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DETCOG Accepting Pre-Applications for Rental Assistance Waiting List Lottery

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Deep East Texas Regional Housing Authority (DETRHA) will open its waiting list lottery for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and begin accepting pre-applications on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. CT through Friday, December 31,2021 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Pre-applications will be accepted online at
https://www.waitlistcheck.com/TX2875 and will NOT be accepted at the Housing Authority’s office, nor by fax or mail.

The date and time the pre-application is submitted during the waiting list lottery opening period does not determine whether a pre-application will be selected for the waiting list. Pre-applications will be selected using a random lottery system. DETCOG will accept 1,500 applications during the waiting list lottery opening period. Applicants will be placed on the waiting list by random lottery and according to DETCOG preference(s). Applicants – will be notified of waiting list status by February 14, 2022 through their waitlistcheck.com login.

Preferences include: 1) Families who live or work in the DETCOG Regional Housing Authority service area, including: Angelina, Hardin, Houston, Jasper, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler .~ Counties (Houston County does not include Houston, Texas nor any part of Harris County, Texas; Tyler County does not include Tyler, Texas nor any part of Smith County, Texas) – 100 points; 2) Veterans and veterans’ families – 5 points; 3) Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking referred by a partnering service agency or consortia, or a religious organization – 5 points; and 4) Families whose head, co-head or spouse is disabled – 5 points.

Pre-applications will be accepted on-line at https://www.waitlistcheck.com/TX2875  and may be submitted anytime day or night during the waiting list lottery opening from any computer or mobile device with internet access. Any computer or mobile device with internet access can be used to complete the pre- application. Request for a reasonable accommodation can be made by calling our office at (936) 634-2247, Ext 5262, or by emailing us at housing@detcog.gov. There is no cost to apply for housing and a credit report is not needed to apply.

Drug Take Back Day

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Coalition and the Diboll Police Department are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to host a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23 (10a-12p). The Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by safely discarding expired, unused, and unwanted medications.  Bring your pills for disposal to the Diboll City Hall at 400 Kenley St. (Diboll, Texas 75941) on October 23rd from 10am-12pm. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. For more information, contact The Coalition at 634-9308.

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 medical and prescription disposal, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

AC Soccer Teams to Host Conference Tournament Matches Lady Roadrunners, Roadrunners at Home for First Round

By
Gary Stallard
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There have been plenty of “firsts” in this 2021 Angelina College soccer season, including a presence in the national polls for both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners.

            As the regular season winds to an end, each of the two teams can add another “first” to this year’s memory book.

            By virtue of their spots near the top of the Region XIV conference standings, AC’s teams will host their respective first-round matches in the upcoming conference tournament.

            The No. 16 Lady ‘Runners (9-3) will open the tournaments quarterfinals at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28 at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin.

            The No. 14 Roadrunners (11-2, 10-2) will play at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, also at Jase Magers Field.

            Opponents will be announced following Saturday’s regular-season end.

            Both teams travel to Tyler Junior College on Wednesday before closing out the regular season at home Saturday against Trinity Valley Community College.

            The Lady Roadrunners will kick off at 5 p.m., and the Roadrunners will follow at 7:30 p.m. The teams will celebrate Sophomore Day during pre-game ceremonies for each match.

LUFKIN DISTRICT ADDING TO PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE

By
Rhonda Oaks
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A pre-construction meeting was held in the Lufkin Area Office Thursday, Oct. 14, signaling the beginning of a new construction project in three Lufkin District counties.

Work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Oct. 20 on the construction of pedestrian sidewalks and curb ramps as part of the pedestrian infrastructure in the Lufkin District. Crews will begin the project in Lufkin and move to Huntington in Angelina County, to Crockett in Houston County and Nacogdoches in Nacogdoches County.

Work in Angelina County will include sidewalk and curb ramp construction on US 59/North Medford Drive from near East Lufkin Avenue to near SH 103/Atkinson Drive in Lufkin. Once completed, crews will move to Huntington to construct sidewalks and curb ramps on US 69 from near South First Street to Avenue A. Work will then progress to Crockett on SH 7/East Goliad Avenue from near 12th Street to near SL 304. Work will then move to Nacogdoches for the construction of sidewalks and curb ramps on FM 1878/East Starr Avenue near Clark Boulevard to near Cardinal Street.

