Home Blog Page 324

SFA students earn statewide recognition for work on campus newspaper and yearbook

By
Luis Ruperto
-
0

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University student journalists recently received 17 awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association for their work on campus student publications.

The Stone Fort yearbook staff members received eight honors for their 2020 volume, including first-place awards in the cover design and photo story categories. The Pine Log student newspaper staff members garnered nine awards for content they produced during the 2020 calendar year.

Last year was especially challenging for SFA student publications as the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted almost every aspect of university life, including how student journalists gather and report the news, according to Amy Roquemore, SFA director of student publications and divisional media. Simultaneously, The Pine Log staff members were navigating a transition from weekly print editions to a new, online-only format, which happened earlier than planned when the campus shut down.

“I am always proud when our students are recognized for the valuable work they do, but these TIPA accolades are even more impressive when you consider everything that happened — and didn’t happen — throughout the past year,” Roquemore said. “Our students just kept working through each obstacle they faced, and I think they are now looking back at what they have accomplished despite all those challenges and realizing how much they have grown as individuals and as journalists. The awards are just icing on the cake.”

Russell Zahradnik, editor-in-chief of the 2020 Stone Fort yearbook, has graduated from SFA and is now working as a graphic designer in Houston.  

“It is truly an honor to have competed against the best college programs and been recognized by influential judges in my industry,” Zahradnik said. “I’m so happy to have been a part of this amazing staff and so grateful for the opportunity to be nominated for awards like these. This project meant so much to me, which makes being recognized by TIPA even more meaningful.”

Because the last print deadline for the 2020 Stone Fort yearbook was in February of that year, the pandemic is not even mentioned in its pages.

“In a way, the 2020 yearbook is a 304-page time capsule of what campus life was like before COVID-19,” Roquemore said. “Suffice it to say, the 2021 yearbook our students have been working on for the past year is going to look and feel very different. Like our newspaper students, our yearbook staff members are doing an incredible job of chronicling a unique time in the history of our university.”

Current Pine Log Editor-in-Chief Meredith Janning of Centerville said the experience of leading the student newspaper staff members through two tumultuous semesters has been both challenging and rewarding in ways she never expected.

“I am so proud of our staff members for all of the great work they’ve done this year,” said Janning, who is graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and plans to begin working on her master’s degree in publishing at SFA in the fall.

“Our writers, editors, photographers, videographers and everyone involved have worked so hard through the stress of going digital, as well as the stress of the pandemic, and it has all been worth it. The Pine Log staff members deserve this recognition from TIPA and so much more.”

In typical years, TIPA announces award winners during a spring convention where college journalists from across the state gather to network, develop their skills and participate in on-site competitions. Both the 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to the pandemic, but Roquemore said she is hopeful SFA students will be able to attend the conference now being planned for spring 2022.

Established in 1909 at Baylor University, TIPA is the largest and oldest collegiate press association in the United States. The organization works to recognize excellence in campus media and open channels of communication and cooperation among student media programs at two- and four-year colleges and universities in Texas.

The following is a complete listing of SFA’s recent TIPA awards:

Stone Fort yearbook
First place, cover design — Russell Zahradnik, former editor-in-chief
First place, photo story — Cameron Keplinger, photo editor
Second place, photo story — LaShauna Bell, former photo editor
Third Place, inside news spread — Russell Zahradnik, former editor-in-chief; Cameron Keplinger, photo editor
Third place, static information graphic — Russell Zahradnik, former editor-in-chief
Honorable mention, environmental portrait—Sarah Bone, former yearbook photographer
Honorable mention, overall yearbook design — Stone Fort staff members
Honorable mention, overall excellence yearbook — Stone Fort staff members

The Pine Log newspaper
Second place, breaking news photo — Cameron Keplinger, photo editor
Second place, sports page design — Deanna Swindell, former sports editor
Second place, illustration — Simone Rodriguez, former illustrator
Second place, editorial — Alyssa Coker, managing editor
Second place, sports game story — Deanna Swindell, former sports editor
Third place, sports feature photo — Gabrielle Czapla, former photographer
Third place, general column — Luis Ruperto, former videographer
Honorable mention, opinion page design — Isabell Tenorio, former opinions editor
Honorable mention, overall excellence newspaper — The Pine Log staff members

Extend the Life of Your Used Car With These Tips

By
Statepoint
-
0

In the market for a car? If you’re planning on purchasing a used vehicle, you’re in good company.

