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Fruit and Vegetable Training offered virtually for 2nd year

By
Cary Sims
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The East Texas Fruit and Vegetable Virtual Conference will be held on the morning of Thursday, Oct 7. While this annual event has been held for years, the hosts are offering in on-line for the second time out of caution everyone’s health.

The seminar starts at 9 am with a presentation on small fruit production for the homeowner. Blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, fig and more will be covered. Stephen Janak, AgriLife Program Specialist for Sustainable fruit production, works out of Texas A&M in College Station and will bring his wealth of knowledge about the options for a small home orchard.

Later that morning at 10 am, state renowned Professor, Dr. Monte Nesbitt will discuss pecan production for the homeowner. Pecans can be found growing naturally throughout the state but can have unique challenges for the homeowner that expects a substantial, annual crop of pecans. Water, nutrients, and pest control for an optimal pecan crop will be covered.

The last session from 11 am till noon will be on tomato pest management for the homeowner. Dr. Juan Anciso, AgriLife Horticulturalist working in the Weslaco Research Station in the Texas valley will be covering organic and conventional methods to keep disease, insects, and mites away from this prized garden crop. You can register for the event at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/Veggies . Cost is $15. Once registered, participants will receive instructions a few days ahead of the conference on specifics of registering.

For more information, contact Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension Small Acreage Vegetable Specialist at jmasabni@ag.tamu.edu

WOODLAND HEIGHTS MEDICAL CENTER AWARDED STROKE GOLD PLUS AWARD

By
Kennadi Thompson
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Woodland Heights Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award for our commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and speeding recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke was developed to assist healthcare professionals to provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines for treating stroke patients.

“Woodland Heights is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to helping patients have the best possible chance of survival after a stroke,” said Drew Emery, CEO of Woodland Heights. “Caring for our stroke patients is definitely a team effort and I couldn’t be prouder of our team.”

Each year program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Woodland heights also provides education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home.

“We are pleased to recognize Woodland Heights for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

Angelina College Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Hosting Exhibition

By
Gary Stallard
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Reception Takes Place Tuesday, Sept. 7 in ACA Gallery

AC News Service

Following a year in which the artists found ways to display their works in a virtual setting, Angelina College Visual and Performing Arts faculty members are back in a live gallery.

The annual AC Faculty Exhibition opened in late August and will run through Sept. 30 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. An artist’s reception will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. in the AC gallery and is open to the public.

The exhibition will includes works in various mediums from full-time art faculty members Le’Anne Alexander and Reginal Reynolds, along with works from adjunct faculty and dual-credit instructors including Denise Davis, Stina Herrera, Vicki Lunell and Jan Anderson-Paxson.

There is no charge for admission.

How Playtime Can Teach Important Values

By
Kennadi Thompson
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Playtime is not only fun, it can also be an opportunity to teach children important values and help them learn to give back. Here are three ideas for infusing a philanthropic mindset into fun.

Eco-Friendly Play

There are a number of ways to promote environmental stewardship through eco-friendly play. Try making homemade toys out of upcycled materials and explain how you are reducing your impact on the environment. Play a board game that educates children about endangered species, climate change or threats to habitats. Finally, boost kids’ appreciation for nature by getting outdoors for playtime.

Toys That Give Back

Shop with toy brands that give back. Doing so can be a good way to teach children the importance of helping others in need. For example, Breyer, the world’s leading brand of horse-inspired toys is a proud partner of Covenant House, an organization that provides food, shelter, crisis care and other support for young adults experiencing homelessness in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Every year, Breyer features a themed limited-edition Horse of the Year, and this year, that horse is “Hope, the 2021 Freedom Series Horse of the Year.” Splashed with shades of purple, turquoise, pink and gold, the markings on her coat reveal hidden images and the word “Hope.” Available at specialty retailers, Amazon, for every Hope purchased, Breyer is donating $1 to Covenant House to care for youth facing homelessness and give them hope to keep moving forward.

Crafting With Intention

Many elderly Americans experience loneliness, particularly those who live alone or away from family. However, knowing there are people out there who are thinking of them can help combat some of those feelings of isolation. With that in mind, consider turning your child’s next crafting session into a force for good. From beaded necklaces to watercolors, your child’s beautiful artwork can be made into a gift that brightens someone’s day. While some nursing homes are still limiting visits, you can arrange to drop off your goodies or even become a pen pal with a resident.

With a little creativity, instilling values of generosity and kindness in your children can happen anytime, even during play.

