather conditions can change substantially during the course of your adventure, particularly if your hike involves elevation. Be sure to layer wisely, starting with a moisture-wicking base layer. Check the weather in advance and be sure to pack gloves and a hat if you expect temperatures to dip below freezing.
  5. Be prepared for shorter daylight hours. Know the local sunset time. If you are new to hiking, plan your hike during the day. However, you should be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Hiking after dark requires more clothing, as it is likely to be colder. Having a headlamp in your backpack can be a lifesaver, along with a fully-charged cell phone and a portable GPS.
  6. Stay hydrated. The weather has cooled, but hydration is just as important. Pack more than enough water for your hike — and snacks. You’re burning calories and need to stay properly fueled.

With the right gear, preparation and knowledge, you can enjoy a full season of safer, more enjoyable fall hiking.

-StatePoint

Regents approve move of dance program, new aviation courses

By
Luis Ruperto
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0

The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved a recommendation to move the dance program from the James I. Perkins College of Education to the College of Fine Arts. Dance will join the School of Theatre, and the name of the school will be changed to the School of Theatre and Dance. 

“The faculty and students in the dance program asked for this move, with the belief that it will better reflect their artistry and discipline,” said Dr. Lorenzo Smith, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The College of Fine Arts leadership and faculty share this belief and will welcome the program into the newly renovated and expanded Griffith Fine Arts Building, once it is complete.” 

Two new aviation courses were approved by the board as part of the degree plan for the Bachelor of Science degree in aviation sciences, which gained approval in September by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The courses, Commercial Flight I and Commercial Flight II, are offered through the Perkins College of Education School of Human Sciences.

Regents approved policy revisions and changes to the 2022 capital and higher education fund budget schedule. The board also approved grant awards and a Banner hardware and Oracle licensing contract to support SFA databases.

Regents approved a media buying contract with Love Advertising in Houston for a total not to exceed $250,000 in any one year, for up to five years. 
 
Regents acknowledged receipt of a contract monitoring report, the annual audit report, the audit services report and the audit charter. They approved the minutes for meetings held in July, August and September. 
 
Regents heard reports from SFA President Scott Gordon; Dr. Brian Uriegas, chair of the Faculty Senate; Megan Weatherly, chair of the Staff Council, and Lauren Roach, president of the Student Government Association. 

Three Ladyjacks Take Home WAC Postseason Honors

By
Luis Ruperto
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Forward Caylon McMillan earns first-team honors following a very impressive conference season. She started all ten WAC games and found the back of the net four times, including a brace at home against Chicago State and the winner against UTRGV. She also provided two assists, giving her six total goal contributions in the final six regular-season games. 

Defender Carli Arthurs claimed a second-team spot after leading the SFA backline to five clean sheets in 10 conference games. She started all 18 games for the ‘Jacks, the only outfield player to do so, racking up 1,458 minutes of action. She not only proved to be a rock at the back, but she also bagged three goals and an assist along the way. 

Midfielder Jayme Bailey easily earned her spot on the all-freshman team. The Wylie native scored three goals and provided five assists in 12 starts for the Lumberjacks, including a hat-trick of assists against Chicago State. She finished tied-for-first on the team in assists and second in total goal contributions.

SFA launches capital campaign, plans to rename College of Fine Arts to honor former Nacogdoches resident

By
Luis Ruperto
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Stephen F. Austin State University launched the public phase of its $100 million fundraising campaign in conjunction with Homecoming activities on Friday and announced plans to rename the College of Fine Arts in honor of a longtime Nacogdoches resident who had a deep love of the community and the arts. 

The new name, the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts, was approved by SFA’s Board of Regents and recognizes the longtime support of the Elliott family and a recent gift of $8 million pledged to support scholarships for fine arts students.  

“With this gift, Bill Elliott is honoring his late wife, providing for our current students and investing in the future of SFA,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president. “We are grateful for the way the Elliott family has elevated SFA through their generosity.” 

Bill Elliott graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in music. He began his career in the electrical distribution industry working for his father. With his own ideas of how a distributorship should be run, along with $20,000 of his own money and an $80,000 loan, Elliott and Micky began their first electrical supply company in Nacogdoches in 1972.  

