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Central High Senior Hayley Eldridge Shows Heifer at the Angelina County Youth Fair

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Friday afternoon on March 26 at 2 pm is the show time for heifers at the Angelina County Fair held in the George H Henderson Exposition Center in Lufkin. For Hayley Eldridge, it will be her last time to show in the County Fair.

Hayley Eldridge is a senior at Central High school and active in both the Angelina County 4-H program and Central FFA. Her parents are Christi Grandgeorge and Trey Grandgeorge. She currently serves as the Central 4-H Club President, the County 4-H Council President, and as an Executive County Ambassador. In FFA, she serves as the Central FFA President, as well as the Area 9 FFA 3rd Vice President. Active in the Chianina cattle breed association, she is the Presiding Chianina Queen for Texas.

Hayley has participated in the Angelina County Fair since she was six years old, showing as the Pee-Wee show. Cattle is not her only project. Like so many other youth, she has participated in a wide variety of competitions. She has shown goats for 13 years, entered Arts and Crafts for 4 years, and began showing heifers for the last 5 years. Hayley says, “My whole family has shown goats since I was born, I started showing heifers because of opportunities presented by many people in the county. This year I am competing in public speaking, art &crafts, and the breeding heifer show.”

The beef heifer show is sponsored by Polk Land & Cattle. Heifers are divided into classes by breed, then further divided by age. Heifers are judged first on their ability to calve and raise more calves. As such, they will be judged on body conformation, skeletal structure, and muscling, all of which are highly heritable traits to their offspring.

When asked about her best memory of her days at the fair, she says, “The best memory I have from the Fair is the night of the auction each year.” After the work is done, she and friends get the pitching washer boards set up, and a small fire is built for all the kids to gather around. “We play music and dance and just hang out and have a good time for the last night of the County Fair.”

Along with so many others from last year, she says her most difficult time of her years of showing livestock was last year when Covid cancelled everything. Hayley states, “While it was necessary during the pandemic, it was heartbreaking. Not being able to show projects and interact with the people around the county fair was hard.”

Her mom Christi says, “The Angelina County Fair has been a part of my family since I was a little girl. Our family members have shown various livestock projects, built Ag Mechanic projects, participated in public speaking, cooked food, and created arts and crafts. There are only a few divisions we haven’t tried.”

Her mom continues, “There are so many life lessons that can be learned from raising and creating projects. The two most important life lessons that I think Hayley has learned are responsibility and leadership. Being responsible for another life that cannot fend for itself can be very humbling. Early

morning feeding times, late nights watching over sick projects, proper grooming, and healthcare are just a few of the responsibilities she has taken on with each of her projects.”

“Leadership skills she has learned were not born, they were created and grown,” says Christi, “She has learned that true leadership is developed by following in the steps of leaders that came before, by knowing when to lead, when to listen, and when to help others.”

Coming from a family that has been a part of the Fair for generations, mom adds, “One of the most important facts about the Angelina County Fair is that there is a project or division for everyone. The Fair promotes all aspects of the phrase ‘From Farm to Table’, but most do not understand the larger meaning behind it. It is not just about feeding families with what we grow or raise, it is setting that table and making a Home, ‘a Home.’ There are of course animal projects, but there are also food & nutrition, arts and crafts (wood, metal, and textiles), public speaking, photography, and ag mechanics.”

Bragging about the Fair, Christi said, “The fair is not only for the youth to have a platform to compete and participate. It is also the year-end goal for families that want to make memories, learn, grow, and have fun together through 4-H and FFA clubs.”

Looking way ahead, Hayley plans to attend Angelo State University in west Texas this fall. This talented and busy young lady says she is going to major in Ag-Economics and Minor in Agribusiness. For more information about this year’s Fair, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.

3 Easy Design Tips to Deep Clean and Organize Your Kitchen

By
Statepoint
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Over the last year, our kitchens have become a place where we prep for an important presentation, help with schoolwork, cook meals together and laugh with friends at a virtual party.