This project will add an additional 3.53 miles of pedestrian infrastructure to the Lufkin District. Highway 19 Construction LLC, Sulphur Springs TX, will serve as contractor for the $4.1 million project that is set for completion in July 2023, weather permitting.

As this work begins, motorists are urged to reduce speed in work zones, stay alert for workers and moving equipment and remember that traffic fines double when workers are present.

Since 2015, TxDOT has spent $153 million in federal and state funding to upgrade sidewalks, curbs and striping for pedestrian accessibility, safety, and mobility. In addition, during that same time, TxDOT awarded $116 million in grant funding to support more than 120 sponsored projects that provide safe routes to schools, multiuse pathways, sidewalks, and bike paths in rural and small urban areas.

Crash reports from law enforcement indicate the two leading causes for pedestrian fatalities are: 1) pedestrians failing to follow traffic safety laws and being struck when crossing roadways, and 2) motorists failing to yield the right of way, driving distracted or driving too fast. Alcohol also is a factor in pedestrian-related crashes, deaths, and injuries.

TxDOT offers these safety tips to prevent a deadly encounter.

For drivers:

  • When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
  • Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
  • Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles.
  • Pay attention and put your phone away. Pedestrians may enter your path suddenly.
  • Obey the speed limit and drive to conditions.

For pedestrians:

  • Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. Look left, right, then look again.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume drivers see you.
  • Obey all traffic and crosswalks signals.
  • Use the sidewalk. If there isn’t one, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
  • When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
  • Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395. Follow Lufkin District updates on Twitter at TxDOT Lufkin and on Facebook at Texas Department of Transportation (Lufkin). For road conditions or closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org.

Governor Abbott Names Chair and Appoints Four to State Energy Plan Advisory Committee

By
Luis Ruperto
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Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Daniel Hall, Castlen Moore Kennedy, Joel Mickey, and Phil Wilson to the State Energy Plan Advisory Committee for terms at the pleasure of the Governor. Additionally, the Governor named Wilson as chair of the Committee.

Daniel Hall of Hurst is the Vice President of Measurement and Billing for Oncor, and served in various roles at Oncor since 2009. Previously, he worked for Alcatel-Lucent and TXU Business Services. He is a member of the Southeast Electric Exchange Engineering & Operations Committee. Hall received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Technology from Texas A&M University.

Castlen Moore Kennedy of Houston is Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for the Apache Corporation, and served in various roles at Apache since 2006. Previously, she worked for the U.S. Department of Energy, S&B Infrastructure, and RWE Trading Americas. She is a board member of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, president and board member of The Texas Lyceum, and board member of Springboard, an educational nonprofit in Egypt. Additionally, she is an advisory board member of The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) School of Natural Science, UT Austin Jackson School Energy and Earth Resources Program, and the UT Austin Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center. Kennedy received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, Master of Arts in Energy and Earth Resources, and a Master of Public Affairs from UT Austin.

Joel Mickey of Georgetown is an energy and power industry consultant. Previously, he worked for ERCOT for almost 20 years, as well as Altra Energy and Houston Lightning & Power. He is a board member for Oklahoma University’s College of Computer and Electrical Engineering Steering Committee, Keys Property Management, and Heartland Health Management, and a former board member of the North American Energy Standards Board. Mickey received a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science from Houston Baptist University and attended the Accelerated Development Program at Rice University.

Phil Wilson of Austin is the General Manager for the Lower Colorado River Authority. Previously, he served as the Acting Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Executive Director for the Texas Department of Transportation, and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, and as a corporate officer for Luminant. Additionally, he was appointed as Texas Secretary of State in 2007, and he served as chair of the Governor’s Competitiveness Council and on the Texas Border Security Council. He is a member of the Austin Area Research Organization, board member of the Large Public Power Council, advisory member of The Texas Lyceum, and former board chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Wilson received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.