Transportation Commission Approves District Construction Projects

By
Rhonda Oaks
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 Texas Transportation Commissioners met Tuesday in Austin and approved more than $1.3 billion in construction projects statewide, with more than $38.3 million approved for the Lufkin District. In addition, maintenance contracts were approved for more than $29 million statewide, with more than $1.4 million approved for the Lufkin District.

Polk County was approved for a $27.5 million construction project on US 190 that will include intersection improvements consisting of right and left turn lanes from the Livingston city limits to 4 miles west near FM 1276. Vulcan Materials Asphalt and Construction LLC, Conroe, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

Houston County was approved for a $4.5 million construction project on FM 2022. The project is designed to widen the roadway with shoulders from FM 2423 to FM 2663. Pinto Construction Co. Inc., Nacogdoches, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

Angelina County was approved for a $934,763 construction project designed to add pedestrian infrastructure/sidewalks on BU 59/Timberland Drive from Denman Avenue and continuing for 1,180 linear feet to north of Forest Park Boulevard. DBI Services, LLC, Hazleton PA, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

A $4.1 million construction project was approved for various locations in the Lufkin District that is designed to construct pedestrian infrastructure/sidewalks and curb ramps. Locations for the sidewalk construction will be in Nacogdoches County on FM 1878/East Starr Avenue from near Clark Boulevard to near Cardinal Street; in Angelina County on North Medford Drive/US 59 from East Lufkin Avenue to Atkinson Drive; in the city of Huntington on US 69 from near South 1st Street to Avenue A; in Houston County in the city of Crockett on East Goliad Avenue/SH 7 from near 12th Street to SL 304. Highway 19 Construction LLC, Sulphur Springs, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

A $963,892.20 construction project was approved that is designed for the construction and installation of dynamic message systems/signage that will enhance safety in various locations along US 59 in the Lufkin District and will include locations in Polk, San Jacinto and Nacogdoches counties. Third Coast Services LLC, Magnolia, will serve as contractor. No timeline for completion has been set.

The construction and installation of flashing beacons were approved for four locations in Polk and Nacogdoches counties. The beacons will be placed at FM 3126 at FM 1988, and FM 1276 at FM 943 in Polk County; FM 2609 at SL 224, and FM 2713 at SH 7 East in Nacogdoches County. Highway Intelligent Traffic Solutions Inc., Cedar Hill, will serve as contractor for the $261,129.47 project. No timeline for completion has been set.

A $1.4 million maintenance contract was approved for mill and inlay in various locations in the Lufkin District. Locations include Angelina County on SL 287 frontage roads near SH 94, BU 59 and FM 3482 near Whitehouse Drive; Nacogdoches County on BU 59 near Creekbend Boulevard; Shelby County on FM 699, and US 59 in Center; and Sabine County on FM 1 near Pineland Elementary School. Drewery Construction Company, Nacogdoches, will serve as contractor. No timeline for completion has been set.

Pre-construction meetings will be held in the future signaling the beginning of construction on these projects. As they begin, motorists are urged to stay alert to signage, workers and moving equipment in and near the work zones.

Governor Abbott Deploys Additional Emergency Response Resources, Personnel To Louisiana To Support Hurricane Ida Recovery Efforts

By
Kennadi Thompson
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 Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Military Department (TMD) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) have deployed additional resources and personnel to support Hurricane Ida response and recovery efforts at the request of the State of Louisiana through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This follows an announcement from Governor Abbott earlier this week that the State of Texas would continue to review any additional EMAC requests from the State of Louisiana to provide additional response and recovery assets that may be needed. 

Additional resources include: 116 Guardsmen including a Battalion Tactical Command, 1 Headquarters Company, 4 Ground Transportation Platoons, 1 General Support Platoon, and 1 Engineering Platoon along with 25 high-water vehicles, 7 Humvees, 1 Fuel Truck, 1 Wrecker, 2 Track Loaders, and 5 fire suppression water tenders with 20 firefighters through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service.

“Texas remembers the generous support offered by Louisianans during Hurricane Harvey four years ago, and we have recognized their need for additional help as they recover from the destruction of Hurricane Ida earlier this week,” said Governor Abbott. “We will continue to help our neighbors in need, just as they did for us.”

Governor Abbott issued a proclamation earlier today recognizing September 2021 as Preparedness Month in Texas. Texans are encouraged to remain mindful of both natural and manmade disasters, especially as we are at the height of the 2021 Hurricane Season.

Texans can visit txready.org for safety tips and resources. 

