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Salvation Army in Texas Prepared and Monitoring Tropical Storm Beta

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster (EDS) teams in Texas are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Beta. Hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for the Texas coast, including areas still recovering from Hurricane Laura.

The projected storm track calls for the slow-moving system to make its way along the Texas coastline, posing a major threat of rainfall and flooding in Southeast Texas. Alvin Migues, Emergency Services Director for The Salvation Army said, “We have been in touch with The Salvation Army units in coastal locations, from Harlingen to Beaumont, requesting that they continue to monitor the storm and any local threat. Many of these disaster response teams have only recently returned home from multiple weeks of relief work in the Golden Triangle area after Hurricane Laura.”

In addition to a fleet of more than 35 mobile kitchens assigned year-round to locations in Texas, The Salvation Army also operates a 52-foot Field Kitchen. This unit has the capacity to produce between 15,000-20,000 meals per day and recently staged in Beaumont ready to support Hurricane Laura response efforts.

“The Salvation Army has an extensive network of trained staff, volunteers and Officers who are prepared to respond to disasters in Texas, and across the nation,” said Migues. “Our personnel and resources have been tested this summer, with ongoing large-scale response efforts to Hurricanes Hanna, Laura and Sally. The Salvation Army will continue to focus on the provision of meals and hydration to both first responders and affected communities, as well as emotional and spiritual care. Our committed staff and volunteers stand ready to respond when and where we are needed.” For the latest information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx

35 Years of Super Mario

By
Luis Ruperto
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There are very few things in life that live on for generations or that has an immense cultural impact as our favorite Italian plumber, Super Mario.

35 years ago on September 13th, 1985 Mario made his appearance in the now-iconic Super Mario Bros game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, since then he, along with his sidekick Luigi and the rest of the characters in the Super Mario Universe have appeared in over 600 different games across several different consoles such as the Nintendo 64, GameCube or the Nintendo Switch to name a few.

For 35 years millions have been running, jumping, or racing their way through countless levels to save Princess Peach from the evil Bowser time and time again, each time just as enjoyable as the first and that’s what makes Mario so iconic, the games and the experiences that he brings are just so much fun!

That, I think is what Mario is best known for. He is a symbol of happiness that has touched millions of lives in some form or fashion and has helped create countless memories. Many have been with Mario every step of the way since 1985 and others, like myself, have been picked up along the way but I find that we all have one thing in common, we are a part of something great, something special.

I was born 12 years after Mario was created and it’s unfortunate that I missed out on being a part of what I consider the “Golden Age” of the Super Mario Saga with the release of Super Mario Bros 1, 2, and 3, but I can also say that I lived through my own slice of greatness and so has everyone after me.

Personally, I have very special feelings with the Nintendo 64 that was released in September of 1996. I got one for Christmas when I was 6 years old and I can remember that day like it was yesterday. The Nintendo 64 was my very first console and it helped jumpstart my gaming career into bigger and better things but still, I hold it very close to my heart. Of the few games that I owned or borrowed, Starfox 64 and Super Mario 64 formed a part of my childhood and brought me hours of happiness.

Super Mario 64 is not only significant to me but to the history of Mario as well since it is was the first time Mario was taken into a 3D realm and has gone down in history as one of the most popular games for Nintendo.

Unfortunately for me, because I borrowed the game from a friend, I never got to play the game all the way through. Today however all of that changes. For Nintendo and gamers alike the anniversary of Super Mario is always a special occasion. This year, for the 35th anniversary they released a collection of 3 games, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Sunshine, and…Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo Switch!

Now, while some may argue that these are old games and that they have been previously released for older consoles, yes, they are right, but the nostalgia value is priceless especially for me and many others that can now have an opportunity to revisit some old memories, it’s pretty hard to beat that and what’s more, is that you can play on the go wherever you are in a remastered fashion from the original across all three games!

The game was released today both physically and digitally on the Nintendo E-shop. I word of caution though, I would strongly recommend that you get this game if you are a huge nostalgia nerd like me but, this game is only going to be in stores for a limited time until March 21, 2021. After this, there is no telling when and if it is going to be in stores again.

