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CLOSURE SCHEDULED ON BU 59 AT SL 224 INTERSECTION

By
Luis Ruperto
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Crews will begin mill and inlay operations in Nacogdoches on Monday, June 7, that will require the closure of Business 59 at the SL 224/Stallings Drive intersection.

Crews will begin work at 6 am Monday to mill the roadway and lay a hot mix, weather permitting. There will be no thru traffic or left turns allowed at the intersection and motorists will be directed to open travel lanes with message boards and traffic control that will be in place. Once work is completed on the inside lanes, crews will begin work on the outside lanes at the intersection.

Work at the intersection should be completed by Tuesday, but work on BU 59 will continue and will last up to two weeks before being completed.

“This is a very busy intersection and we want motorists to pay attention to the message boards and traffic control set up that will direct them around our work. Our goal is the safety of our workers as well as the motorists,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer.

Motorists should expect delays in the area or choose alternate routes. Reduce speed and obey all traffic control. Reduce speed through this work zone and be prepared for sudden stops or merging vehicles.

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

THE DEEPER MEANING BEHIND NATIONAL DONUT DAY

By
Luis Ruperto
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This food-focused holiday is among the few with its roots in charitable service 

On the first Friday in June, Americans celebrate all the gooey goodness of donuts. But many don’t know that National Donut Day actually has its roots in doing good. This sweet tradition dates back to World War I, when nearly 250 Salvation Army volunteers known as “Donut Lassies” traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support as well as fried confections, supplies, and other services to troops on the front lines. 

The Donut Lassies fried donuts in small pans and are credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when troops returned home from war. The Salvation Army in Chicago celebrated the first National Donut Day in 1938 to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the Donut Lassies.

For more than a century, the organization has continued to provide a wide range of essential services like food, shelter, and emotional and spiritual support to the most vulnerable and to many of the men and women serving on the front lines of need. 

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension Of Emergency SNAP Benefits For June

By
Luis Ruperto
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Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is providing approximately $208 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of June as the state continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Thank you to HHSC and USDA for continuing to support Texas families by ensuring they can put healthy food on the table,” said Governor Abbott. “These benefits continue to provide nutritious food for Texans across the state.” “We’re pleased to provide ongoing support to Texans through these emergency SNAP benefits, so they can purchase nutritious foods for their families,” said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size, and all SNAP households will receive a minimum of $95 in emergency allotments. The emergency June allotments are in addition to the more than $3.4 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans since April 2020. Recipients will also continue to receive a 15 percent increase in their total benefits, which will continue monthly until September 2021. This 15 percent increase and the additional emergency allotment amount should appear in recipients’ accounts by June 30. Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Five Lumberjack Individuals and One Relay Punch Tickets to NCAA Championships

By
Luis Ruperto
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The SFA Track and Field team wrapped up competition at the NCAA West Regional in College Station on Saturday, capping off a successful stretch of competition which saw five individuals and one relay team punch their tickets to Eugene, Oregon next month to compete in the NCAA Championship meet. 

SFA’s contingent featured a total of 16 athletes competing in 20 total entries, and represented one of the largest contingents traveling to the NCAA championships in program history. 

Three Lumberjack athletes got SFA off to a hot start on the opening day of competition, as Cord Neal, Izac Canchola and Branson Ellis all earned the right to advance in their respective events on Wednesday. Neal finished fourth in the javelin with a distance of 69.99m (229-7), while Canchola took 12th with a mark of 65.10m (213-7). In the men’s pole vault, Branson Ellis had a stellar day, winning the event with a clearance of 5.45m (17-10.5) to earn his way to the championship. 

In action on Thursday, pole vaulter Kaylee Bizzell added her name to the travel party for Eugene with a ninth place finish in the vault, clearing 4.17m (13-8.25). 

Wrapping up competition on Saturday was freshman Auhmad Robinson earning a berth in the men’s 400m dash with a school record time of 45.61 and a seventh-place finish in the event. Robinson then teamed up with Paul Martin, Muzzuri Mattar and Jeremiah Curry to run a blazing fast 3:04.13 in the 4x400m relay, good for a fifth place finish that earned them a spot in Eugene.

