Home Blog Page 333

Lady Roadrunners Sign Chicago-area Prospect Cobbs Versatile Defender, Rebounder Perfect Fit for Team Scheme

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Angelina College head women’s basketball coach Byron Coleman has said his focus in 2021 will be getting back to what makes his teams so dangerous: Havoc-wreaking defense. It’s been a hallmark of every Coleman team since he first took over the program.

He added a big piece of his defensive game plan with the addition of Jayiona Cobbs, an extremely athletic and versatile player from Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights (IL) who recently signed her letter of intent to join the lady Roadrunners in the fall of 2021.

“Coming off our last season in 2019, our team wasn’t as good defensively as we want to be,” Coleman said. “We weren’t as good in man-to-man, and we played a lot of zone. Our kids excelled at the zone, and we did what we had to do to fit the team, but we’ve got to get back to being able to play more man-to-man, apply pressure and get into those passing zones to help create turnovers.

“That’s where Jayiona comes into play. She’ll be a perfect fit in our defensive scheme.”

The 5’9” Cobbs possesses the overall length and wing span to block passing lanes and shutdown opposing scorers. Over her first two seasons of high school basketball, she focused more on defense and rebounding; after the pandemic canceled her junior season, Cobbs returned for her senior campaign with a renewed focus on scoring, averaging 15 points per game this past season.

Cobbs has also shown the ability to play multiple positions – another reason Coleman sees her making an immediate impact.

“Jayiona’s played three different positions on the court, from the 1 to the 3,” Coleman said. “We need to be a little more versatile as a team than we’ve been over the past year or two, and Jayiona is going to help us get there. She’s got length and athleticism, and she’s very smooth in the open court.”

Cobbs, who visited the AC campus in January, said her decision came down to rapport with her future head coach.

“I based my decision on the relationship I built with Coach Coleman, along with his reputation for developing players to prepare them for the next level,” Cobbs said. “Another reason for choosing AC is because I feel that here, I’ll have a chance to become more versatile on the offensive side and not feel limited to one position.

“I know Angelina College has been the national championship tournament and always makes the playoffs, and I know they got the short end of the stick with the pandemic, so I’m really excited about helping bring the program back to its previous success.”

Cobbs credited her high school coach Lauren Foster with developing a mindset geared toward versatility.

“Coach (Foster) told me not to limit myself to one thing, and that I should learn all the positions on the floor to maximize playing time,” Cobbs said.

Cobbs’ mindset combined with the skill set has Coleman seeing big things in store for his future Lady ‘Runner.

“We definitely need that lockdown defender and the kid who finds ways to stay involved in the game, and not just with scoring,” Coleman said. “Jayiona’s going to continue to add to that equation for us.

“I see in Jayiona a young player with the potential to leave Angelina College as a Division I basketball player,” Coleman added. “As long as her game continues to mature on the floor, the sky’s the limit for her.”

Cobbs is the daughter of Andrea and James Cobbs.

Angelina County & Cities Health District Launch Online Registration for COVID-19 Vaccine

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0
Photo Credit: Angelina County & Cities Health District

COVID-19 Vaccine is currently being distributed in a phased approach based on the recommendation of the Department of State Health Services and the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel.There are providers in Angelina, Polk and San Augustine counties that have the ability to store and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.We hope to begin holding more vaccination clinics soon at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin.

The Deep East Texas area launched an online platform for the public to sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The online registration includes qualification questions to determine if you meet the criteria to be vaccinated at this time.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

It will take time for Texas’ vaccine supply to meet the demand, so we are not guaranteed a set number of doses each week. We are working together with the East Texas medical community and local government officials to get people in priority populations vaccinated first.

  • Phase 1A- Healthcare workers
  • Phase 1B- 65 or older
  • Phase 1B- 18 yrs old and older with chronic medical conditions that increase your risk for severe COVID-19 illness
  • School Employee/Staff, Licensed Childcare and Head Start Employee/Staff

For more information on COVID-19 and the Texas COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, please visit: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

State agencies have designated Angelina County as a vaccination hub, which means Angelina County will receive a supply of the COVID-19 vaccine every week. Please call the Coronavirus Call Center for information: (936) 630-8500, 8 am–4 pm, Monday-Friday.

Please do not call Angelina County & Cities Health District’s main number for COVID-19 testing or vaccination information as we are assisting other community members with direct healthcare services.

Read more at Angelina County & Cities Health District.

Graduating Your Child to Their Own Digital Device? What to Know

By
Statepoint
-
0

With kids and teens spending more time online than ever these days due to social distancing guidelines and remote-learning, you may feel the time is now to graduate them to their very own device.

