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Governor Abbott Announces Fourth Week Of Save Our Seniors Initiative In 25 Counties

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the Texas Military Department (TMD) have confirmed 25 participating counties for the fourth week of the Save Our Seniors initiative. The Governor announced the Save Our Seniors program in Corpus Christi in February to ensure more seniors are vaccinated throughout the state. Previously, 26 counties participated in the first week and 34 counties participated in the second week of the initiative. Last week, 28 counties took part in the program. To date, 88 counties have participated in the program. 

“Thanks to the ongoing success of the Save Our Seniors program, more elderly Texans are being vaccinated than ever before,” said Governor Abbott. “We will continue to deploy state vaccination resources across Texas to reach more seniors and get more shots in arms.” 

TDEM and TMD will work alongside local jurisdictions to set up a central drive-through vaccine clinics in each community or administer directly to homebound seniors — these decisions will be driven by local officials as they identify vulnerable residents in their communities to participate in this program.

Counties participating in the fourth round of the program are Caldwell, Camp, Crockett, Delta, DeWitt, Duval, Fayette, Hidalgo, Hunt, Jim Hogg, Kimble, Llano, Lynn, Maverick, Milam, Montague, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Sherman, Starr, Titus, Tyler, Val Verde, and Zapata. 

In coordination with local and state partners, counties and cities have been selected based on recent data provided from DSHS related to the following factors:

  1. The state looked at the number of approved providers serving the area;
  2. The state took into account total allocations over the previous 12 weeks;
  3. The state utilized data showing the least vaccinated counties for both 65+ and 75+ administered doses;
  4. The state focused on allocating vaccine equitably across the state. 

Earlier today, DSHS announced that they have directed vaccine providers to prioritize people 80 years old or older when scheduling appointments and accommodate anyone in that age group who presents for vaccination, whether or not they have an appointment, by immediately moving them to the front of the line. That will ensure vaccination of anyone 80 or older with as small a burden on themselves as possible.

HHSC Updates Visitation Rules for Long-Term Care Facilities

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is expanding visitation statewide in nursing facilities and other long-term care settings, effective today. Per federal guidance issued March 10 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, fully vaccinated nursing facility residents are now allowed close, in-person visits with family members and friends who are not designated essential caregivers, as long as proper safeguards are in place.

“Safely visiting with family and friends is vital to the mental health and well-being of long-term care residents,” said Victoria Ford, HHS chief policy and regulatory officer. “We are so pleased these new rules will allow residents to enjoy in-person visits with a wider circle of loved ones.”

For nursing facilities, these updated visitation rules give providers additional flexibilities in accordance with the new federal guidelines.

While continuing to follow all protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including the wearing of face masks, Texas nursing facilities can now permit:

  • close/personal contact during any visitation for fully vaccinated residents.
  • outdoor visitation at all facilities, even when the facility has an outbreak.
  • up to two essential caregivers at the same time to visit a resident with any COVID-19 status.
  • all visitation without time limits, while adhering to infection prevention and control measures.
  • end-of-life visits for all residents regardless of their COVID-19 status in all nursing facilities, with an expanded definition of end-of-life visits that now includes all residents receiving hospice services; residents at or near the end of life, with or without hospice services; and residents whose prognosis does not indicate recovery.

Nursing facilities no longer need to:

  • request general visitation approval from HHSC.
  • monitor visits or escort visitors to and from the visitation area.
  • limit indoor visitation to areas with a plexiglass barrier or booth.
  • require documentation of a negative COVID-19 test result for essential caregiver or salon services visitors.

In addition to nursing facilities, HHSC expanded visitation allowed in assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, and Home and Community-based Services providers. The new rules also remove certain administrative requirements for providers, such as the rules to have staff monitor certain visits and escort visitors to and from a visiting area.

Click here to view the updated emergency rules for nursing facilities.

For more information about how HHSC is helping Texans affected by COVID-19, visit the HHSC website.

Governor Abbott Hosts Small Business Roundtable To Discuss COVID-19 Liability Legislation

By
Joshua Blackwell
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PHOTO: Office Of The Governor 3/22/21

Governor Greg Abbott today held a roundtable discussion with employees of Bison Coolers in Fort Worth. During the roundtable, the Governor discussed the importance of fostering a strong business climate, supporting the small business community in Texas, and the need for COVID-19 liability protections for businesses that operated safely throughout the pandemic. The Governor was also joined by Senator Kelly Hancock and Representative Jeff Leach, who have both filed legislation on COVID-related civil liability protections.

Earlier this year, the Governor named COVID-19 liability protections as an emergency item for the legislative session. These protections would ensure that businesses that took measures to comply with appropriate government guidance for mitigating the spread of the disease would not be liable if a person contracted COVID-19 on the premises of the business.