Nearly 70 percent of all car sales are used vehicles, likely due to the the rising costs of new cars and the increasing quality of their used counterparts.

While previously owned vehicles make the best financial sense in a lot of cases, experts encourage motorists to keep a few things in mind.

“For the safety of everyone sharing the road with you and to protect your purchase, it’s important to stay up-to-date on car maintenance,” says Doug Turner, director of service operations at Byrider, the nation’s largest used car and finance network of dealerships.

April is National Car Care Month and to help you extend the life of your used car, the automotive experts at Byrider are offering the following tips:

• Follow the maintenance recommendations of the manufacturer to keep it running as smoothly as possible. This includes filling your vehicle with the proper gas, and using the proper oil per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Prioritize preventive maintenance to avoid issues down the line. Pay special attention to noises or warning signs that could indicate your vehicle needs maintenance. Remember, warning lights on your dashboard are illuminated for a reason. Understand what they mean and address them as-needed.

• Keep the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean to prevent rust and other issues.

• Use only trusted repair services that hire Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians. This certification can make a big difference when it comes to quality repairs and maintenance.

• Complete as-needed or at a minimum, an annual inspection, on the vehicle. Keep in mind that different seasons of the year require different inspections and repairs.

• Use quality parts, even though parts can rack up a pretty hefty price tags, it does however pay off to invest in quality parts rather than picking up a cheap, quick fix.

A used vehicle can be a great investment. Extend the life of your car and stay safer on the roads by making smart purchasing decisions and taking a proactive approach to maintenance.

Angelina College Soccer Hosting ID and Youth Camps Taking Place in May, June

By
Gary Stallard
-
0

Angelina College’s soccer programs are ready to return to the pitch, and the coaching staff will welcome players to a series of camps taking place in May and June.

On May 8 and 9, the Roadrunner soccer teams will host two identification (ID) camps for prospective players, whether those players currently are in high school or are college transfers. The women’s ID evaluation will take place on Saturday, May 8 from 1:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. The men’s ID evaluation will take place on Sunday, May 9 from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

The ID camp is geared toward providing high school students and transfers the opportunity for training and evaluation from college coaches while learning valuable information about the recruiting process.

The cost of each session is $40. The camps will take place on the Angelina College campus.

In addition, the AC staff is excited to announce its “Little Runners Camp” geared for boys and girls between the ages of three and 12 years old. Those sessions begin on May 10 and run through June 14 and will take place on Monday evenings. The six sessions will cost a total of $55 and will also take place on the AC campus.

The training program is designed with a progression guiding a child’s discovery of the various soccer skills while being challenged and supported as they learn. Each session will end with unrestricted game play so each young player can experience the speed of an actual match.

All camps will be conducted under current COVID-19 protocols, including distancing guidelines. The camps are open to any and all entrants (limited by number, age, grade level and/or gender).

The camp schedule, along with registration and payment information, are now available online at https://www.natakistewartsocceracademy.com/.

For further information, contact Angelina College soccer head coach Nataki Stewart at nstewart@angelina.edu.

StartEnd CampCostTimeNotes
May 8, 2021May 8, 2021Women’s ID Camp$401:30 PM -6:00PMGK+Field Players
May 9, 2021May 9, 2021Men’s ID Camp$409:00 AM – 1:30 PM GK + Field Players
May 10, 2021June 14, 2021Little Runners Camp$555:30-6:15PM & 6:30-7:15PMAges 3-6 (MONDAYS ONLY)
Ages 7-12 (MONDAYS ONLY)

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

DETCOG Announces Opening for Americorps VISTA Volunteer

By
Luis Ruperto
-
0

As part of a partnership between the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Deep East Texas Council of Governments has an opening for an Americorps VISTA Volunteer. The VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) will have the opportunity to work closely with local communities, regional organizations, and Federal agencies, while receiving hands-on training in economic development.

This one-year opportunity will begin in June 2021 and will focus on the 12-county Deep East Texas Region. The overall goal is to build capacity in rural economically distressed communities to alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and provide a better quality of life.