All this time in the kitchen can also mean it becomes the catch-all room for everything and everyone, making now the perfect time to create a functional space where items are easily accessible and organized with your routine in mind. From your refrigerator to that messy junk drawer, follow these DIY kitchen organization tips to revamp and refresh this part of your home.

Design an easy-to-use (and clean) layout. Cooking at home more? You’ll want to clean and organize your fridge to make snack time and meal prep easier. Start by removing every item from shelves and drawers and toss any items that have expired. Once it’s completely empty, give your fridge a deep clean, especially in those sticky back corners.

Before you return the items, place a water-resistant liner like Clear Classic EasyLiner on the shelves to add an extra layer of protection. Its smooth surface makes cleaning up a breeze when there are leaks and spills. Think about your most-used items, like snacks and veggies, and place them toward the front so they are easy to see and grab. Storing these foods using clear, labeled containers will help you track inventory and keep food neatly in order.

Upgrade your backsplash. Tired of white walls in the background of your virtual work call? One easy and affordable way to instantly elevate the look of your kitchen is to decorate with removable wallpaper or DIY peel-and-stick vinyl.

From polka dot to vinyl wood, choose a pattern that speaks to you. Then, stick the adhesive vinyl to a kitchen surface—the side of a kitchen island, the wall behind the sink or cabinet panels. Once you’re ready to switch things up, they peel off easily, so you’ll be ready to go for a different look! Another tried and true option to brighten walls is paint. Use a quality painter’s tape to tape off a design you love, then paint over it. Peel back the tape to reveal a DIY design you’ll adore.

Create a clutter-less junk drawer. Everyone has that one, or even two, drawers in their kitchen that house random items that accumulate over time. Master unwanted mess and add functionality and style to your junk drawer with a little organization.

First, pull everything out of the drawer and toss anything that’s broken or you simply no longer need. Next, line the area with Original Grip EasyLiner to keep your mail, important notes and utensils in the right place while protecting the surface from scratches. Once you’ve purged, add small compartments and drawer organizers to give the misfits of the kitchen a proper home.

If you have limited space, use a wall-mount storage rack or over-the-cabinet organizer to free up drawer space and keep items within easy reach.

For additional tips or to find the right organizational solutions, try the EasyLiner Guide or visit DuckBrand.com.

Once you’ve completed these simple tips and tricks in the kitchen, you’ll feel refreshed and organized to take on the day.

Making Daylight Saving Time Work for You

By
Statepoint
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Daylight Saving Time (DST) is here, which means you are operating on a brand new schedule. Unfortunately, time changes can cause many negative physical and mental effects on the body — and be a logistical nuisance to boot! To make DST work for you, consider the following tips:

• Wind down in the evening: A good night’s sleep can help you power through anything. A few hours before bed, avoid anything that wires you. This includes that post-dinner cup of joe, high-intensity workouts and blue light from electronic devices. Good alternatives? Caffeine-free herbal tea, yin yoga and curling up with a great book.

• Set dual alarms: Most people think that alarms are just for mornings, but you can use them to remind you when it’s time to go to bed too. The many features of Pro Trek watches make them a good choice of a tool for sticking to your schedule. Plus, keeping your watch bedside, instead of your phone, can help you avoid messing with your shuteye by mindlessly scrolling right before light’s out.

• Get to bed on time: DST, plus longer days, can make it tempting to stay up late. As much as possible, try to keep your bedtime consistent, especially on the weekdays.

• Get more sunlight: Reap the benefits of sunlight and exercise in conjunction with one another for a powerful pick-me-up and mood booster. This will help you combat any negative mental effects associated with the new hours. Whether it’s a short jaunt or a long hike, equip yourself with wearable tech that offers everything you need to navigate the terrain, such as a Pro Trek watch, that offers an altimeter, barometer, thermometer and compass sensors.

With a few simple strategies, you can help avoid any DST woes for a healthy, happy start to the season.

Prevent the Spread of Oak Wilt in Texas this Spring

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, killing millions of trees in 76 counties of Central, North and West Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to help stop the spread of oak wilt by avoiding pruning or wounding oak trees from February through June.