“Businesses and healthcare providers that operated safely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic shouldn’t have their livelihoods destroyed by frivolous lawsuits, which is why I made civil liability protections an emergency item this session,” said Governor Abbott. “Companies like Bison Coolers and their employees drive the Texas economy forward, and they need to know that the state of Texas has their back. Whether it is with COVID liability protections or other strategies, Texas will always support our small business community. When small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed, Texas succeeds.”

Oral Care Tips for Parents by the Ages

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Proper oral care is essential to overall wellness. Here are a few tips and strategies for each stage of your child’s development:

Teething

Even before your child’s first tooth appears, good oral care matters. While some discomfort is associated with teething, you can help alleviate it by being prepared. When it comes to teethers, look for smart designs, keeping in mind that a teether can only do its job if your baby can hold onto it. Check out new solutions, like the Not-Too-Cold-To-Hold Teether, which features a handle that stays room temperature while the gel-filled teethers are chilled to go to work. The teethers come in four specially designed shapes with different textures to massage and stimulate gums in the front and back and reach all new teeth types.

The American Dental Association recommends a dental visit within six months of the appearance of a child’s first tooth, so this is also a good time to find a pediatric dentist for your child and schedule an appointment.

Babies and Toddlers

“It’s important to instill good habits at a young age. Even when your child still has a gummy smile, you can introduce the brushing gesture and oral hygiene habits with a toothbrush,” says Dr. Misee Harris, a pediatric dentist based in Arkansas. “One good option I like to recommend to parents is the Frida Baby Grow-With-Me Training Toothbrush Set because it’s designed specifically for this purpose with it’s triple angle bristles.”

Dr. Harris points out that the set contains both a training toothbrush for babies to provide sore gum relief and basic brushing training, as well as a training toothbrush for toddlers that helps continue to build good brushing habits and nurture their growing independence with your help. To learn more, visit fridababy.com.

“Making brushing fun and efficient is key when getting little ones to enjoy and engage in oral hygiene,” according to Dr. Harris.

Elementary-Aged Kids

By this age, kids should be well on their way to proper brushing techniques and oral care habits. Encourage them to keep up the good work by giving them a bit of control and independence. Let them select their own toothbrush and toothpaste, and help them create a routine that aligns with their dentist’s recommendations.

This is also a good time to instill good nutrition habits, as this can play a big role in oral hygiene. Indeed, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So try to make snacks and beverages with added sugars more of a special treat than part of your child’s daily diet. Also, be sure to include plenty of foods that build strong teeth and gums.

Through each age and stage of your child’s development, you can play an important role in helping foster a healthy smile.

4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Bug Season

By
Statepoint
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Spring is the official start to bug season, making it important to prepare your home. Here are four steps you can take you keep bugs at bay:

  1. Do a spot check: Check window and door screens for tears to prevent flying bugs from getting in the home and make repairs where necessary. Also, take a quick look around for areas with standing water and try to eliminate them. Standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos. Lastly, even the sturdiest garbage bags can’t entirely prevent leaks and spills, and over time, your trash bins can begin to accumulate residue inside and around the rim. Bugs, especially flies, love leftovers, so give your garbage cans a thorough rinse.
  2. Be ready: Put an effective pest control product in your shopping cart early in the season so you’re ready when you see the first sign of bugs in your home. If you see one cockroach, chances are there are more hiding in nooks and crannies. It’s hard to put a pin on how many, but an old saying is that for everyone you do see, there are 10 more you don’t. Striking at the first sign of ants or roaches can help you avoid big problems down the line, as these insects can multiply very quickly. One solid choice is Zevo Instant Action Bug Killer Spray. Zevo’s BioSelective Technology targets and shuts down biological pathways found in bugs, not in people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Zevo is now available nationwide at The Home Depot and Target, and online at zevoinsect.com.
  3. Protect your trees: Prepare for the upcoming visit of the 17-year cicadas. In many parts of the country, billions of cicadas will swarm and the females will scrape small twigs to lay their eggs under the bark. Protect small and vulnerable trees (ones that are under 4 or 5 feet tall) with cheesecloth to spare them from attack.
  4. Keep an eye on pets. Pets are liable to gobble up large helpings of dead cicadas. While not toxic, too many cicadas could cause some digestive issues for furry friends. Help keep them healthy by watching what they eat!

During the spring season, it is necessary to take steps both to keep bugs out, and to be ready if they do invade.

Easing Students’ Anxieties as They Return to the Classroom

By
Statepoint
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When it comes to the emotional well-being of students post-pandemic, a new study reveals that teachers expect significant challenges when schools make a full return to in-person learning.