Nichols and White announce significant funding for Tyler County and Newton County Courthouses

By
Luis Ruperto
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Today, Texas State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and Texas State Representative James White (R-Hillister) announced a significant allocation of funding for the Tyler County and Newton County courthouses. 

“Representative White and I have worked hard to ensure that our historic courthouses in Newton County and Tyler County are preserved,” said Senator Nichols. “These funds will ensure that any maintenance, renovation, or preservation is funded. Our historic county courthouses tell such important stories about Texans who came before us and these funds will maintain our commitment to preserving that history.” 

During the 87th Legislative Session, Tyler County was appropriated $1 million and Newton County was appropriated $1.1 million for courthouse preservation through the Texas Historical Commission’s Courthouse Grants program.  This nationally recognized and award-winning program has funded 70 Texas courthouse restorations, another 29 courthouse emergency or planning work, and 25 preservation Master Plan updates. With more historic courthouses than any other state in the nation, the Texas Historical Commission has made every effort to maintain this impressive collection of historic public architecture.  

“Thank you Senator Nichols for your leadership on behalf of Deep East Texas,” said Rep. White. “These funds for the Newton and Tyler county courthouses will play a key part in honoring the history of these two great counties. These courthouses are rural community treasures and the funds allocated will facilitate growing our local prosperity.” 

SFA’s SummerStage Festival to feature ‘Men On Boats,’ ‘Stuart Little’

By
Luis Ruperto
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 The school year is over, and after a year of pandemic restrictions and limitations, East Texas residents are eagerly making plans for summer vacations and entertainment opportunities for their families.

Among those plans should be visiting the Stephen F. Austin State University campus to enjoy the annual SummerStage Festival presented by the SFA School of Theatre. This year’s festival runs June 22 through July 9 and feature two plays: “Men On Boats” and Stuart Little.” The plays can be seen in person in Kennedy Auditorium on the SFA campus or virtually online.

Cleo House Jr., director of the School of Theatre, said he is eager to return to another summer of fun-filled performances presented by the talented SFA theatre students.

“With its laid-back approach, SummerStage is designed to provide less formal, fun and easy-going live theatre experiences for East Texas audiences,” according to House. “SummerStage is not only an excellent opportunity to beat the summer heat, but it’s also a destination for the families of East Texas to have some fun and laughs together. Even our show times are more flexible during the summer to accommodate families from all walks of life.”

Directed by Jackie Rosenfeld, senior lecturer in the School of Theatre, “Men On Boats” by Jaclyn Backhaus follows the history of the one-armed Captain John Wesley Powell and his crew of nine crazy but loyal volunteers as they journey the course of the Colorado River and become the first “white men” to explore the Grand Canyon. In this hilarious and true(ish) 21st century mash-up of the original voyage, 10 actors, none of whom are cisgendered male, embody these explorers as they suffer loss of boat and supplies, brave dangerous rapids, name mountains after themselves, and get on each other’s nerves.

Rosenfeld said she selected the play for this year’s SummerStage Festival because ‘Men On Boats” gives an age-old history lesson a totally different frame of reference. She also describes it as “a play intended for lovers of history, nature and adventure.”

“As Jaclyn Backhaus wrote ‘Men on Boats’ about the first expedition of the Grand Canyon, her cast of characters were originally intended to be played by men,” Rosenfeld said. “Yet, she found herself wishing she could play these kinds of characters who seek adventure and exploration. She recognized characters like these were almost never written for anyone but men to play. So, she wrote the characters to be played by adventurers who were not born as men.

“I chose this play for SummerStage because I believe Backhaus gives this historical narrative an entirely new and exciting perspective,” she said, “and because, I, too, want to spend the summer with these explorers!”

Audience members can expect to see “a satirical retelling of the first U.S. government-sanctioned exploration of the Grand Canyon,” Rosenfeld explained, “complete with moments of gut-busting humor and times of tremendous fear and despair. It is heroic and rugged, reflecting on the truths of bravery, teamwork and colonialism.”