However, as a result of all that additional screen time, families should be doubly sure that kids use their devices safely and responsibly. After the excitement of the new device settles, consider these tips:

• Driver’s safety: While no one should ever text and drive, newer drivers need to be especially mindful of the road and the operation of their vehicle. Have a serious discussion about distracted driving. Cell phone usage was responsible for 12 percent of moderate-to-severe crashes of teen drivers studied by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 2015.

• Extend the device’s life: Let’s face it, devices are highly breakable and easily lost. Extend the life of your child’s device by ensuring it is accompanied by a protective case and warranty. Talk to your child about what to do if the device gets wet, and have a backup plan for the event it’s lost and your child needs to reach you. Installing a location monitoring app can help you locate the device in a pinch.

• Set ground rules. A few ground rules can help ensure your child uses their new device responsibly. These rules may involve schedules for when the device can be used for purposes unrelated to school, as well as limits on what apps and sites your child can access. Talk to your kids about such topics as healthy digital habits, the need for screen-free time each day, and how and why to report cyberbullying and other inappropriate or abusive online behavior.

• Make your rules stick. In so many areas of parenting, creating rules is easier than getting your child to follow them. However, a parental guidance app can help make your digital rules effective. For example, OurPact allows you to remotely set up automated schedules for when internet, apps and the device itself are unavailable. Features include URL whitelisting and blacklisting, daily screen time allowances and iMessage/SMS blocking, helping you ensure your ground rules stick and that all the apps installed on your child’s device pass your approval. Available at the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, parents can also sign up for an account at www.ourpact.com.

• Lead the way. Don’t text during dinner. Put your phone away when you are driving. Build goodwill and mutual respect by following the same rules you give your child.

If a digital device is in your child’s future, be sure that this comes with the know-how to use it safely and responsibly.

A Great Opportunity to Bring a Smile to Their Face

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Learn more about the Texas Tuition Promise Fund®, the state’s tax-advantaged prepaid college tuition plan, and the Texas Match the Promise Foundation℠, a 501(c)(3) public charity offering unique scholarship opportunities to eligible participants in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund.

Upcoming webinars will provide an overview of the Texas Tuition Promise Fund and information on the different types of tuition units, tuition redemption values and payment options.* In addition, the webinars will present information about matching scholarships and tuition unit grants available through the Texas Match the Promise Foundation.**

Sign up for one of our upcoming webinars.

If you have any questions regarding the webinar, please contact us at TuitionPromise@cpa.texas.gov.

For more information about the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, visit TuitionPromise.org or call 800-445-GRAD (4723), option 5.

These Savory and Sweet Easter Recipes Will Have You Hoppin’ for Joy

By
Statepoint
-
0

The appearance of brightly colored foods and decorations filling store aisles can only mean one thing: Easter is here! This year, the beloved springtime holiday lands on April 4, which also happens to be International Carrot Day.

To celebrate the Easter Bunny’s all-time favorite food, McCormick has released a collection of savory and sweet carrot-forward recipes to get you inspired.

“We have seen a significant rise in searches online for carrot recipes over the past couple years, particularly around Easter,” says Kevan Vetter, McCormick’s executive chef. “The carrot is having a moment and being appreciated for its many possibilities and flavors.”

Here are seven reimagined takes on favorite classics that make carrots the star.

  1. Air Fryer Maple Glazed Carrot Fries. Sprinkled with cinnamon and ginger, these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Carrot Fries are topped with bacon and finished with a maple glaze providing the perfect sweet and savory holiday side dish. Tip! You can bake in your oven or try with other veggies by swapping the carrots with parsnips or halved Brussels sprouts.
  2. Vegan Carrot Bacon. In under 20 minutes and armed with a vegetable peeler, you’ll be able to satisfy your bacon craving with these crispy ribbons of carrots. Vegan Carrot Bacon is spiced to perfection with garlic, onion, paprika and mustard – don’t say you weren’t warned when everyone begs you to make these again and again.
  3. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Glazed Carrots. Finished with a brown sugar glaze, this delectable recipe for Slow Cooker Cinnamon Glazed Carrots gives hints of warm cinnamon and spicy ginger. Featuring just six ingredients and only five minutes of prep, these carrots are super easy and hands-free, giving you time to get outside and hunt for some Easter eggs.
  4. Carrot Shaped Waffles. Okay, these Carrot Shaped Waffles don’t actually call for any carrots, but they do celebrate them! Hop on down the bunny trail toward an Easter-themed brunch staple the whole family will love. Fluffy on the inside and crispy where it counts, pure vanilla adds a warm sweetness to this colorful, whimsical treat.
  5. Carrot Cake Swirled Cheesecake Bars. Is it carrot cake or a cheesecake bar? It’s both! Carrot Cake Swirled Cheesecake Bars combine the cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced sweetness of traditional carrot cake with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake for an irresistible Easter dessert.
  6. Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (can also be made vegan!). Carrot Cake, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, is made especially delicious with a cream cheese frosting. Try the classic preparation or go vegan with a few easy plant-based substitutions. Either way, this cake can be layered or jazzed up with sprinkled pecans as a crunchy topper.
  7. Cinnamon Carrot Ice Cream with Cookie Crumble. Inspired by classic carrot cake, this Cinnamon Carrot Ice Cream with Cookie Crumble is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. This dessert dream come true can be topped off with a simple, yet oh-so-sweet cookie crumble for an easy, but decadent finish.

