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SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 FOR ANGELINA ARTS’ 2020-21 SEASON

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Arts Alliance

Angelina Arts is excited to announce that single tickets to the 2020-2021 Performing Arts and Discovery Series go on sale this Monday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. Ticket orders can be made online at AngelinaArts.org or over the phone at 936-633-5454.

The season line-up contains a diverse range of performances, providing high-quality entertainment to the citizens of East Texas. The 20th Anniversary Season, themed “A Toast to Our 20th,” includes:

ANNIE MOSES BAND | NOV 14, 2020 | 7:30PM Ticket $30-$40

From the roots of the Grand Ole Opry to the wings of Carnegie Hall, the Annie Moses Band has been taking music to new heights for more than a decade. As the “first family of American music,” this sibling band applies its classically honed, all-American talent to a cornucopia of iconic melodies through innovative arrangements and masterful original songwriting. The Nashville-raised and New York-trained ensemble delivers a spellbinding musical odyssey.

MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES | JAN 16, 2021 | 7:30PM Ticket $25-$40

The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician is living, breathing country-music history. He’s played alongside the masters, from Johnny Cash to Lester Flatt, who discovered him; been a worldwide ambassador for Nashville, Bakersfield and points in between; and safeguarded country music’s most valuable traditions. When it comes to transforming country songs into tangible experience, Marty Stuart has a secret weapon: the Fabulous Superlatives. Made up of guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson and new member, bassist Chris Scruggs, the Superlatives are an extension of Stuart himself.

AN EVENING WITH RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY | FEB 5, 2021 | 7:30PM Ticket $45-$60

Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for her performance in Hamilton, Renée Elise Goldsberry is equally at home in a Broadway theater, a film set, or on a concert hall stage. Anchored by a four-piece band and a complement of backup singers, her dynamic show is titled Revive. The audience will be on their feet stomping and clapping to the high energy concert and will feel like they’ve attended an old-fashioned revival!

STEEP CANYON RANGERS | MAR 26, 2021 | 7:30PM Ticket $30-$45

Six guys. One Grammy. Endless bluegrass hits. This concert event fuses together the sounds of bluegrass, pop, country, and folk rock for an incredible American musical experience. Celebrated as one of the most versatile bands on the contemporary music scene, Steep Canyon Rangers have taken the world by storm for nearly 20 years including performances on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and a hit tour with Steve Martin. And they’re not just all about that (upright) bass: their toe-tapping tunes are also accompanied by acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and more!

PARSONS DANCE COMPANY | APR 8, 2021 | 7:30PM Ticket $20-$35

Known for their remarkable athleticism and stunning ensemble work, Parsons Dance Company brings exuberance, joy and passion to any stage. Flawlessly fusing the gestures and movements that comprise modern dance with the discipline and precision of a classical dance company, the company is internationally renowned. Stunning works, like the iconic Caught, exemplify this company’s innovation and huge audience appeal.

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE | MAY 20, 20201 | 7:30PM Ticket $55-$70

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all—and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award-winner Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) and Emmy Award-nominee Mike O’Malley (Survivors Remorse, Shameless), Escape to Margaritaville is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including Fins, Volcano, Cheeseburger in Paradise and many more. USA Today calls it “A little slice of paradise!” and Entertainment Weekly raves, “It will knock your flip-flops off!” So, don’t let the party start without you!

BLUE MAN GROUP | APR 15 & 16, 2021 Ticket $50-$65

More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is Blue Man Group, and now it’s your turn! It’s everything you know and love about Blue Man Group—signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy—the men are still blue, but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages!

The Angelina Arts continues its commitment to fun and educational family programming for all ages with its 2020-2021 Discovery Series. Tickets for performances are $6 for youth (17 years and under) and $11 for adults.

VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS | DEC 19, 2020 | 2PM Brighten your holidays with Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas! Audiences of all ages will treasure this captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday tunes. Combining the arts of puppetry, theater and dance, audiences will be captivated by the dazzling visuals and delightful characters that magically appear out of the darkness! In this tale, Santa’s helpers are putting the final touches on presents as a young bird named Max and his family head south for the winter. Poor Max gets blown off course during a snowstorm, and he ends up alone and lost at the North Pole. As he tries to make his way home, his adventure begins! This delightful holiday production will make children wide-eyed with delight and warm even the smallest of hearts.

MADAGASCAR–THE MUSICAL | MAY 16, 2021 | 2PM Based on the smash hit DreamWorks’ animated motion picture, Madagascar – The Musical follows all your favorite cracka-lackin’ friends (Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and a colony of hilarious, clever penguins) as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventures galore and an upbeat score, you’ll have no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” Madagascar – The Musical is the perfect family outing, with vibrancy and pace for the kids and more complex innuendo for the adults.