I Pre-Ordered my copy last week and I can’t wait to dive into my childhood once again. So, if you will excuse me, it’s Mario Time!

ROME IS BURNING WHILE THE CHURCH IS FIDDLING

By
Bob Flournoy
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Our God-given rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights to the Constitution are under lethal attack, and what is the Church doing about it? God has ordained the Church to be the guardian of the Biblical precepts of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” set out in our Declaration of Independence. Just as “Nero fiddled while Rome burned”, many Christian churches are silent, while immorality and violence prevail everywhere.

Pastors, preachers and teachers need to examine whether they are part of the “Church” that Jesus Christ said that He was going to build and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18). If the gates of Hell are prevailing in America (and they are) and your church is not engaged in producing saints that are discipled and equipped in God’s word, then the Christian faith and it’s immutable principles, will soon be lost to our generation.

Jesus said in John 10:10, that we should be aware that the enemy of everything good, has come to steal it from us. If we lose our right to religious liberty, whose fault will it be? Surely our pastors, teachers and preachers know that we are in a spiritual war and if they are not training us and promoting us in tactics designed by God for our defense, then the blood of millions of slaughtered babies in the womb (and now outside), the blood being shed in our streets by anarchists and the blood of our forefathers shed to make us one nation under God, will be on their heads and hands.

Many of our church leaders have already joined the enemy’s camp. They have adopted ungodly principles that violate God’s laws regarding life and family and are embracing socialism, which is antithetical to God’s government. Many are cold to God’s ways, but many more are simply lukewarm and God hates that. (Rev. 3:16). As Christians, we cannot stand on the sidelines and give our Nation over to the devil.

We need to remember that we are not called to be pacifists but warriors for Christ. We are called to be salt and light, preserving all that God has entrusted to us. The first and foremost thing that must be preserved is America itself, the land of the free and home of the brave. It is the land that was founded by God on His infallible Word and through men that He ordained to form a Republic, where our rights come from God and not man.

God sovereignly gave us a constitution that was designed to protect our God-given rights and order our lives in civil government and personal relationships.

I pray, plead and beg the Church of Jesus Christ to wake up from its slumber and stop diddling (Webster says it means to pass time aimlessly or unproductively). We are in this horrible situation now in America because so many of our church leaders have stopped leading us in paths of righteousness. They must stop being politically correct and tolerant of the enemy at the gate! It is past time to get some divine backbone and stand and fight for Christianity in America.

If we really believe God and His Word, we must recognize that the greatest battle in American history is going on right now and whether America survives will be determined in November 2020. It is a battle for the heart and soul of our nation. We have to take back what the enemy has already stolen and to the best of our ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and learn to serve and trust God again, lest we suffer the same fate as Sodom and Gomorrah.

I thank God for the many church leaders that are beginning to address the threats of the enemy to eliminate God’s influence in our society. To all other leaders, you need to re-read Acts 4. In Acts 4:25, the Apostle Peter asked “Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?” In verse 29, his prayer was “Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Speak up now or we will all suffer the consequences that come from America without God.

DON’T BLOW THIS OFF AS SOME POLITICAL RANT. IT IS A WARNING OF EPIC PROPORTION LIKE THAT OF PAUL REVERE THAT MADE THE MIDNIGHT RIDE TO WARN THAT THE BRITISH WERE COMING.

TxDOT TO HELP PARENTS AS AGENCY REPORTS MOST CAR SEATS ARE USED INCORRECTLY

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Texans may think they know how to correctly install and use their children’s car seats, but nearly 60 percent of the time they’re used incorrectly. That’s why TxDOT is helping drivers keep their children safe on the road.

TxDOT’s annual “Save Me With a Seat” campaign is hitting Texas airways and roadways as the nation recognizes National Child Passenger Safety week from Sept. 20-26. The campaign highlights the fact that an alarming number of car seats are being installed and used incorrectly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 59% of all child car seats are being misused. This is even more alarming given that vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the nation.