HOMECOMING FOR MONTGOMERY

By
Gary Stallard
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East Texas Basketball Legend Named Head Men’s Coach at Angelina College

If one of J.J. Montgomery’s future players ever asks about Montgomery’s knowledge of basketball, Montgomery simply can point to a jersey hanging on the wall inside Angelina College’s Shands Gymnasium.

The retired No. 5 belongs to Montgomery.

The East Texas basketball legend on Tuesday was named the new men’s basketball coach for Angelina College, marking a homecoming for the man who established numerous records in his time as a Roadrunner. Among the crowd of well wishers were some of Montgomery’s former teammates, and they held a reunion of sorts on the floor where they once competed.

“Being able to come back home and coach where I played here at Angelina College was just an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Montgomery said during Wednesday’s ceremony. “I’m happy to be home, and I’m ready to get this thing rolling.”

Montgomery is a familiar face to East Texas basketball fans, having played at Lufkin High School, where he became the school’s career scoring leader with more than 3,000 points. From there, Montgomery played two years at Angelina College under current AC athletic director Guy Davis. Montgomery set the program record for single-season scoring (897 points) and career scoring (1,799 points) from 2001-2002. He is one of three NJCAA First Team All-Americans in Roadrunner men’s basketball program history.

Montgomery completed his collegiate career at Arkansas State University before embarking on a professional career spent playing overseas.

In 2015, AC honored Montgomery in a ceremony retiring his jersey.

Although he arrives late in the recruiting season – the regular season tips off in November – Montgomery said he and his current players are up to the challenge.

“My expectations will always be the same,” Montgomery said, “and that’s to compete at a high level. I can take my bumps and my losses, but my main job is to get these guys out there in great shape and be ready to play here.

“I still think we can do some great things this season. I’ve met with the guys, and they seem committed to giving their very best.”

Montgomery joins his former head coach – and current athletic director at AC – Guy Davis in an effort to launch another successful season.

So just how much of Davis will come through in Montgomery’s personal coaching style?

“I learned so much from Coach Davis,” Montgomery said. “He was a tough coach, but it was tough love, and I needed that. My former (high school) players will tell you, ‘Hey, this guy’s pretty crazy’ with the way I coach. Coach Davis demanded perfection, and he wanted us to work hard. You’ll see a little of Guy Davis in me, I’m sure.

“But the officials will like me a lot more,” he laughed. “I won’t be getting as many technical fouls as Coach Davis did.”

DPS Encourages Safety for Labor Day Holiday

By
Kennadi Thompson
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 The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages everyone to drive safely as they celebrate the unofficial end of summer during the long Labor Day weekend. The Texas Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement from Sept. 3 through Sept. 6, looking for people not wearing their seat belts, speeders, people driving while intoxicated and drivers who fail to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, among other traffic violations.

“DPS is reminding all drivers that safety always comes first,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “While long weekends are a time to get out and enjoy, we all need to do our part to keep roads safe, and that is why Troopers will be out ensuring everyone is following the traffic laws.”

During the 2020 Labor Day holiday, Troopers issued 71,544 citations and warnings. This included 9,239 citations for speeding; 1,088 seat belt and child safety restraint citations; 1,419 citations for no insurance; and 534 warnings and citations for Move Over, Slow Down violations. DPS enforcement efforts also resulted in 402 DWI arrests, 802 felony arrests and 200 fugitive arrests.

Drivers are encouraged to follow these tips during the Labor Day holiday:

  • Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you’re consuming alcohol.
  • Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, TxDOT vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2021, there have been 8,950 violations.
  • Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
  • Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
  • Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
  • Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
  • Know your route before beginning your trip.
  • Don’t drive fatigued. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
  • On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
  • If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm of a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, you’re violating the law.
  • Don’t cut in front of large trucks, and try not to brake quickly in front of them, if possible. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
  • Check your vehicle to make sure it’s properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
  • Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
  • Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you’re traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.

Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) will run simultaneously. Operation CARE is an initiative among police agencies across the country, including the Texas Highway Patrol. It increases enforcement efforts during designated periods throughout the year, including holidays like Labor Day.

Angelina College Soccer Teams Sweep Jacksonville in Conference Opener

By
Gary Stallard
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Lady Roadrunners Earn First Win, Roadrunners Move to 2-0

Angelina College’s Lady Roadrunners officially earned their first win of the season, and the Roadrunner men moved to 2-0 to start the season after Saturday’s doubleheader sweep of Jacksonville College in the conference opener for both teams.

Both AC squads are scheduled to play at Paris College on Wednesday, with the ladies kicking off at 3 p.m. and the men following at 5:30 p.m.