INNOVATION NATION—LIVE! | MAR 6, 2021 | 2PM The two-time Emmy® Award-winning Saturday morning show comes to life in a brand-new production. Like the award-winning television show, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation-Live! will inspire audiences with entertaining and educational stories about yesterday and today’s visionaries and innovators. The show highlights major turning points in the past and present that influenced the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, the environment and social justice. Luminaries of the past featured include Henry Ford, The Wright Brothers, Rosa Parks and George Washington Carver, among others, who will jump to life on stage. Their achievements will be highlighted and reflected by showing examples of present-day innovations.

THE BIKE ZOO | APR 17, 2021 (Part of Springfest) FREE The Bike Zoo presents a magical, immersive and interactive environment for people of all ages and from all walks of life. The ever-growing menagerie of giant, playful, interactive, hand-built creatures includes The Giant 80 foot long Rattlesnake, an assortment of many Giant Butterflies, The Beloved Bat, the Fanciful Owl , Bald Eagle, Praying Mantis, Reindeer Drawn Sleigh, Bicycle Carousel, and the latest, The Giant Armadillo! Presented in downtown Lufkin in partnership with the Lufkin CVB.

BELLA GAIA | APR 25, 2021 | 2PM Discover what it’s like to be an astronaut! Bella Gaia (Beautiful Earth) is an unprecedented audio-visual experience that combines NASA satellite imagery of Earth, time-lapse nature photography, and live world music and dance on stage. Inspired by astronauts who spoke of the life-changing power of seeing Earth from space, director/composer Kenji Williams’ award-winning Bella Gaia successfully simulates the overview effect from space flight, by using NASA super computer data-visualizations, combined with a shimmering melodic and rhythmic soundscape to explore the relationship between humans and nature throughout time and space. This is a mesmerizing multi-media spectacle that shouldn’t be missed!

The Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich, entertain and educate by presenting and promoting the performing arts.

Georgia-Pacific Employee Celebrates 50 Years of Service

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Georgia-Pacific’s Diboll Lumber Mill recognizes Rudy Salazar for 50 years of service. With no plans of retiring anytime soon, Salazar is Diboll Lumber’s longest tenured employee. Pictured (l to r) Randy Havard, Diboll Green End Supervisor; Rudy Salazar, Crane Operator; Kevin Booth, Green End Superintendent; and Danny Wright, Diboll Lumber Plant Manager.

It is a milestone that very few people reach, but for Rudy Salazar—who has spent the last 50 years at Georgia-Pacific’s Diboll Lumber mill—it is just another day on the job.

Diboll Lumber is not only celebrating Salazar’s five decades of service, but also Salazar becoming the mill’s longest tenured employee.

Salazar began his career in 1970 when he was 20 years old. He was trained as a crane operator—a position that he still holds today. However, as you can imagine, Salazar has experienced a lot of change in his role throughout the years. “Technology has definitely evolved. I started out operating a military shipyard crane that was built in the 1960s and relocated to Diboll Lumber. A few years ago, that crane was replaced with a multi-million-dollar crane with the latest technology,” said Salazar.

Perched 87 feet high above logs trucks and the wood yard, this is where Salazar feels right at home. “It is peaceful and quiet up here,” said Salazar. While he enjoys the isolation, Salazar is quick to point out that this is where log production begins at the mill. “This is where it all starts—and the speed and efficiency of how I operate the crane ultimately impacts the mill’s overall production.”

It is estimated that Salazar unloads as many as 130 log trucks each shift, which is roughly 20,000 trucks annually. “Rudy is not only good at his job, but he has also trained many new crane operators at the mill,” said Randy Havard, Georgia-Pacific Diboll Lumber Green End Supervisor. “Rudy is an asset to this mill, and it is an honor to work with him.”

Salazar officially celebrated 50 years of service this week. “This mill is like family to me,” said Salazar. “I have made life-long friends out here and I enjoy what I do—and I hope to continue working several more years.”

Wildfire Potential Reduced Statewide with Recent Rainfall

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Recent rainfall observed across most of the state has significantly reduced wildfire activity and the potential for large fire growth.

Fire environment—weather, fuels and current conditions

Over the past two weeks, observed rainfall across the state has significantly reduced wildfire potential. A moist fire environment is expected to continue the trend of low fire activity across the majority of the state.

There is a low potential for wildfire activity today through Saturday in portions of the Trans Pecos where rainfall has been scattered. There is a possibility for scattered thunderstorms through Saturday in this same region where lightning could ignite fires in dry fuels and cured grasses.

Any wildfires that do start are expected to spread slowly, as cool temperatures, low wind speed and elevated relative humidity do not produce a conducive fire environment for large fire growth.

For current conditions and wildfire outlook, check out the Texas Fire Potential Outlook: https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.