“When child car seats are installed correctly they keep children as safe as possible during a crash,” TxDOT Executive Director James Bass said. “We urge parents and caregivers to ensure they are securing their children properly in a vehicle and using the appropriate child car seat for their child’s age and size.”

TxDOT is continuing its free safety seat inspections throughout the year, but this year they’ve gone virtual. Starting this month, we will be rolling out virtual car seat checks to enable us to maintain the same level of service and provide education to families while following social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19. For a one-on-one TxDOT virtual car seat check, families can visit SaveMeWithaSeat.org and enter their zip code to email the nearest TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist to set up an appointment. Families will need a mobile electronic device with video and audio capabilities, like a cellphone, laptop or tablet. Parents and caregivers can also learn if a child should be in a rear-facing car seat, a forward-facing car seat or a booster seat, and get other car seat safety tips by visiting the website.

This year’s “Save Me With a Seat” campaign features a branded truck that will traverse Texas, covering more than 3,000 miles and visiting six cities to bring the car seat safety message to communities across the state. The truck will be a no-contact experience with the driver utilizing COVID-19 safety precautions including a mask and gloves. The awareness effort will be supported by radio ads, billboards, digital media and social media.      

In 2019, 77 children younger than 8 years old died in traffic crashes in Texas, and 26 of those were unrestrained at the time of the crash. Among children ages 8-12 in 2019, 42 died in traffic crashes, with 18 of them unrestrained at the time of the crash.

According to NHTSA, child car seats in passenger vehicles can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers.

TxDOT reminds drivers that Texas law requires all children under 8 — unless they are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches — to be in a car seat whenever they ride in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250. Children under age 13 should ride in the back seat, properly secured in a seat belt or safety seat.

“Save Me With a Seat” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.

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

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of June 25, 2020.

DETCOG Takes Region’s 9-1-1 Network Into the Future

By
Joshua Blackwell
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With the flip of a (digital) switch Wednesday, Deep East Texas became the second region in the
state to complete the conversion to Next Generation 9-1-1 technology. After months of planning
and preparation, the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, which administers the Emergency
9-1-1 Network for the 12-county region, announced that “NG9-1-1” call routing is now live
throughout the region.

This new system routes calls to 9-1-1 dispatchers using geospatial routing, which allows calls to
arrive faster and provides more accurate location information of those making calls to 9-1-1.
DETCOG Regional 9-1-1 Director Van Bush also noted the changes make DETCOG’s 9-1-1 system
technology-proof and will allow further improvements to 9-1-1 services in the area over time. Call
transfers between agencies will also be smoother.

“The old legacy 9-1-1 network was designed to accept calls from plain copper wire phones,” Bush
said. “We’ve had to make adjustments over the years to take care of wireless, voice over internet
protocol (VOIP), and text messaging. The NG9-1-1 system an all IP environment where those
services are easier to handle, and other new services can be easily brought onboard in the future.”
When a person in Deep East Texas encounters an emergency and dials 9-1-1, the call goes to one
of 16 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) around the region. There is at least one PSAP in each
county, and all now employ the new technology. DETCOG was designated as a “beta” Council of
Governments to deploy NG9-1-1 early and document lessons learned, which will aid in the
transition of other regional 9-1-1 networks in Texas.

“We’ve been talking about the need to move to a Next Generation 9-1-1 environment for years,”
Bush said. “There had to be a lot of planning and work to make this happen, not just us, but the
county GIS coordinators in each county. It took thousands of hours of work put in to get the data
quality we need for NG9-1-1 call routing.”

“And it certainly could not have been done without the support of the Commission on State
Emergency Communications (CSEC) which is the state’s authority on emergency communications.
CSEC is charged with administering the State 9-1-1 Service Program and is a valued partner. All of
the funding for our program comes through them.”

The improvements were made using network infrastructure provided by AT&T’s Emergency
Services IP Network (ESInet), which Bush touted as the backbone of DETCOG’s NG 9-1-1 network.