Presented for children and families, “Stuart Little” is based on the popular book by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette about the endearing mouse named Stuart Little who is born into an ordinary New York family. All the charm, wisdom and joy of White’s original story are captured in this adaptation by Robinette, who also dramatized the highly acclaimed stage version of  “Charlotte’s Web.” The many adventures – both big and small – of Stuart Little are brought vividly to life in this story theatre presentation. The acting ensemble plays many human and animal roles in a series of delightful scenes that make up the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse trying to survive in a “real people’s world.”

Kristen Blossom, adjunct instructor of acting at SFA, directs the play, which she describes as the perfect summer entertainment for families.

“I chose ‘Stuart Little’ because it’s nostalgic for older kids and new for younger kids,” she said. “I knew the actors here at SFA would have so much fun voicing all the different characters. The cast is loaded with talent, and it’s sure to make everyone laugh.”

Blossom said there are important lessons to be learned from Stuart, “mainly that our differences don’t matter, and we can still love each other.”

“As a small mouse in New York City, the odds are against Stuart, but he meets many helpful people and animals along the way that renew his hope,” she said. “We’ve all been through a lot this year, and we could use a reminder about how to build each other up and give a helping hand.” Blossom said the script is full of jokes for both kids and adults, and it will be performed in the style of a radio play with live sound effects and folly created by the actors on stage.

“It will be fun to watch and listen – a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy.”

“Men On Boats” will be presented in-person only at 7 p.m. June 30 and July 1, 6, 8 and 9; and at 2 p.m. July 7 and 8. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students/youth. This show is recommended for mature audiences because of language content.

“Stuart Little” will be presented at 10 a.m. June 29 and 30 and July 1 and 6; at 2 p.m. June 22 and 24; and at 7 p.m. July 7. General admission tickets are $8. Virtual access is $15.

Pay-what-you-can performances for both shows are on July 1.

All performances are in Kennedy Auditorium, 1906 Alumni Drive.

For tickets, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit boxoffice.sfasu.edu. For more information, call the School of Theatre at (936) 468-4003 or visit www.theatre.sfasu.edu.

PROJECT BEGINNING ON FM 841/FORD CHAPEL ROAD IN ANGELINA COUNTY

By
Luis Ruperto
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A virtual pre-construction meeting was held by the Lufkin Area Office Thursday signaling the beginning of a new construction project that will widen FM 841/Ford Chapel Road in Angelina County.

The $5.2 million construction project was approved by TxDOT commissioners in February 2021. The project will include a 5-mile section of FM 841/Ford Chapel Road beginning inside SL 287 at FM 325/East Lufkin Avenue and continuing to US 69 South.

Work will include providing additional surface width from the current 20-feet to 28-feet, placing an overlay inside SL 287, mill and inlay the roadway beneath SL 287, widening and rehabilitating the roadway outside SL 287 and upgrading guardrail to design standards. New signage, driveway improvements, profile pavement markings outside SL 287 and realignment of the FM 1475 intersection are also included in the project plans.

“This is a very busy roadway with several residences and businesses throughout the project area and near SL 287,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Motorists should stay alert as they travel this section of roadway and as they exit the loop at businesses near the Ford Chapel Road intersection. Traffic delays in this area should be expected as work progresses.”

Crews will begin setting barricades June 10 with construction scheduled to begin the same week. A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., Buffalo TX, will serve as contractor for the project that is scheduled to be completed in December 2022, weather permitting.

As this project begins, motorists are urged to obey the work zone speed limit and obey all traffic control in place. Reduce speed, stay alert and prepare for delays through the work zone. Fines double when workers are present.

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

Cattle Troubles from Recent Record Rainfall

By
Luis Ruperto
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The excessive recent rains has harmed more than just gardens and landscapes. Stockmen are facing problems with their cattle and are still waiting to see the long-term effect on the hay market.

One noticeable problem affecting cattle are the abundance of flies. Horn flies, according to local producers, made their appearance earlier than normal and are in larger numbers. Infested cattle react by licking their backs, twitching their flanks, switching their tails, and kicking at their bellies with their hind legs. Not only are the bites painful, but the lesions can lead to secondary infections.

In addition to horn flies, houseflies and barn flies have been making a larger showing. These two flies are also an irritant and their numbers have increased because of these heavy rains. This nearly continuous irritation can be detrimental to weight gain.