Today Elliott Electric Supply has more than 165 store locations across nine states. It has been recognized as one of the largest electrical distributors in Electrical Wholesaling Magazine, with more than 2,100 employees – 200 of those working at its Nacogdoches location.

“There are many great opportunities to help SFA build on its record of excellence,” Elliott said. “But having a degree in music, I was blown away with the quality of the students, programs and instructors in the College of Fine Arts. The college not only develops professional performers, but offers East Texas residents an opportunity to enjoy cultural opportunities that rival more metropolitan areas.” 

Dr. Gary Wurtz, interim dean of fine arts, said the gift is a “game changer” for the School of Music. 

“This generous gift will generate substantial scholarship dollars that will allow us to recruit more high-quality students than ever before, placing us in the position to compete against the biggest and best schools in the state and region — if not nationally — for those students,” Wurtz said. “Furthermore, there is an elevated status and pride that comes with being a named college, and we are excited about becoming the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts.”

Other endowments that have been funded by the Elliott family include the Micky Elliott Symphony Orchestra Scholarship, Micky Elliott Computer Science Scholarship, Micky Elliott Engineering Professorship, the Gary Wurtz Jazz Scholarship and the Gene Moore Professorship.

“Bill Elliott remains an inspiration for his dedication to the East Texas community, and to his business and industry,” Gordon said. “A gift of this magnitude is monumental for SFA and allows us to boldly dream for SFA’s second century.”

Regents approved the renaming during their regular quarterly meeting, which concluded today. 

More than $79 million has already been raised in conjunction with the capital campaign, including 12 donations of $1 million or more. More than 8,600 first-time donors have participated in the effort.

For more information about SFA fine arts, visit sfasu.edu/finearts. More about the campaign is available at sfasu.edu/elevate. 

Texas Roadhouse Says Thank You to Active Military and Veterans

By
Luis Ruperto
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12th Annual Texas-sized Thank You for Serving Our Country

Texas Roadhouse will continue to honor veterans and active military this Veterans Day. To express our sincere appreciation for the service members of our armed forces, on Thursday, November 11, between 11am – 2pm, the restaurants will distribute meal vouchers in the parking lot, valid through May 30, 2022. Proof of service includes military or VA card, or discharge papers.

Vouchers can be redeemed for one of 10 entrees including a 6-ounce sirloin and two made-from-scratch sides plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee.

The events are drive-thru only, but vouchers can be redeemed when the restaurants open for dinner.

When :           Thursday, November 11, 2021
           11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where:          Texas Roadhouse                                  Texas Roadhouse                        Texas Roadhouse
                     2101 E. Southeast Loop 323                  320 East Loop 321                           4500 S. Medford Drive
                     Tyler, TX 75701                                     Longview, TX                               Lufkin, TX

MOTORISTS SHOULD STAY ALERT AS DEER SEASON BEGINS

By
Luis Ruperto
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Deer season in East Texas is scheduled to begin Saturday, Nov. 6. With the increased activity in wooded areas and along with the cooler weather, the deer population will be on the move. Motorists are urged to stay alert in pre-dawn hours and just after sunset.

Crashes involving a vehicle versus deer are already beginning to occur and TxDOT wants to remind drivers of the dangers involved with deer hits.

“The increased traffic and the scent of humans in East Texas rural wooded areas will drive deer to move, which many times means they will cross the roadway,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Pre-dawn and sunset are normally when we see a deer versus vehicle crash. Pay attention to deer crossing signs in rural areas and reduce speed. Keep your eyes on the roadway and scan the wood line and shoulders especially during these times.”

Safety tips that could help motorists avoid a crash include:

  • Reduce speed if you see a deer near the edge of the roadway. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others could be nearby.
  • When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of the deer.
  • Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer.
  • Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near the road but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting a deer.
  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. Move your car off the road, if possible, and call 911. Remain in your vehicle. It is the safest place. Many secondary crashes occur due to pedestrians in the roadway.

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

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