Rusk County Sheriff’s Office to be awarded with Humane Law Enforcement Award for work on shutting down cockfighting operations

By
Luis Ruperto
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On Oct. 21, the Humane Society of the United States will be presenting the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office with a 2021 Humane Law Enforcement Award for their steadfast commitment to animal protection. The RCSO led several multiagency efforts to shut down cockfighting operations, rescuing dozens of animals from suffering, exploitation and a gruesome death.

“We are grateful for the leadership of the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, who went above and beyond on combatting cockfighting, a violent crime that harms everyone in our communities,” said Lauren Loney, Texas state director for the HSUS.

The HSUS Humane Law Enforcement Awards are presented annually to officers who have taken an exemplary stand against animal cruelty. The HSUS works diligently nationwide to enact laws that protect all animals, and this work is most effective with the support of law enforcement.

WHO:

  • Lauren Loney, Texas state director for the Humane Society of the United States
  • Johnwayne Valdez, Rusk County sheriff
  • Lisa Waugh and Kelli Ballenger of Rusk County Pets Alive
  • Monica Ailey of Animal Investigation and Response

WHAT:
The sheriff’s office will be presented with the award by Lauren Loney, Texas state director for the Humane Society of the United States. Loney will present a plaque. Rusk County Pets Alive and Animal Investigation and Response will also be present in honor of the sheriff’s office’s efforts to end cockfighting in Rusk County.

Media is invited to attend this event. Photos will be available after.

WHEN:
Thursday, October 21, 2:00 pm (CT)
WHERE:
Rusk County Sheriff’s Office: 210 W Charlevoix St, Henderson, TX 75652

Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 Announce Tuition Reimbursement for Hourly Employees

By
Luis Ruperto
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0

As Americans return to work, Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 are rolling out a new tuition reimbursement program for team members interested in pursuing a college degree. The announcement coincides with a National Hiring Day event on Monday, October 25. All Tyler, Lufkin and Longview locations will host a hiring event to fill both full and part-time positions.

Any team member working 30 hours or more weekly that qualifies for benefits will now be eligible for $5,250 in annual reimbursement for classes at an accredited university, when a C average is maintained.

Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 offer rewarding and fun career opportunities – complete with competitive pay, based on experience. The restaurants believe in putting people first and promoting from within. The company encourages “Roadies” to love what they do today and prepare for tomorrow through extensive training and opportunities for advancement. In 2020, Texas Roadhouse spent more than $20 million in Covid Pay, Covid relief, and bonuses for employees.

Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 are conducting in-person interviews for all interested applicants. Interviews can be scheduled online at https://texasroadhouse.jobdetails.io/hiringday/.

To reserve an interview time, register online in advance. Interviews will take place on Monday, October 25, at each participating location.

Texas Roadhouse is a full-service, casual dining concept known for its hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs and comfortable, down-home atmosphere. The menu also features an assortment of ribs, chicken, salads, hamburgers, and vegetables. Most selections include two made-from-scratch side items and unlimited fresh-baked bread and peanuts.

Bubba’s 33 serves up a variety of menu options featuring made-from-scratch stone-baked pizza, bold burgers, fresh wings, hand-breaded tenders, lasagna, marinated ribeye, and ice-cold beer. With a dining room and open-air garage bar, the casual dining family restaurant features upbeat music, music videos, and for sports fans, wall-to-wall TVs.

Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We encourage and welcome all interested applicants to apply.

My five cents…

By
Luis Ruperto
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0

A weekly column from Sen. Robert Nichols by Sen. Robert Nichols, Senate District 3

On October 13, 1845, voters in Texas overwhelmingly approved an ordinance to accept annexation into the United States by a vote of 4,245 to 257. They also adopted the state’s first constitution.

Here are five things happening around your state:

  1. Hookset Brothers Combat Recovery wins Governor’s volunteerism award  

The Governor’s office announced the Governor’s Volunteer Award recipients this week and a local East Texas nonprofit was among the awardees. Hookset Brothers Combat Recovery was awarded the Innovation in Volunteerism Award. The Bullard-based group provides free hunting and fishing trips to aid veterans recovering from combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The nonprofit was started by three brothers, themselves wounded veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They engage volunteers to support over 100 combat veterans and their families each year. The organization also provides Gold Star Families with hunting and fishing excursions while serving as male role models to help children and young family members heal. They offer an alternative approach to help veterans cope with the effects and trauma they sustained in defending America and her allies abroad. Congratulations to the Hookset brothers!