The study, commissioned by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), the world leader in de-escalation training, shows that 84% of teachers say student trauma, mental health issues and increased anxiety are their biggest concerns with full classroom re-entry.

“Many of those in school communities have faced adversity and trauma, ranging from upended routines to home isolation and loss of family members. Simply restarting school won’t erase the aftereffects,” says Susan Driscoll, president of CPI.

In many cases, the past year has simply exacerbated issues that predate COVID-19. It’s estimated that prior to the pandemic, nearly half of all students in the U.S. had experienced some form of trauma, according to the nonprofit research organization, WestEd.

Driscoll says that while the federal government’s COVID CARES Act will provide essential financial support at the district level, at the individual level, families and teachers are in a position to help make the transition as smooth and successful as possible. “Ideally, all individuals in a student’s life will be aligned in helping them prepare for their return to school,” she says.

Having trained more than 15 million individuals over four decades in its techniques, CPI is lending its unique knowledge during this transitional period. Here are some of the organization’s top tips for teachers and parents who are busy making preparations for the return to in-person learning:

• Create a good learning environment: Classrooms should be well-organized and structured, but also welcoming to reestablish a familiar routine.

• Listen empathetically: Offer your undivided attention, then provide thoughtful, nonjudgmental feedback.

• Rebuild trust: In a recent survey by the American Federation of Teachers and the New York Life Foundation, only 15% of educators said they feel very comfortable addressing students’ emotional needs caused or intensified by the coronavirus outbreak. While teachers may feel a bit unprepared in this area, making it clear to students that sharing their feelings and concerns is appreciated and encouraged will go a long way.

• Acknowledge your own anxiety: Take the time to understand the reasons you are feeling anxious and seek a positive outlet.

Additionally, CPI has created educator-specific supplemental content to its Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training. That training, which is approved for stimulus related federal funding via the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, will focus specifically on recognizing the stages of an escalating crisis, as well as learning evidence-based techniques to appropriately de-escalate. During its 40-year history, CPI has trained more than 55,000 educators worldwide in non-violent crisis techniques that assist with de-escalating and managing heightened school situations. To learn more, visit crisisprevention.com/About-Us.

Opening the doors is only step one in returning students to the classroom. As the pandemic eases, parents and teachers will also need to actively address a year’s worth of isolation and anxiety.

Brookelyn Powell Showing Her First Hog at the Angelina County Youth Fair

By
Cary Sims
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Brookelyn Powell showing her first hog at the Angelina County Youth Fair

Friday morning, March 26th at 8 am in the pavilion of the George H Henderson Exposition Center in Lufkin, Brookelyn Powell will be competing against 66 other exhibitors in the market hog show. It is the Angelina County Fair and Brookelyn has been preparing for months.

Brookelyn attends Diboll Jr High and is active in the Diboll 4-H club. Her family includes her mom and dad, Amber and Clay Powell, sisters Abigail Powell and Ashley Husband, and brothers Trevor Powell and James McEntire. In addition to raising livestock, she says she likes to paint and draw.

This is her first year to show a hog and her second year to show rabbits. Brookelyn states, “I chose to show rabbits because it has been a family tradition for many generations.” When asked why she chose to show a pig, this sweet junior high student said, “I like hogs and they taste good too!”

Brookelyn named her hog “Oddball” and raising and showing ‘Oddball’ requires dedication, hard work and a little luck. Selecting a good animal, providing good facilities, developing a sound feeding and health program, learning showmanship and paying attention to details every day are all important.

Pigs raised for this year’s show were entered and received an ear tag in December. From that point until the hog show on Friday morning, March 27, families have been carefully feeding and raising their project.

Exhibitors usually select their animals when the pigs are 8 to 10 weeks old and weigh from 40 to 80 pounds. The challenge is to try to predict what that feeder pig will look like at market weight, which is about 250 pounds or 6 months of age.

Brookelyn me her best memory is when “my pig Oddball climbed up my back and started trying to eat my hair.”

Once at home, pigs are given prime attention. The most important nutrient is clean water. Checking the water is a daily task. Nutrients and feed intake are monitored closely and there is lots of competition among feed companies to provide the best blended feed to raise a champion.

Brookelyn says her hardest part is, “trying to give my pig a bath because he does not like the water.”

Exhibitors will practice walking them with a “bat” or “whip” which they use to tap on the shoulders to gently direct which way the hogs will walk in the show ring.

Hogs may weigh no less than 230 lbs. and no more than 280 lbs. at the official weigh-in. Entries that fail to meet these weights will be disqualified.

