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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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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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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.

A Sad Day for Angelina County

By
Bob Flournoy
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Note from the Editor:
We received the following Op/Ed piece from Bob Flournoy in response to the Lufkin Daily News editorial titled, ‘That’s All Folks,’ published on October 9, 2021, stating the newspaper would no longer be a forum for misinformation about Covid-19, mask mandates, and the vaccine. While TFCL is usually a place to find lifestyle and event articles for our area, and since the Lufkin Daily News has not responded to Flournoy’s request to print his piece, we are placing it here for you to read and share in the hopes that good journalism will soon prevail.

This is a sad day for Angelina County, Texas!  Our hometown newspaper has just set itself up as the arbiter of what free speech it will allow or disallow in its newspaper.  Lufkin Daily News has declared that it will monitor and refuse to print any opinion or facts about Covid-19 or masks or vaccinations that it, in its sole judgment, believes is misinformation.

In its editorial of October 9, 2021, it not only condemns speech it disagrees with, but celebrates punishment for those that have a different opinion.  They wholeheartedly profess that those who do not get vaccinated or obey a mask mandate for their children, should lose their jobs and “good riddance” (their words). 

An institution that once was revered as a beacon of freedom, that no longer honors the first amendment right to free speech, should not call itself a newspaper. The science is far from settled on the efficacy of the vaccines, masks or alternate remedies.There are many legitimate reasons why people oppose or question the vaccine and mask mandates over natural immunity. Their opinions or decisions may be based on medical or scientific information, religious belief or personal bias, but I thought in America, the US Constitution Bill of Rights guaranteed the right to disagree. The paper’s editorial seems proud of itself to stand in false authority as the expert on the issues surrounding this pandemic. Its holy stance against information that it deems “dangerous rhetoric”, “nonsense” or “hogwash”, is itself dangerous. 

No one should trust the paper to decide what we can see or hear. Many of the newspaper’s subscribers will accept their invitation to “Don’t let the door hit you in the body part out of which you prefer to talk” (it’s words).

Exhibition features drawings by SFA graduate student Creel

By
Luis Ruperto
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Stephen F. Austin State University graduate student Lindsey Creel will present “Clean Fields: The Antidote to Overstimulation” as her Master of Fine Arts exhibition to be on view Nov. 1 through 18 in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

Comprising 15 large-scale drawings on paper and linen, “Clean Fields” is part homage and part documentation of the emotionally restorative properties found in Creel’s horticultural practices. Constantly moving from the garden to the art studio, Creel transforms would-be garden waste into contemporary drawings. In reducing the vibrancy and color of a garden, she guides the viewer toward a more open interpretation of the content on view.

Creel’s presented works include traditional materials, such as charcoal, with the addition of more obscure materials, like plant emulsions. Composition and scale are at the forefront of the exhibition and aim to move the viewer into a simulated meditative state, according to Creel.

“The work reflects the allure of the garden – of being drawn to something you do not need to fully understand to enjoy,” she said.

Creel is a designer and artist currently living in Garrison and attending SFA with a focus in studio arts (drawing). She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009 with a B.F.A. in fashion. Creel said she considers art and design two branches on the same tree and does not discriminate when it comes to art media. She has a background in patternmaking and drafting in the apparel industry and was featured on Season 14 of Lifetime TV’s “Project Runway.”

An artist talk will be at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, in Room 106 of the Lower Art Building on the SFA campus. An opening reception for “Clean Fields” is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in Reavley Gallery at Cole Art Center, 329 E. Main St. Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. Contact Cole Art Center at (936) 468-5500.

Drug-Free All Stars Tour the Angelina County Jail

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Drug Free All-Stars are a group of high school seniors from Angelina County schools that are selected to serve as role models for the community by living tobacco, drug, and alcohol free. For their October meeting, the All-Stars toured the Angelina County Jail. The All Stars saw first-hand what daily life is like for inmates and what happens to those who are jailed for substance misuse.  During the meeting Agent Thomas Matthews, with the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission, trained the Drug-Free All Stars to conduct alcohol compliance checks to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors by local businesses. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2019), 96.5% of 12- to 14-year-olds who reported drinking in the last month said that they got the alcohol for free the last time they drank. A special thank you to Warden Stacie Fredieu and Captain Alton Lenderman for allowing the All Stars to tour the facilities and to Agent Matthews for the training.  To find out more about the Drug Free All-Stars, contact Abby Baker at (936) 634-9308 or by email at abaker@angelinacoalition.org. You can also visit our website at www.angelinacoalition.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @TheCoalition936.

Governor Abbott, TDHCA: Texas Rent Relief Program First In Nation To Provide $1 Billion In Assistance

By
Luis Ruperto
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0

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) today announced that the Texas Rent Relief Program has distributed more than $1 billion in rental and utility assistance to more than 174,000 Texas households, with another $52 million already committed to being paid. Texas is the first state to distribute $1 billion in rent relief funds and has more than $900 million remaining. Since the program launched in mid-February, Texas has served more households and provided more relief funds than any other state, while reaching 95% of its counties.

“The Texas Rent Relief Program continues to provide an invaluable lifeline to Texans in need of assistance on their rent and utilities,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is committed to helping households who have experienced significant financial strains as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are proud to be the first in the nation to achieve this billion dollar milestone.”  

“The Texas Rent Relief program has reached a major milestone, one that wouldn’t be possible without our partners, community and team members working together to assist Texans in need,” said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA Executive Director. “Crossing the $1 billion mark shows we were able to address a great and pressing need that is still present here in our state, but it’s important we continue to work vigorously to get help out as quickly as possible.”

Texans can apply for the program by calling 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368) or submitting it online at TexasRentRelief.com. The call center is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. To qualify, households must be at or below 80% of the area median income as well as meet other criteria. Landlords are encouraged to apply on behalf of tenants, who must co-sign the application.

By the numbers:

  • More than $1 billion has been paid to more than 174,000 households.
  • The program is reaching all corners of Texas, providing assistance to households in 241 out of 254 Texas counties – that’s a 95% reach of the vast Texas territory.
  • More than 82% of the households served are either extremely low or low income, falling at or below 50% of their area median income.
  • The program is prioritizing people at risk of eviction – more than 15,000 applicants have had their evictions stopped and removed from their credit records and have received more than $126 million in assistance.
  • TDHCA provides a public dashboard to report on the program’s performance at TexasRentRelief.com.
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