“The Commission on State Emergency Communications congratulations the DETCOG 9-1-1
regional program for its leadership in the state program’s transition to Next Generation 9-1-1,”
said CSEC Executive Director Kelli Merriweather. “This transition will ensure that DETCOG
NEWS Page 2 continues to provide the excellent service it always has to its citizens both now and in the future as
technology continues its rapid change.”

For the general public, little should change initially. The calls will simply go through more swiftly
and locations will be more accurate, especially for wireless callers. For operators, the system
comes with backend improvements and flexibility for the future.

DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt noted, “At the end of the day it’s all about public safety.
The 9-1-1 network is a tool that connects citizens in an emergency to first responders. This
enhancement will help save lives and better equip the responders. The old system served us for
50 plus years but was not designed for today’s digital world. NG9-1-1 makes things better now,
but even more importantly it opens the door for new services and features that will be coming in
the future.”

“It makes me proud to know we are leading the way,” Hunt added. I believe there are currently 24
PSAPs in the Texas CSEC program that have converted to NG9-1-1 and 16 of those are here in
Deep East Texas. Van Bush and his staff, along with our county GIS coordinators, CSEC, and AT&T
have all done a tremendous job getting this in place.”

With a Little Help from His Friends AC Police, Fire Cadets Join Retired Fire Fighter on ‘Ernie’s Journey’

By
Gary Stallard
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Future first responders from the Angelina College Fire and Police academies were up and moving at “dark thirty” on Thursday morning to help a guy out for a walk.

The cadets joined retired fire fighter John Martin on part of “Ernie’s Journey.” The coast-to-coast walk first began with nonagenarian and World War II veteran Ernest Andrus and made its way through East Texas recently, with Martin picking up the flag earlier when Andrus grew ill and wasn’t able to continue for now.

Martin credited the cadets not only with their walking efforts but also their willingness to make time in their busy schedules for such a worthy cause.

“As a retired fire fighter myself, it’s awesome to see all this new blood coming into service as first responders,” Martin said. “Not only that, it’s that they have the will and desire to support something like this even with all the training and everything else they have going on right now. It’s amazing, but it doesn’t surprise me. It’s what first responders do.”

Ernest “Ernie” Andrus gained national attention when he set out in 2013 to run from the west coast to the east coast of the United States – and back again. Andrus’ original goal was to raise funds to help restore the ship on which he served as a member of the U.S. Navy during WWII – a ship involved with the D-Day landings at Normandy. Andrus served as a hospital corpsman at the time on the LST 325 Memorial, and he hoped to generate enough interest and funds for the vessel to return to Normandy for the 75th D-Day Anniversary ceremony held in 2019. When the original plan fell through, Andrus continued his journey with a new plan for restoring the old ship.

When illness stopped Andrus’ progress, his travel buddy, Martin, continued in Andrus’ name. Now, the goal for Martin is to make it to the Pacific Ocean on Andrus’ 100th birthday in August, 2023.

AC instructor Sabrina Collins has met Andrus and has participated with Martin’s travels; she helped coordinate this week’s meeting between Martin and the AC cadets.

“My sister and I ‘ran’ with Ernie several times on his first coast-to-coast run, and we got to run with him again this time just before he returned to California,” Collins said. “We’ve continued with John since he returned [to East Texas], but our schedules don’t always allow us to join him. John records some of the events and posts them for Ernie to see on social media.

“I know it will make Ernie super happy to see the cadets out here.”

Gary Stallard’s e-mail address is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Governor Abbott Appoints 11 To Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbotts has appointed eleven members to the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. The task force provides expert, evidence-based assessments, protocols, and recommendations related to state responses to infectious diseases, and to serve as a reliable and transparent source of information and education for Texas leadership and citizens. Task force members serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D. of El Paso is the chief medical officer of Des Sol Medical Center. Alozie received a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Benin Medical School.

Sheila Haley, Ph.D. of Lantana recently retired as an assistant clinical professor for the College of Nursing at Texas Women’s University. Haley received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chicago State University, Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Hampton University.