“This native fungus has been affecting oaks for decades in Texas; prevention and early detection are vital to stop the spread,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator, Demian Gomez.

Oak wilt spreads easiest in the spring because of high fungal mat production, high insect populations and the high susceptibility to disease for oaks. In the spring, red oaks that died of the disease last summer and fall may produce spore mats under the bark. With a fruity smell, these mats attract small, sap-feeding beetles that can later fly to a fresh wound of any oak tree and infect it, starting a new oak wilt center.

Any new wound can be an entry point for infection including those produced by pruning, construction activities, livestock, land or “cedar” clearing, lawnmowers, string trimmers and storms. To decrease the attractiveness of fresh wounds to insects, always paint wounds on oaks, no matter the time of the year.

Oak wilt is often detected by yellow to brown veins in leaves of infected live oak trees. During the spring, evergreen oak trees will shed their old leaves, while simultaneously growing new leaves. Oak wilt foliar symptoms are different from this seasonal transition in that they affect every leaf. For red oaks, pale young green or brown leaves can be observed during the spring in infected trees.

All oaks are susceptible to oak wilt disease. However, red oaks are most susceptible and can die in as little as one month after being infected. Live oaks show intermediate susceptibility but because of their interconnected root systems, they can move the disease easily. White oaks are the least susceptible, but they are not immune to infection.

While red oaks play a key role in the establishment of new disease centers, live oaks and white oaks can also move the oak wilt through root grafts. Prevention is key, but early detection is crucial to limiting the spread of oak wilt.

It is critical to avoid pruning oaks at this time of year to prevent the spread of oak wilt, and should only be considered if there are immediate safety concerns.

The recent winter storm caused significant ice damage across Texas, and oak trees were not an exception.

“Wounds created by the ice storm are no longer fresh and do not need to be painted; however, any new wounds created during cleanup must be painted immediately,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Biologist, Robert Edmonson.

For more information on ice damage and oak wilt, visit Ice Damage and Oak Wild.

Some cities and municipalities, including Austin, the City of Lakeway, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Round Rock, have oak wilt programs in place with municipal foresters dedicated to managing the disease. Texans can also contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service representative with any questions about this devastating disease.

For more information on oak wilt identification and management, visit https://texasoakwilt.org/ or Texas A&M Forest Service’s website at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/. 

My five cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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Twenty-seven of my colleagues and I signed a letter to the Public Utility Commission this week urging them to correct the billing errors related to last month’s winter storm. According to the Independent Market Monitor, ERCOT allowed emergency pricing to continue for almost a day and a half longer than necessary, resulting in $3.2 billion in overbilled charges. Correcting these billing mistakes is a critical step in reforming the system.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Senate Bills 5 and 15 referred to Senate Transportation Committee

Last week, Senate Bills 5 and 15 were referred to the Senate Transportation Committee that I chair. I filed these two bills and they’ve been designated as priority bills by the Lt. Governor. Senate Bill 5 relates to the creation of a state broadband office and expanding broadband access across the state. Broadband access was also deemed an emergency item by the governor. Senate Bill 15 relates to personal data privacy protection and is referred to as the Texas Consumer Privacy Act Phase I. This bill would ensure that certain state agencies that have access to your personal data cannot sell that data to third parties and would prevent anyone who has access to the data from re-selling it. Getting bills referred is an important step in moving these two critical pieces of legislation through the legislature. Now that they’ve been referred, the committee set a time next week for a public hearing. If they pass out of committee, then they’ll be heard by the entire Senate.

2. Bill filing deadline eminent

Friday March 12 marks the 60th day of the legislative session, which is the last day members can file new legislation. The only exceptions are for local bills and bills that relate to an emergency item set by the governor. This bill filing deadline marks an important turning point in session. Now, once bills are heard and voted out of committee, the Senate as a whole may begin voting on and passing legislation out of the chamber. As bills start to move, the pace of session accelerates and important decisions about pending legislation will be made. If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, please reach out to one of my offices to let us know your thoughts.