The Angelina County Fair allows exhibitors to show either a barrow (castrated male) or gilt (young female). If you watch the show, you will notice that gilts are heavily favored in the competition and, as such, are shown by most everyone.

Her mom, Amber, says her children have been showing in the Angelina County Fair for the last five years. She said, “I think Brookelyn has benefitted most from learning about responsibility and accountability for something other than herself. I wish other families knew that being a part of a 4-H/FFA club can help you children make new friends and help learn lifelong lessons.”

Amber adds, “I wish people knew how much time and effort our kids put into their animals and projects. I also want people to know how rewarding it is for a child to raise and be responsible for an animal and that the bond they share with that animal is incredible to witness. It’s not about winning it’s about the experiences the encounter and the lessons they learn along the way.”

After the judge determines his placing, only the top 48 hogs will be sold at auction starting at 4 pm on Saturday, March 27.

Looking way ahead, Brookelyn has plans. “In the future I want to go to college to be a teacher, and I want to live on a farm with lots of animals.” For more information about this year’s Fair, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.

AG Paxton Sues La Quinta BCB for Price Gouging During 2021 Winter Storm

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Everyoung Hospitality LLC, d/b/a La Quinta San Antonio Brook City Base, accusing them of price gouging during the February 2021 winter storm emergency. While more than 300,000 Bexar County residents suffered without power and heat during the coldest days of the storm, La Quinta BCB charged exorbitant prices for rooms, including nearly three times its normal rates.    

“This gross exploitation of Texans in dire need of shelter during historic low temperatures will not be tolerated,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Companies looking to profit from this tragic event that left millions of Texans without power or water will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.”  

In one instance, a man, his three daughters, and 101-year-old grandmother booked two rooms for a one-night stay at La Quinta BCB. Upon arrival, the family told hotel staff that they did not know when their power would be restored, and made plans to possibly extend their stay. On the third day, they were told that the room rates had nearly tripled, jumping from $74 a night to $199 a night. When asked why, La Quinta BCB said there was a huge demand for rooms, and if the family did not want the rooms, someone else would pay the exorbitant rate.  

Texans who believe they’ve encountered a scam or price gouging should call the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Hotline toll-free at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/file-a-consumer-complaint.  

View the lawsuit here. 

Bearing Down – Roadrunner Men’s Basketball Sponsors Elementary Class for Event

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College head men’s basketball coach Nick Wade (back row, right) poses with Brandon Elementary School principal Pam McClendon (back, left) and some third-grade Brandon Bears showing off their Bear claws. Wade and the Roadrunners sponsored the class for the upcoming Touch a Truck event sponsored by the Junior League of Lufkin. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)

A third-grade class from Brandon Elementary School in Lufkin will have an opportunity to play around with some heavy machinery while enjoying several other activities, thanks to Angelina College head men’s basketball coach Nick Wade and his Roadrunner program.

Wade and the team have sponsored those Bears from Brandon for Saturday’s “Touch a Truck” event sponsored by the Junior League of Lufkin.

“Since we weren’t able to have a basketball season because of COVID this year, [Brandon principal) Pam McClendon has allowed me to become part of her team this year and fill the void,” Wade said. “I’ve been working with these third graders most of the time, and I wanted to show some appreciation from our men’s basketball team.

“We sponsored their wrist bands, so all the kids can attend the event for free and have a good time with their families.”

From the Junior League official web site:

“Touch a Truck is a FREE event that provides a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types including public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, delivery, and more! Children will be allowed to touch their favorite vehicles, get behind the wheel, and meet the people who help to build, protect, and serve our community. Live music and food trucks will also be part of the day’s entertainment. We have wristbands available for kids for $5 that includes face painting, bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides and games!”

The event takes place on Saturday, March 20 in Lufkin.

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

ROAD CLOSURES SCHEDULED AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Work at two Lufkin railroad crossings on Saturday and Monday will require the closure of the roadways at the crossings located at a busy Lufkin intersection.

Union Pacific Railroad has scheduled work for Saturday, March 20, and again on Monday, March 22, at the railroad crossings located at FM 324/FM 819 outside SL 287 and Southwood Drive/Feagin Drive inside SL 287. The crossings are located beneath SL 287 in Lufkin and will not impact traffic on the loop.

Work will begin on the west side of SL 287 on Saturday, the 20th and move inside the loop to the east side on the 22nd. This area does experience heavy traffic during peak travel hours. Motorists are urged to choose alternate routes during scheduled work days.

Road Safe Traffic Systems, Pflugerville TX, will provide traffic control during work hours. Motorists are urged to obey all traffic control and reduce speed near the work zones.

For closures and conditions statewide, visit drivetexas.org. For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

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