If selected, the VISTA Volunteer will receive a monthly living stipend, health care, childcare, training, relocation expenses, and liability insurance. After the year of successful service is up, the VISTA volunteer will be able to choose to receive an additional stipend, or an education award to apply towards loans or future education costs. In addition to this, they will receive one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government, meaning that the VISTA will have the opportunity to apply for federal jobs without having to go through the standard public competitive selection process.

To apply to become an Americorps VISTA, go to https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=83530.

For more information contact Bob Bashaw at 936-634-2247 ext. 5302, or email Bob.Bashaw@detcog.gov.

New Ways Families With Kids Can Go Green

By
Statepoint
-
0

Having kids can mean having a lot of stuff, not all of which is made from eco-friendly materials. However, if you’re like many parents, you want your children to have a clean, healthy planet to live in when they grow up. Going green while parenting might sound challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. These tips and insights can help get you started:

Reusable Food Packaging

With a little creativity, you can ditch the plastic utensils, baggies and single-use beverage containers at lunchtime. To substantially reduce your family’s plastic waste, switch to organic, reusable lunchboxes featuring partitions and tightly-fitting, leak-proof lids. Keep kids hydrated with easy-to-clean stainless steel water bottles or thermoses. Finally, rethink the types of products you buy most often. Rather than opting for snacks pre-packed in single-serving plastic, instead buy favorite items in bulk and wrap smaller portions in reusable, compostable wrapping.

Eco-Friendly Play

Some of your children’s favorite toy brands are already going green, making it easy to make playtime eco-friendly. One example of a leader in the industry is electronic learning toy company VTech, which is committed to sustainability and has plans to replace its fossil-based blister packaging with plant-based alternatives in 99% of its electronic learning products by 2025. Additionally, the brand is launching a variety of green electronic learning products later this year as part of its commitment to replace fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030.

New eco-friendly toy options from VTech include the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck, which not only highlights the importance of protecting the environment through play, but is made of 90% reclaimed plastic, as well as three new vehicles in the popular Go! Go! Smart Wheels line, all made of 85% plant-based plastic. Its LeapFrog line will include the Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot with food pieces made of 85% plant-based plastic while two new wooden toys, Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle, will include wood from responsibly-managed forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council.

The brand’s partnership with TerraCycle also provides an easy way for consumers to recycle its electronic learning products. To learn more about VTech’s sustainability efforts, visit vtechcares.com.

Composting

Composting is a simple way to reduce waste and teach children about how they can positively impact the environment. Start by setting up a compost bin and work with your children to identify ingredients that can be added to it. A good compost recipe includes materials such as dry leaves, household waste like vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells, and a layer of soil. Add some water and watch as science comes to life. Kids will love seeing their compost turn to soil over time and allowing them to be hands on throughout the process teaches them the concept of recycling in a realistic and relatable way.

With a few simple tweaks, parents can make choices that better protect the environment, while setting a great example for kids.

Summer Safety Tips for Your Pet

By
Statepoint
-
0

From heat waves to fireworks, summer can take a toll on pets’ emotional and physical wellness. According to some pet experts, the heart of relief for a number of common seasonal pet woes is CBD. Here are some insights into how to use it, plus additional measures you can take for a safe, healthy summer with pets.

• Fireworks and Thunder: Unexpected noises can be extremely frightening for pets, causing what’s known as situational stress. If possible, try administering Calming CBD-infused Edibites, which contains soothing and relaxing properties, about an hour before you expect fireworks or thunderstorms to occur. (Helpful hint: it can also be used to relieve situational stress associated with travel, guests, etc.)

Exercise also helps. Whether you take an extra long walk or play fetch, wearing your pet out earlier in the day might help them stay calm or even sleep through noise disruptions. Additionally, you can prepare by setting up a quiet space for your pet, full of their favorite blankets and toys. Finally, be mindful that pets often react to loud noises by running away. According to the ASPCA, one-in-five pets that go missing run off after hearing loud noises like fireworks. Bring cats indoors during storms and fireworks. If you must take a dog outside, keep them securely leashed. Microchips and up-to-date ID tags can help you safely reunite with your pet should they go missing.

• Heat: If you’re sweating, there’s a good chance your pet is too. Keep pets hydrated by constantly refilling their bowls with fresh, clean water. Choose mornings or evenings for exercising with dogs to avoid the hottest part of the day. On scorchers, avoid paw-to-pavement contact, letting your dog walk in the grass instead. If your pup’s paws do get affected by the hot pavement, applying a topical CBD solution such as Canna Care from Pet Releaf can help relieve the burn. Finally, beat the heat with regular grooming — however, don’t shave your pet’s fur — their coat protects them from sunburn.