3. TPWD seeking public comment on statewide hunting regulation proposals

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently released their new statewide hunting regulation proposals for the 2021-2022 hunting seasons. One of the proposed changes is removing the prohibition on trailing wounded deer with dogs in Angelina, Hardin, Nacogdoches, Orange, Shelby, and Tyler counties. Additionally, it would allow for the trailing of wounded deer with no more than two dogs on a leash in Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties. The new regulations would also add crossbows to the definition of lawful archery equipment, among other provisions. Currently, TPWD is seeking public comment on these changes. The online comment portal closes March 24.

4. Operation Lone Star launched by the state to address situation at the southern border

Texas Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s office launched Operation Lone Star this month to combat the smuggling of people and drugs across our southern border into Texas. DPS officers will be integrated with Texas National Guard troops that will deploy to key areas that are considered high threats for smuggling activity. Air, ground, marine, and tactical border security assets will all be used in the effort. This move comes on the heels of a surge in immigrants at the border, especially in unaccompanied minors, in the past four months due at least in part to the Biden administration relaxing immigration policies the Trump administration had in place. With an increase in border crossings, both legal and illegal, the governor declared the situation a crisis.

5. TEA releases guidance for schools after mask mandate lifted, announces extension of hold harmless

The Texas Education Agency released guidance for school districts last week following the governor’s executive order ending the mask mandate and other business restrictions in the state. School districts may continue their current health and safety protocols unless their local school board votes to proceed otherwise, which they now have the full authority to do.

The state also extended the hold harmless provision for school districts. That means the state will fully fund school districts even if they have seen a drop in student attendance during the pandemic. Instead, they’ll be funded on the number of students who attended before the pandemic began.

ROAD CLOSURE SCHEDULED IN NACOGDOCHES

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Road work. Orange traffic cones in the middle of the street.

Motorists traveling the south side of Nacogdoches will experience a road closure for up to two weeks that is part of the US 59/SL 224 flyover upgrade construction project.

Old Lufkin Road at SL 224 in Nacogdoches is scheduled for closure March 15-29, but the closure could continue into the following week as contractors work to place a 16-inch water line. The closure is set for day and night hours. Detours and traffic control will be in place throughout the work area.

The closure is necessary since the current water line crossing and tie-in is located about 8-feet into the existing road bed of Old Lufkin Road. Detours will be in place directing local traffic to West Spradley or the south end of Old Lufkin Road. Motorists are urged to use the southern-most end of Old Lufkin Road to enter and exit because of ongoing construction and heavy traffic in the Spradley Street area during peak travel hours. Work will be completed within two weeks, weather permitting.

“We understand the inconvenience to residents during this closure, but it is necessary to facilitate the construction of the new water line and move the construction project forward,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “This construction project is progressing well and there is a lot going on through the area. Safety is our top priority and we want everyone to stay alert.”

Motorists should stay alert for detour signs and message boards alerting them to the closure. Reduce speed near the work zone and obey all traffic control. Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present.

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

HHSC Offers Services to Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injuries

By
Joshua Blackwell
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As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is recognizing brain injury survivors who are thriving with help from the agency’s Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services program.

The CRS program serves Texans who have experienced traumatic brain injuries in various situations including car and motorcycle crashes, slips and falls, sports-related concussions, violence, and explosions. The most common issues associated with brain injuries are memory loss, delayed speech, emotional issues, and impaired sight, hearing and mobility.

“We serve individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and we get to know them as people so we can figure out what their lives were like before their injuries and what their goals are for recovery,” said CRS Counselor Melanie Roth. “From there, we are able to create a plan that’s tailored to their individual needs. We become advocates for them during this process and celebrate their successes as they achieve their goals.”

HHSC’s Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services program connects survivors to the resources and services they need to recover and become more independent. The needs of each survivor vary based on the nature of their brain injury, so counselors with CRS collaborate with them and their families to create a recovery plan that addresses their specific issues.