The seemingly never-ending rainfall has also hampered fly control efforts by cattlemen. Pour-on insecticides and fly repellant ear-tags have been much less effective this spring. As one could expect, heavy rains wash off the pour-on products. The plastic ear tags also are reduced in their effectiveness with the rainfall reducing much of their protection.

Use of a mineral that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR), is a strongly recommended means of reducing fly problems during periods of heavy rain.

Cattle raisers have seen an increase in foot rot. Foot rot is a bacterial infection that is common enough but is exacerbated during stressful periods. For the infectious agent to gain entry, a break in the skin or hoof must occur.

Once the infection is established, cattlemen will notice inflammation and necrosis of tissue that causes severe swelling and pain. The signs of foot rot in cattle include lameness, holding or raising of a foot, reluctance to move, impaired movement, loss of appetite, loss of weight, and even reduction of milk production. It is a very serious issue that in prolonged, untreated infections, can cause severe illness.

If you are seeing hoof rot, be sure to contact your veterinarian for advice and products to alleviate it.

Finally, much of the first cutting of hay has been lost. Visiting with producers in Cherokee County, some were able to take advantage of a small window of a few days without rain to get their first harvest cut, cured, and baled.

One hay producer near Huntington, shared that he had measurable rainfall for eighteen out of twenty consecutive days in May. Unless the rest of the hay harvest season is exceptionally agreeable, this hay harvest loss will affect supplies and, of course, the cost of hay for next winter.

Georgia-Pacific Contributes $23,000 to Local Fire Departments

By
Luis Ruperto
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0

Georgia-Pacific is celebrating the heroic efforts of first responders.  Recently, the local forest products company donated a total of $23,000 to local fire departments in Lufkin, Hudson, Diboll, and Fuller Springs. 

“We will definitely put these dollars to good use in our volunteer fire department,” said Bobby Cranford, Fuller Springs Assistant Fire Chief.  “Our department of 14 members is in the process of completing a new fire station that has been a real need in our community for many years, and this contribution gets us closer to finishing the project.”

The Diboll Volunteer Fire Department plans to use its funding to purchase new equipment.  “We are always in need of life-saving gear, and unfortunately we are seeing a sharp rise in the cost of this much-needed equipment,” said Gary Jones, Diboll Volunteer Fire Department Chief.  “Thanks to the ongoing generosity of Georgia-Pacific, we can get the equipment we need to do our job safely.”  

Meanwhile the Lufkin Fire Department will use the Georgia-Pacific donation to enhance its special operations division that responds to situations involving hazardous materials.  According to Lufkin Fire Chief Jesse Moody, hazardous materials are transported through and used within the city of Lufkin daily, and this money will help update the team’s equipment and provide new and ongoing training for team members.  “Equipping this special operations team can be very expensive.  For example, the Lufkin Hazmat truck carries a wide variety of equipment including  booms, detection devices, absorbent chemicals, and neutralizing agents.  Donations to purchase this special equipment are critical when it comes to providing this service,” said Moody.

Georgia-Pacific is a continuous supporter of the Diboll, Lufkin, Fuller Springs and Hudson Fire Departments in Angelina County.  “Firefighters are vital to keeping our community safe,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public & Government Affairs Manager.   “We appreciate the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect our friends and neighbors, homes and businesses.”

SFA’s forestry program receives top ranking

By
Luis Ruperto
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 In its 2021 Global Rankings, education technology firm Plexuss has recognized Stephen F. Austin State University as having the top forestry program in Texas.

“I believe this ranking is a testament to the passion our faculty members share for the profession of forestry, as well as their dedication to ensuring our students succeed,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. “The recognition is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 75-year anniversary of the forestry program at SFA.”

More than six million students utilize the Plexuss online platform to connect with their peers, build professional networks, and research colleges and universities. In 2018, Microsoft recognized the company as one of the top 26 startup companies to contribute to machine learning and data science.

Plexuss determines university and program rankings through extensive input from education partners, data scientists, employers, parents and high school counselors.

SFA’s Bachelor of Science in Forestry offers six areas of emphasis, including agroforestry, fire management, forest management, forest wildlife management, human dimensions in natural resources and urban forestry. 

To learn more about the forestry program and other majors offered by SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, visit atcofa.sfasu.edu.

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