• Allergies: Allergies can wear pets down in numerous ways, including weakening their immune system. CBD hemp oil however can offer an immunity boost by activating the body’s two-way communication system between the brain and the immune system.

A common allergy symptom is rash, which can cause pets to scratch and bite their skin, only worsening irritation. To treat rash, consider using CBD hemp oil to support a healthy inflammatory response and ease stress, along with a topical CBD product to soothe skin irritations.

• Hip and Joint Discomfort: Summer may mean an uptick in nature hikes and long days at the dog park. As a result, your dog may experience hip or joint discomfort. Consider adding a beneficial supplement to their everyday regimen, like Hip & Joint Edibites, which contains full-spectrum hemp extract with naturally occurring CBD, along with glucosamine and chondroitin, a combination known to help maintain normal healthy cartilage and joint function, as well as support joint flexibility and mobility. Depending on your pet’s health needs, you may want to upgrade to a higher potency pet CBD product like a hemp oil that you can massage onto their joints.

With the right tools and knowledge, you can support your pet’s wellness this summer and protect them from common seasonal health and safety hazards.

Governor Abbott Urges President Biden, Vice President Harris To Designate Mexican Drug Cartels As Foreign Terrorist Organizations

By
Luis Ruperto
-
0
(PHOTO: Office Of The Governor 3/29/2021)
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President and Border Czar Kamala Harris encouraging the federal government to designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The Governor included a background document detailing how these drug cartels clearly meet the three-part test required for the designation. “As Governor of Texas, I urge you to take immediate action to combat the dangerous and deadly Mexican drug cartels,” reads the Governor’s letter. “These cartels bring terror into our communities. They smuggle narcotics and weapons into the United States to fund their illegal enterprises. They force women and children into human and sex trafficking—enriching themselves on the misery and enslavement of immigrants. They murder innocent people, including women and children. These Mexican drug cartels are foreign terrorist organizations, and it is time for the federal government to designate them as such.”

 Read the Governor’s Letter. 

This is the fourth letter that Governor Abbott has sent to the Biden Administration regarding the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. The questions and concerns addressed in the previous letters have thus far gone unanswered by President Biden and Vice President Harris.

Following up on the February freeze damage

By
Cary Sims
-
0

I’m sure no one has forgotten the awful week of freezing cold weather that we experienced this past February. I remember being frustrated about answering the questions about “What was going to die in my landscape?” so many times. The truth was I had no idea. 

The fact was, we were going to have to wait for weeks, perhaps a month or more, to find out which plants were going to make it and which wouldn’t. 

Indeed there’s been some surprises, as well as some very expected things. I just knew, absolutely new that palm trees would not make it. Still today, there are some palm trees that I’ve seen around town that still don’t show signs of life. But it was just weeks after that awful wicked winter weather that I saw my first palm tree, just down the road from my house, sprouting back out! 

Many of us were surprised to hear that older azaleas typically didn’t make it while younger azaleas often did. In my own backyard, I lost a large established fig tree. However the newer and younger fig tree is sending up new stems from the base. 

Maybe most surprising of all is that the Chinese tallow tree was considerably knocked back. Now, depending on how you feel about this tree you’ll either rejoice or be very sad. Many land owners, such as ranchers and foresters, are elated that so many Chinese tallow trees may have died. However beekeepers are mourning this season’s loss of a very large source of nectar for our local honey bees. 

I had friends who lost their Rosemary shrubs when I didn’t lose mine. That didn’t make any sense unless we remember the effects of a micro-climate. 

A micro-climate may exist in a landscape due to the northern or southern exposure to the sun. Also, the lower portion of a neighborhood may have been a couple of degrees colder than the homes up on a hill. Orchard growers know all about how cold air settles in a valley and plan which variety they plant in those locations accordingly. 

I’m still waiting on the outcome of my own camellia bush. A camellia to the side of our front yard looks dead, but when you examine it up close, you’ll find hints of new leaves trying to emerge and twigs that are still very much alive. 