Some of the services and resources that brain injury survivors receive include physical and occupational therapy, psychiatric treatment, speech therapy, employment assistance and support groups.

“With the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services program, I’ve been able to receive help from a neurologist and therapist, as well as be part of support groups with people who have similar injuries as me,” said Mark Edwards, a CRS program participant. “The encouragement from doctors and the support group helped me move forward and push through my services. I’m proud of myself for coming as far as I have.”

Edwards suffered a brain injury after a car hit him while he was crossing the street on his way to class at a community college in 2019. He has been receiving services to regain his motor skills and deal with the emotional trauma from his accident.

“CRS is a fully moldable program that can help address your specific issues. It’s not a one-size-fits-all program,” said Jaclyn Chadwick, who participated in the program after surviving a shooting and becoming partially paralyzed and blind in 2017. “They identify your deficits and problem areas and look at specific options for you to help resolve those and gain your independence.”

Chadwick received occupational and physical therapy through the CRS program and is now able to walk, drive and hold conversations again.

More than 380,000 Texans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year. To learn more about brain injuries and treatment strategies, join HHSC’s free virtual conference and webinar series throughout the month of March.

Governor Abbott Reappoints Polk To Texas State Soil And Water

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Carl Ray Polk, Jr. to the Soil and Water Conservation Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2023. The board administers Texas’ soil and water conservation law, and coordinates conservation and pollution abatement programs throughout the state. 

Carl Ray Polk, Jr. of Lufkin is a partner with Corner Capital Advisors, LLC. In addition, he is an owner and operator of Polk Land & Cattle Co. in Angelina and Houston Counties. He is a board member of Texas Food and Fuel Association and former chairman of the board of CHI St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital Lufkin. He is the Second Vice President and serves on the executive committee of Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, while also serving on the Board of The Texas Wildlife Association. Additionally, he is the former board chairman of Angelina County Expo Center, board member of Angelina County Fair, and a committee member of the Private Landowners Advisory Committee at Texas Parks and Wildlife. Polk attended Kilgore College and The University of Texas at Austin and completed the Mergers and Acquisition Program from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. 

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Governor Abbott Reappoints Jasper’s Edeska Barnes, Jr. to Texas Juvenile Justice Board

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Edeska Barnes, Jr., Lisa Jarrett, Ann Lattimore, and Wes Ritchey for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. The board is charged with developing and implementing rules to govern the department, executive director and staff, and to establish the mission and set goals for the department to emphasize keeping youth in home communities while balancing rehabilitative needs with public safety.

Edeska Barnes, Jr. of Jasper is the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for the First Judicial District Juvenile Probation Department. He is on the board of directors of Deep East Texas Council of Government, serves as a member of the Prairie View College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology Advisory Board and is a facilitator for the New Chiefs Development Program for Correctional Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State University. He has also served on the board of directors for the Texas Probation Association. Barnes received a Bachelor of Science from Lamar University.

Lisa Jarrett of San Antonio is Judge of the 436th District Court. She is currently the vice chair of the board, a member of Friends of Communities in Schools, and fellow of the San Antonio Bar Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation. Jarrett received a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

Ann Lattimore of Cedar Park with 25 years in the educational field as a teacher and school Director took her leadership skills into the corporate world as the Chief Operating Officer for Excelsior Enterprise. She is a volunteer Assistant Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Lattimore received a Bachelor of Science from Baylor University and Master of Arts in Interior Design from the SDC School of Design in Milan, Italy.

Wes Ritchey of Dalhart is the County Judge of Dallam County, and was appointed Chair of the board by Governor Abbott in 2018. He is a member of the Texas Association of Counties and the Panhandle County Judge & Commissioners Association and volunteers for the Dallam County 4-H and the Dalhart Area Child Care Center as Board President. Ritchey received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Governor Abbott Names ERCOT Billing Error Correction As Emergency Item

By
Lee Allen Miller
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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott tonight declared the correction of any billing errors related to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) as an emergency item for the 87th Legislative Session. The emergency item includes any inaccurate excessive charges and any issues regarding ancillary service prices.

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