Lady Roadrunners 3, Jacksonville College 1

After having their season opener canceled because of weather – and while leading No. 12 Hill College at the time of the cancellation – Angelina College’s Lady Roadrunners finally claimed their first official win of the season.

AC’s ladies beat Jacksonville College 3-1 Saturday at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin in the conference opener, getting results from a relentless forward attack and a determined defensive effort.

Lady ‘Runner Camila Montero set an early tone by blasting in a long-range goal just six minutes into the match. Montero converted a foul and free kick by launching her score over the defense and the leaping try from the Jacksonville keeper to stake AC to a quick 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, AC’s Emilie Dueck took a cross in the box from Tatyana Guzman and banged home the match’s second score.

Jacksonville’s Maryane Mafra scored in the 30th minute to cut the lead to 2-1 by the break.

That would be the Lady Jaguars’ last real shot at scoring, as the Lady Roadrunner defense behind keeper Emily Quintanilla kept Jacksonville out of the nets the rest of the way. AC’s Liliane Clase capped the scoring with a sliding shot around two defenders, netting the score for the 3-1 final margin.

The Lady Roadrunners (1-0, 1-0) travel to conference foe Paris College on Wednesday, Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. in Paris.

Roadrunners 3, Jacksonville College 2

The Roadrunners pulled out a win in a testy, physical match – and they did so in heart-stopping fashion.

With the second-half clock dwindling down its final minutes, and with the teams facing overtime, AC’s Aldair Chaves scored on a breakaway goal to lift the ‘Runners to a thrilling 3-2 win over Jacksonville College Saturday at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin.

The win moves the Roadrunner men to 2-0, 1-0 on the young season. It’s the first 2-0 start for the men’s team in the program’s brief history.

In the 86th minute and the score even at 2-2, AC keeper Jorge Gonzalez made a diving punch save of a Jaguar shot. Roadrunner Aldair Chaves broke into the clear, beating his defender, and Gonzalez’ long kick led Chaves perfectly. Chaves then eluded the Jacksonville keeper for the match-clinching goal.

Before the match’s thrilling final minutes, the two teams had spent the entire night trading blows – both literally and figuratively. Jacksonville’s Paulo Villalobos put the Jaguars on top with a goal in the 19th minute, but AC’s Jamie Rinquest answered with a header in front of the box off a corner kick to even the score at 1-1 with seven minutes remaining in the first half.

AC took a 2-1 lead on Andrei Aguirre’s goal off a beautiful cross from Ulises Mercado. The Jaguars responded with Alberto Romano’s score in the 65th minute, and the teams kept things even until Chaves’ solo run for the go-ahead score. Gonzalez clinched the win with yet another clutch save on Jacksonville’s last gasp in the final minute.

The Roadrunners travel to Paris College on Wednesday for another conference match. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Roadrunner Soccer Blanks Hill College in Season Opener

By
Gary Stallard
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Stewart Notches First Win as Angelina College Head Coach

Angelina College head soccer coach Nataki Stewart waited a long, long time for this moment.

So a couple of hours’ worth of lightning delays weren’t going to dampen the moment one bit.

Stewart’s Roadrunner men’s soccer team blanked Hill College 2-0 in the season opener on Thursday, earning Stewart his first official win as the head guy at AC.

Stewart’s celebratory water dunk could have occurred at least two hours earlier: His Lady Roadrunners led No. 12 Hill College 2-1 before numerous lightning delays – one lasting more than an hour and a half – forced the match’s eventual postponement. The teams will replay the match at a later date. In the match, Emilie Dueck and Camila Montero found the nets for the Lady Roadrunners, while keeper Emily Quintanilla turned in several saves.

When the men were finally able to take the pitch – nearly two hours later than the scheduled kickoff time – the Roadrunners blended speed, physicality and ball skills to overwhelm the Rebels. Juan Lopez scored both goals for the ‘Runners, with Ulises Mercado’s corner kick setting up one of the scores.

Keeper Jorge Gonzalez and the back line kept the Rebel attack at bay, with Gonzalez making a pair of spectacular saves in the first half.

As soon as the final buzzer sounded, players and assistant coaches blasted Stewart with the celebratory water dunk.

Neither AC team has long to revel in Thursday’s showings. The Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners open conference play on Saturday against Jacksonville College. The doubleheader will kick off with the women at 5 p.m., with the men following at 7:30 p.m.

Both matches will take place at Jase Magers Field on the Lufkin High School campus.

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