We are smart to remind ourselves that there are two ways that we can measure cold weather. One such method is determined by our USDA plant hardiness zone. Every good gardener knows that we are in zone 8b. Zone 8b means that we are expected to have a minimum low of between 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit each winter. 

If you study the USDA cold hardiness map carefully, it is interesting that Angelina County almost directly follows a the outline of the northern limits of zone 8b. Our neighboring counties to the west, north, and east are all in zone 8a which is expected to have a minimum winter temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees F.

But just looking at the absolute minimum cold temperature does not indicate how long of a winter we might have. When choosing peach trees for example, every good peach grower knows that you have to look at the chilling hours . Chilling hours are a measure of the number of hours that we expect to have between 45 degrees and 32 degrees. 

While a peach tree may not care about the absolute minimum temperature that a region receives, it will certainly pay attention to the length of the cold weather before it decides to bloom and begin growing for the next year. 

Looking ahead, I believe that we can still trust the plant hardiness zone map and the wisdom of experienced gardeners in our area with plant selections. I think we should still plant fig trees, camellias, rosemary, and palm trees. But perhaps we should remember that wisdom is gained from the experiences we have. For all of us reading this today, we have the experience of one wicked winter week in February of 2021. 

SKY’S THE LIMIT, WNBA’s Chicago Sky Drafts Former AC Standout Mack

By
Gary Stallard
-
0

By now, Natasha Mack’s story of perseverance has become nearly legendary, with national news outlets sharing the tale of a young lady who returned to the game of basketball after walking away for a year and working in a chicken processing plant. Some of those outlets also shared how Mack as a third grader wrote in a class assignment that her dream was to one day play professional basketball.

            On Thursday, the outlets helped spread a different story: Mack, the former Lufkin High School and Angelina College standout, was the 16th overall pick in the WNBA draft. She will now pack her stories and talents and head to Chicago to play for the Sky. 

            With family and friends holding a private watch party inside Angelina College’s Shands Gymnasium – and on the same floor where Mack reignited her passion for the game – Mack waited and watched with the crowd as the draft unfolded on a large screen before them. Although early mock drafts had Mack listed among other first-round picks, the Sky waited until the second round to call Mack’s name. 

            No biggie. It won’t be the first time Mack has had to prove her value. 

            “I need to prove I should have been taken in the first round,” Mack said during her ESPN interview. “It’s as simple as that. That’s what I’m here to do.”

            After having AC coaches Byron Coleman and Randy McKelvey talk her into giving the game another shot, Mack proceeded to shatter numerous records during her two years at AC, including the records for points in a season (791), career points (1,471), rebounds, blocks and field-goal percentage. She was a four-time JUCO National Player of the Week, and was the first AC athlete to earn both 1st Team All-American status and the National Player of the Year award. 

            In her sophomore campaign, Mack led the Lady Roadrunners in 2018-2019 to the program’s first-ever appearance at the national tournament after AC won the Region XIV conference tournament. The team spent most of the year ranked in the top 20 nationally and established a record for wins in a season with 29. 

            At her next stop at Oklahoma State University, Mack led the nation in blocks in 2021 with 112 for the season, averaging a nation’s best 4.0 blocks per game. She eclipsed the 1,000-point mark at OSU and became just the second-ever Cowgirl to notch a triple-double in a game. Her efforts led to the coveted Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.

            Mack and her family won’t have long to celebrate. She reports to the team’s training bubble within the next week, and the Sky tips off its regular season on May 15 with a trip to face the Washington Mystics. 

            It sounds like a lot of traveling, but then again, Mack has shown she can handle just about any sort of journey. 

            “I’m glad a team wanted me and believed in me,” Mack said while adjusting her new Sky cap. “It’s time for me to go to work now.”

Governor Abbott Statement On Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

By
Luis Ruperto
-
0

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendation to pause all administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine:

“The State of Texas is working in tandem with the federal government and vaccine providers to temporarily pause all administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. While no cases of blood clots have been reported in Texas, we are taking the reports of rare adverse effects seriously and are working to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines administered in our state continue to be safe and effective. I urge Texans who do experience adverse reactions, such as severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccination, to contact their health care providers or call 2-1-1 to receive a referral for a health care provider. Vaccines are a crucial tool to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and remain the most effective way to combat the virus in our communities. I continue to encourage Texans who wish to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to sign up.”

1...323324325...759Page 324 of 759