Ruth Hughs of Austin serves as the Texas Secretary of State. Hughs received a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers Camden School of Law, and she earned a certificate in Leader Development at the U.S. Army War College’s National Security Seminar in 2018.

Harrison Keller, Ph.D. of Austin serves as the Commissioner of Education for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Council. Keller received a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from Georgetown University.

Major General Tracy Norris serves as the 52nd Adjutant General of Texas. General Norris earned a commission after completing the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Florida State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning. General Norris received a Master in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College and a Master of Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.

Patrick O’Daniel of Austin serves as the chair of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. O’Daniel received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law. 

Daniel Owens, of Bryan is a Medic with the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Owens received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Sam Houston State University and a Public Management Certificate from Texas A&M University – Bush School of Government.

Nancy Tanner of Amarillo serves as the County Judge of Potter County, where she is in her second term. She is a distinguished alumni and graduate of Caprock High School.

Surendra Varma, M.D. of Lubbock is the Executive Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education & Resident Affairs and a Grover Murray Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Varma received a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English from Lucknow University, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and Doctorate in Medicine (Pediatrics) from King George Medical University, and completed Residency and Fellowship in Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology at Harvard Medical School.

Bobby Wilkinson of Dripping Springs serves as the executive director for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Wilkinson received a Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of Texas at Austin.

Cecile Young of Austin serves as the Executive Commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Young received a Bachelor of Science in Textile Technology and Management from Texas Tech University.

Georgia-Pacific Providing Relief to Southwest Louisiana

By
Joshua Blackwell
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It has been two weeks since Hurricane Laura barreled through Southwest Louisiana leaving a path of destruction. With sustained winds of up to 150 miles per hour, homes and businesses were destroyed, trees uprooted, and power lines twisted and tangled. Today as the daunting task of clearing roadways, repairing homes and businesses, and restoring power continues, it is anticipated that recovery could take months and possibly a full year. Georgia-Pacific is just one of many businesses and organizations reaching across the Texas border to help those impacted by the storm.

Armed with more than one thousand hot meals, the local forest products company traveled to DeQuincy, Louisiana this week to feed the community. “Hurricane Laura’s widespread destruction has left the small community of DeQuincy in shambles,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public Affairs Manager. “Residents need the basic necessities as they begin the recovery process. With no power or water, we wanted to provide a good hot nourishing meal for residents.”

Hundreds of vehicles lined up to take advantage of the complimentary lunch catered by Texas Custom Catering of Lufkin. Good old-fashioned Texas barbecue brisket, beans, macaroni and cheese, rolls, desert, and drinks were on the menu as Georgia-Pacific employees and local fire departments handed out more than 1000 meals. “The response was incredible, and the residents were extremely grateful for the food,” said Ogletree.

It is estimated that the DeQuincy area will not have power fully restored for at least another month. Along with the sounds of chainsaws and utility trucks, is the constant humming of generators providing minimal power to homes and businesses. While the generators have brought some relief to homeowners, they have also created mounting concern of carbon monoxide poisoning. “We are responding to potential carbon monoxide poisoning calls daily,” said Heather Baggett, Beauregard Fire District #2 Volunteer. “We are finding that many people aren’t using the generators safely and are positioning them too close to their dwellings.”

Georgia-Pacific is hoping to provide some peace of mind for residents using generators by donating 300 carbon monoxide detectors. According to Ogletree, the area volunteer fire departments are distributing the devices to area homeowners in the southern part of Beauregard Parish on a first come, first serve basis or during emergency calls where carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern.

DeQuincy is home to a Georgia-Pacific Lumber mill, which was recently idled earlier this year. Today that property is a temporary home to more than 600 utility workers who are in the area restoring power. “Beauregard Electric Coop is being supported by about a dozen different electric companies from throughout the United States—and as you can imagine—finding an area to house that many people and equipment was going to be a challenge. Fortunately, we were able to offer our site as a camp for the next couple of months,” said Ogletree.