  • ERCOT Selection Committee appoints two to board of directors     

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas received two new board members this week, the Public Utility Commission announced. The two new board members are Paul Foster, president of Franklin Management, and Carlos Aguilar, president of Texas Central Partners. Foster will serve as the chair of the ERCOT board. During the most recent legislative session, the Legislature restructured the make up of the ERCOT board and instituted changes in how members are appointed. The board went from 16 members to 11 members that now have to be selected by the ERCOT Selection Committee. The new directors will serve along with the other statutorily-designated members of the ERCOT board: the Chairman of the PUC, the Public Counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the CEO of ERCOT. With the addition of these two members, the ERCOT board now has the minimum number of three voting members required to function.

  • Community Outdoor Outreach Program grant applications available

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced grant applications are now available for the Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP). The program recognizes that community groups often face barriers to connecting Texans to the outdoors. CO-OP grants provide funding to organizations to help overcome those barriers. These grants support community-based conservation and outdoor recreation activities for programs that engage under-represented audiences. Grant awards range from between $5,000 to up to $60,000 and can be used to support personnel, training, travel, food, park fees, and other program supplies. Applications for grants are due by 5 pm on November 1. To apply, please visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/grants/recreation-grants/community-outdoor-outreach-program-co-op-grants.

  • Update on the Legislature’s third special session

The end of the Legislature’s third called special session is in sight. This special session will come to a close on Tuesday, October 19th as required by state law, which mandates special sessions only last 30 days. The most important process the Legislature has undertaken during this special session is redistricting. Though the timeline has been compressed due to delays in receiving the Census data because of COVID-19, the Legislature has managed to get much of the work done. The State Senate and State Board of Education maps will be voted on by the House on Friday, October 15th. If they pass, they will go to the Governor for his signature. The Texas House maps were passed by the House this week and now head to the Senate for a hearing in the Redistricting Committee also on Friday. Lastly, the new US Congressional maps were heard in a House hearing this week and will be voted on mostly likely over this weekend.

  • Senate passes its plan for American Rescue Plan funds

This week the Senate passed its proposal for how to spend the $16.3 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Some highlights include:

  • $7.2 billion to balance the Unemployment Compensation Fund which was drained during the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • $3.5 billion in salaries and benefits for public safety employees;
  • $2.5 billion in state and local hospital surge staffing;
  • $500.5 million for broadband infrastructure;
  • $75 million for rural hospitals;
  • $100 million for the Texans Feeding Texans program that supports food banks and home-delivered meals.

There are many other important causes supported with ARPA funding in the bill. It will be voted on by the House on Friday, October 15th.

A Big Sweep AC Soccer Teams Beat Navarro, Coastal Bend

By
Gary Stallard
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            In its five short years in existence, Angelina College’s soccer program has experienced some big wins. However, Wednesday night’s action ended with two of the biggest victories in the program’s history.

            The Lady Roadrunners topped Navarro College 1-0 in overtime, marking the women’s first-ever victory over a perennial conference powerhouse. The No. 12 Roadrunners followed up with a convincing 4-1 victory over Coastal Bend Community College – a team listed in the national rankings earlier this year.

            Both AC teams will travel to Brenham on Saturday to face Blinn College.

            Lady Roadrunners 1, Navarro College 0 (Overtime)

            Alexa Ramirez was in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.

            In a hard-fought, scoreless match just 50 seconds into the overtime period, Ramirez found herself near the far upright after an AC corner kick. As a scrum for possession ensued inside the box, the ball took a high bounce toward Ramirez, who neatly headed the ball into the net for the golden goal and a 1-0 Angelina College win.

            A celebration followed – including a player dog pile – and why wouldn’t it? The win marked the Lady Roadrunners’ first-ever over a Navarro team annually placed atop the conference standings.

            The big win also placed the Lady ‘Runners in sole possession of second place in Region XIV’s with an overall record of 8-3. With just three regular-season matches remaining, the hold on second place would allow the Lady Roadrunners to host the first round of the upcoming conference tournament.