To help make your Easter celebration extra egg-cellent, McCormick is your resource to help you plan your entire menu and kid-friendly crafts, including Easter Carrot Slime. Visit www.mccormick.com/easter for full recipes, egg dying tutorials, and more to create the ultimate Easter celebration that every bunny will love.

Texas Shuts Down Fraudulent Nationwide Telephone Scam

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that Texas, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 38 states, and the District of Columbia, stopped a massive telefunding operation by Associated Community Services (ACS) and a number of related defendants that bombarded over 67 million Americans with 1.3 billion deceptive calls falsely purporting to raise money for charity. Using deceptive solicitations, the fraudsters were able to collect more than $110 million. The defendants are now prohibited from conducting fundraising activities, consulting on behalf of any charitable or nonprofit organization, and using robocalls for any form of telemarketing. 

“My office will continue to stand up for good-hearted Texans who give donations to what they believe is a worthy cause. I will not stand by while fraudsters attempt to deceive the generous citizens of our state in order to line their own pockets,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Today’s settlement is yet another warning to would-be fraudsters – do not mess with Texas.” 

The lawsuit charged ACS and other defendants with fraudulently collecting money for charitable causes, knowingly violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule, and making harassing calls, which sometimes reached more than 1.3 million phone numbers more than ten times in a single week and 7.8 million numbers more than twice in one hour. ACS was also the major fundraiser for the fraudulent Cancer Fund charities that were shut down by the FTC and states, led by Texas, in 2015.  

Read a copy of the stipulation for ACS here. 

Read a copy of the stipulation for Burlands here. 

Read a copy of the stipulation for CSA here. 

Read a copy of the stipulation for Directele here. 

Read a copy of the stipulation for Lucidi here.  

Read a copy of the stipulation for Stepek here. 

AG Paxton Expands Winter Storm Investigation Into Natural Gas Price Increases

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Intercontinental Gas Exchange, a natural gas exchange that saw massive price increases during the February winter storm that swept through Texas.  

“As we learn more about what drove pricing spikes during the recent winter storm disaster, I am expanding the scope of my investigation to include the natural gas industry as well as electricity providers,” said Attorney General Paxton. “These massive price increases impacted businesses and consumers alike and will have long term effects on Texas. Hardworking Texans who pulled together to get their communities through this disaster deserve transparency and justice.” 

Two weeks ago, Attorney General Paxton issued 12 CIDs to power companies seeking information related to power outages, emergency plans, energy pricing, and more. 

Read a copy of the CID to Intercontinental Gas Exchange here. 

HHSC Encourages Colorectal Cancer Screenings, Announces At-Home Screening Test for Medicaid Clients

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging Texans to talk to their health care provider about getting screened for colorectal cancer. To make testing more accessible, the Texas Medicaid program recently added at-home colorectal cancer screening tests as a covered benefit for eligible clients.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 11,300 Texans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year and approximately 4,070 Texans will die from the disease during the same time frame. In cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

“Regular screening is the first line of defense to prevent the spread of colorectal cancer in its early stages when it’s easier to treat,” said Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst, chief medical director for Medicaid and CHIP Services. “Early detection of cancer saves lives, and it all starts with talking to your doctor and asking what options are available to you.”

FIT-DNA is an at-home, contactless stool test. After visiting a health care provider, a Medicaid client can receive a FIT-DNA test kit by mail. Once the client completes the test at home, a delivery driver picks up the kit and sends it to a lab. This at-home testing is non-invasive and more convenient for clients with limited access to colonoscopy services.

The Texas Medicaid program also covers other colorectal screenings, and some genetic testing and treatments for eligible clients. Information about Medicaid benefits and eligibility is posted here.

Starting this year, Texas Medicaid recipients who are at least 45 years old are eligible for colorectal screenings. Previously, the minimum age was 50. The change reflects new recommendations from the American Cancer Society which has noted a trend of earlier onset of colorectal cancer.

Texas residents can visit yourtexasbenefits.com or the HHS website to learn more about Texas Medicaid benefits.

Suspect Indicted by a Grand Jury for Third Degree Felony Timber Fraud in Jasper County

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Troy Grice of Groveton, Texas, was indicted on February 25, 2021, by a grand jury in Jasper County on the charge of Timber Purchase as Trustee with Intent to Defraud. Grice is charged with defrauding a Jasper County landowner of between $20,000 and $100,000 worth of timber – a felony of the third degree.