The temporary campsite sits on approximately 100 acres at Georgia-Pacific’s DeQuincy Lumber Mill. The set-up is amazing with custom tents complete with flooring and air conditioning used for dormitories and a large commissary, while shower trailers, supply trailers, fueling stations, and hundreds of trucks and pieces of equipment fill the property. “We are pleased that we are in a position to provide relief to the people of Southwest Louisiana. With everyone working together, we can help expedite the rebuilding process and restore some type of normalcy in the lives of those impacted by the storm,” said Ogletree.

AC Fire, Police Cadets Joining Vet’s Walk Procession Through Lufkin on Thursday

By
Gary Stallard
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Ernest Andrus, a 97-year old World War II veteran, began walking across the United States a couple of years ago, hoping to raise funds and awareness for his original ship to make a return trip to the beaches of Normandy on the anniversary of D-Day. Unfortunately, Mr. Andrus became ill recently and had to suspend his walk.

However, Andrus’ traveling buddy, John Martin, has taken on the challenge to continue “Ernie’s Journey.” The retired firefighter is making his way through Lufkin this week, and on Thursday morning, he’ll have plenty of company: Cadets from both the Angelina College Fire Academy and Police Academy will accompany Martin for part of the journey.

Martin’s walk on Thursday in Lufkin will begin at Kurth Drive and Lakeview Street at 7 a.m. The walk’s end point will be 3676 Highway 69 at the Family Dollar store.

Onlookers are encouraged to attend and provide support.

For further information, contact Sabrina Collins (scollins@angelina.edu) or Krista Brown (kbrown@angelina.edu).

Governor Abbott Announces New Ariat Regional Headquarters In Fort Worth

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Ariat International, Inc. (Ariat) will establish a new regional distribution hub and corporate office that will serve as its western U.S. regional headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Ariat designs, manufactures, and sells high quality performance equestrian footwear and apparel, including English and Western riding boots, work boots, and casual footwear. The new regional office will create 75 new jobs and $40 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $750,000 has been extended to Ariat International, Inc. 

“The Texas model of low taxes, reasonable regulations, and workforce investment continues to attract exceptional companies like Ariat that will ensure the Lone Star State remains a global economic powerhouse,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas has a long and storied tradition of ranching, farming, and equestrian sports, and we are proud to build upon that legacy by welcoming Ariat to Fort Worth. Like Texas, Ariat is committed to innovation and excellence, and I look forward to working together to bring more jobs and greater economic prosperity to Fort Worth and the entire state of Texas.”

“Ariat started as a brand built for the outdoors – for people riding horses, working the land, and who love and identify with an outdoor, rugged lifestyle,” said Ariat’s Co-Founder and CEO Beth Cross. “We’re intentional about the categories we grow into, and are dedicated to bringing the innovation and quality of our products to the world’s essential workers in the most demanding jobs and trades.”

“Fort Worth is excited to welcome Ariat to Texas, as the company joins our community for its latest expansion,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. “This project represents a strong partnership between the state and local communities focused on creating new jobs and attracting new companies and relocations as we work to bolster the Texas economy.” 

“We are grateful to all of our partners with the City of Fort Worth and the State of Texas for their collaboration in bringing Ariat International’s western regional headquarters and distribution center to our region,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads. “A company of this caliber brings high-paying jobs to our region, which is part of the mission of the Texas Enterprise Fund.”

“Texas is the perfect home for a boot-maker – not just because boots are a part of our culture but because Texas remains committed to a hospitable business environment that allows companies to grow and succeed,” said Senator Jane Nelson. “This announcement is yet another sign of Texas’ economic strength and resiliency. I am proud to welcome Ariat to Fort Worth and Senate District 12.” 

“Ariat International, Inc.’s expansion to Texas is exciting news and reflects the strong business and economic climate of our state and the North Texas region,” said Representative Tan Parker. “Texas was built upon our western heritage, and Ariat’s successful leadership in the western and equestrian industry honors our past and captures the future of our growing and extremely diverse manufacturing base. I am thrilled to see their global footprint expand right here in the great city of Fort Worth and the Denton County area.” 

View more information about Ariat International, Inc.

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