            While Ramirez’ goal added the final note, her heroics wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for a spectacular defensive effort. Navarro entered Wednesday’s match averaging more than five goals per game, but AC’s defenders limited the shots-on-goal. Those shots the Lady Bulldogs did take found keeper Emily Quintanilla, whose diving save with just 31 seconds remaining in regulation ensured Ramirez would get her chance.

            The Lady Roadrunners will play Blinn College in Brenham on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m.

            No. 12 Roadrunners 4, Coastal Bend College 1

            The Roadrunners’ Aldair Chaves and Juan Lopez were waging a competition between them on Wednesday: Which would finish with a three-goal hat trick?

            Neither would net a third goal, but each finished with two goals in AC’s 4-1 over Coastal Bend College, giving the Roadrunners their fifth straight win and 11th on the season. The ‘Runners are in sole possession of second place in Region XIV, just a game behind Tyler Junior College.

            Lopez opened Wednesday’s scoring spree with a goal in the 13th minute, capitalizing on beautiful ball movement and a cross from teammate Francies Galdino. An answering goal from the Cougars four minutes later evened the match at 1-1, but Chaves opened the second half with a spectacular backward header for the 2-1 lead. Lopez notched his second score in the 65th minute, only to see Chaves follow up not a minute later with his second goal.

            The Roadrunners will travel to Brenham on Saturday to face Blinn College. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

AC Basketball Teams Picked Fifth in Respective Conferences to Play after Pandemic Layoff

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College head women’s basketball coach Byron Coleman said it best in his opening remarks: “It’s good to be back.”

            Coleman and newly hired men’s basketball coach J.J. Montgomery were in attendance for Wednesday’s Region XIV Basketball Media Day held at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens. There, the coaches learned their places in the coaches’ poll released earlier in the day.

            The Lady ‘Runners are picked to finish fifth behind Trinity Valley Community College, Tyler Junior College, Panola College and Blinn College.

            The Roadrunners are picked fifth in the South Zone behind Lee College, Blinn College, Lamar State College-Port Arthur and Jacksonville.

            Those low expectations weren’t surprising, considering both AC teams skipped last season because of the pandemic. This new season means mostly brand-new faces, with neither AC team featuring returning players.

            Nevertheless, both Coleman and Montgomery expressed optimism in their team’s future performances.

“It’s been a different year for us,” Coleman told the crowd. “We’ve got nobody back, so we’re starting over. We have some JUCO transfers we know are going to help us. We have Lovietta Walker, who played for us two years ago and was an Honorable Mention All-American. We also brought back Derrica Gilbert from two years ago.”

Coleman mentioned several other transfer players, noting their leadership will be crucial in leading his young team.

            “We knew that coming back after a year off, we were going to need some experienced players, and those kids have done really well in setting the right tone,” Coleman said.

            Montgomery faces a similar situation as far as inexperienced players, but he’s also heading into his very first year as a head coach at the collegiate level. He said it’s going to be a learning process for both his players and the coaches, but he feels confident his team is learning its lessons very quickly.

            “We have a very young group, mostly freshman,” Montgomery said. “This team I have right now, I don’t think they understand how tough this conference is. I try to preach to them every day, they have to go out every night and be a dog and a hard worker just to compete. I’m trying to share my experiences of playing in this league and the other leagues I’ve played.”

            Montgomery admitted that while his team may lack size in some areas, his Roadrunners plan to utilize the tools in place.

            “We’re not a big team, so obviously we’re going to be playing some small-ball, but our guys are very quick and athletic, so we’ll try to use that to our advantage,” Montgomery said.

            “This is my first year as a head coach at this level, and we have a young group, but my expectations don’t change – not as a player, as a man or as a coach. I don’t just want my team to be good. I want them to be great. I’m not going to use my first year as an excuse.”

            The Lady Roadrunners will host a home scrimmage at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Shands Gymnasium. AC’s ladies will open the regular season at home on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

            The Roadrunners tip off their new season on Monday, Nov. 1 against East Texas Flight. Tipoff for that contest is 7:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.

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