Timber theft can take a variety of forms – from harvesting timber without the landowner’s knowledge or consent, to entering into a formal agreement, harvesting a landowners timber, and then not paying them the full purchase price.

“The past few years we have seen an increase in Timber Fraud cases. Most of these cases started off with a legitimate contract, but then the landowner only receives partial payment, or no payment at all,” said Josh Mizrany, Investigator with Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department.

Grice, 49, entered into a timber harvesting agreement through his company Apex Timber with a Jasper county landowner in January of 2019 to harvest 314 acres of their timber. The harvest was halted by the landowner in April of 2019, after delinquent payments started occurring, and the landowner reached out to Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement for help.

Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement are subject matter experts on the Texas Natural Resource Code, which is designed to protect landowners.

“The Texas Natural Resource Code has a section which states that money collected from timber is trust money,” said Mizrany. “And if the trustee of that money doesn’t pay all of the beneficiaries for the timber within 45 days of the timber being sold, that person has committed the offense of timber fraud.”

Once the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department was notified of the unpaid balance, they began investigating the case. Through their investigation, Texas A&M Forest Service was able to verify that Grice had not paid all of the trust money owed to the landowner.

Grice was arrested under warrant on March 5, 2020, in Trinity County. The case was turned in to District Attorney Anne Pickle, who brought the case before a grand jury. After hearing testimonies, the grand jury decided that there was probable cause for Grice to be charged with a felony of the third degree.

Meanwhile, Mizrany can’t stress enough the importance of involving Texas A&M Forest Service in any case of suspected timber fraud or timber theft.

“If you go into an agreement with a timber harvesting company and payment has stopped, or you’re not receiving all of the revenue that you’re owed—that they’ve contractually agreed to—it’s important to notify the Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement department right away,” said Mizrany.

If you are unfamiliar with selling timber, you are urged to contact your local Texas A&M Forest Service office. Our field staff will assist you with securing the assistance of a professional resource manager to help select trees for harvest, estimate values and find potential buyers.

For more information, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/lawenforcement/reporttimbertheft/

Or to report suspected timber theft activities, call the timber theft hotline at 1-800-364-3470.

5 Tips to Get Your Garage Organized – And Keep It That Way

By
Statepoint
-
0

Is your garage in disarray? While you dream of a perfectly organized workbench or garage, your reality probably looks more like a sea of random toys, boxes and exercise equipment.

Every do-it-yourselfer knows a clean, organized garage is the key to efficient project planning and repairs around the home. As we head into warmer months, set aside the time to take charge of the space and finally create a sense of tidiness that will last year-round.

Follow these five tips to tame the mess and get your garage back in shape:

  1. Invest in shelving that accommodates clear storage bins. When it comes to organizing and storing the assortment of cords, car care items, paint supplies and kid’s toys littering your garage, nothing does the job better than clear storage bins. Not only can you categorize items by project or activity type, you can also easily stack them to save space without sacrificing the ability to easily find what you need, when you need it. Invest in taller, wider shelving for the perimeter of the garage to accommodate your chosen bins.
  2. Fix or dispose of anything broken or past its prime. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to find a specific tool or product in an urgent situation, only to realize it’s broken, damaged or dried out. As you organize, pay attention to textures, consistencies and expiration dates. Toss and replace any items that have seen better days. For broken tools that seem salvageable, like cracked hoses or broken handles, reach for a professional grade, heavy-duty duct tape like T-Rex Tape to tackle the repair.
  3. Utilize ceiling and wall space with hanging storage. From bicycles and skis to rakes and shovels, some equipment is better off stored up and out of your way. Install hanging racks or shelving above the area where you park your vehicles to store larger, heavier equipment, and use a double-sided mounting tape to attach hooks along the sides of your garage for lighter-weight items.
  4. Stock up on the essentials so you can make repairs on the fly. While it’s great to have a wide assortment of tools and supplies, for many projects and repairs you really just need the basics – think max-strength waterproof tape, bungee cords, a hammer, nails and similar essentials. Use these items as the foundation of your garage workstation and stock up on extras to keep on-hand for emergencies, camping and other on-the-go uses.
  5. Give everything a home. Aim to group supplies for similar activities, tasks and repairs together, giving each category a “home.” In addition to helping keep things organized in dedicated spaces, hanging frequently used tools and supplies on hooks or pegboard can make it easier to quickly scan the garage and find exactly what you need. Use your mounting tape to safely and securely create a space to store and display all your go-to items.

Interested in more solutions for all your home and DIY needs? Visit www.trextape.com for a wide variety project and repair ideas.

Whether you’re working on your car or tackling a weekend DIY project, having all your tools and supplies in order will make all the difference.

1...332333334...759Page 333 of 759