Fire activity

Since the beginning of September, state and local resources have responded to 31 fires that have burned 2,052 acres. Many of the recent wildfire starts have been attributed to human activities—such as equipment use and debris burning—and are preventable.

So far in 2020, 541 wildfires that have burned 51,637 acres were the result of equipment use—such as welding and tractors or other heavy equipment. This includes three fires that have burned 285 acres so far in September.

Aviation resources continue to assist ground crews with water and retardant drops to slow forward progression of fires and douse hotspots across fire areas. Fire suppression aircraft have logged approximately 75 hours of flight time over the past week.

Efforts involved dropping 3,312 gallons of water and 9,019 gallons of retardant on multiple fires including the Smith Canyon Fire in Pecos County (11,348 acres, 100% contained) and the Sotol Mitchell Fire in Pecos County (69 acres, 100% contained).

Aviation resources currently staged in state include one Type 3 helicopter, three single engine air tankers, and one air attack platform.

Since January 1, 2020, state and local resources have responded to 4,462 fires that have burned a total of 231,582 acres. Aviation resources have flown 2,298 hours, dropping 2,307,821 gallons of water and retardant on Texas wildfires so far this year. 

Due to significant fire activity occurring in multiple geographic areas across the country and heavy commitment of shared resources to large fires nationally, the National Multi Agency Coordinating Group has raised the National Preparedness Level to Level 5.

Preparedness Levels are dictated by fuel and weather conditions, fire activity, and fire suppression resource availability throughout the country. Level 5 is the highest level of wildland fire activity and indicates heavy resource commitment to fires nationally. The state of Texas is currently at a Level 3 with increased resource commitment and wildfire activity statewide.

In addition to wildfire response across the state, Texas A&M Forest Service personnel are currently assisting with Hurricane Laura response efforts. Twenty-three personnel are providing planning and logistical support for recovery operations to Texas Division of Emergency Management.

If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

For frequent wildfire and incident updates, follow the Texas A&M Forest Service incident information Twitter account, https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS.

Prevention and Mitigation

Any spark can cause a wildfire.  Hot work—such as welding and grinding—can easily ignite fires in or near your work area. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare your work area prior to welding or grinding can reduce the potential for ignition of these fires, and having a spotter or fire watch can help prevent sparks from becoming wildfires.

When welding, grinding or cutting metal outdoors, follow these precautions to reduce the threat of accidentally starting a wildfire:

  • Remove vegetation and other flammable materials from your work area.
  • Wet the ground around your work area prior to creating any sparks.
  • Assign someone as a fire watch.
  • Keep water and a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Place a welding/fire blanket under your work area to catch sparks.
  • Avoid parking vehicles in dry grass tall enough to touch the vehicle’s exhaust or the underside of the vehicle.
  • Avoid welding during Red Flag conditions or on windy days.

Residents should pay attention to county burn bans and avoid all outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn ban information can be found by contacting local fire departments or by visiting https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans/.

For media resources, including public service announcements, posters and audio and video files, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/mediaresources/.

Governor Abbott, TxDOT Announce Federal Funding For Major Project In Permian Basin

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) today announced that TxDOT has won a federal grant to help transform an intersection on I-20 to ease congestion and save lives. Through its Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation grants, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded TxDOT $25 million for the I-20 and Cotton Flat Road interchange near Midland.

“Improving the infrastructure in the Permian Basin is critical to the movement of people and goods that support the largest source of oil and gas production in this country,” Governor Greg Abbott said. “I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary Elaine Chao for recognizing the vital role that this region continues to play in our nation’s energy independence. Working together with TxDOT, the federal government continues to show its commitment bettering the roads and bridges across Texas.” 

“We are grateful to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Mike Conaway for their leadership in securing these funds for our great state,” said Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “Interstate 20 is a vital energy trade corridor not only for Texas, but for the entire United States. This BUILD grant is a huge boost in our efforts to increase safety along this corridor and to connect the Permian Basin energy sector to global markets.” 

“Following my meeting in the Permian Basin with Chairman Bugg and other transportation stakeholders last year, I’m proud to announce another federal investment in the region’s infrastructure,” said Senator John Cornyn, who sent a letter to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation in support of this project. “This grant will streamline the interchange and allow for safer, more efficient travel in West Texas.” 

“I-20 is an essential corridor for both travel and trade in our community. Not only does it support our critical energy sector, but it is also a vital east-west corridor for the agriculture, mining, trucking, construction, and manufacturing industries. This grant will go towards raising the Cotton Flat Road overpass—which has suffered from numerous bridge strikes and has been a safety hazard with frequent traffic shutdowns. I am pleased to see the Trump Administration continue to invest in our local infrastructure, and look forward to the finished overpass,” said Congressman Mike Conaway. 

Energy production in the Permian Basin is projected to more than double over the next four years. There is an urgent need to maintain and improve existing rural infrastructure in the area and this grant will help make sure production continues while also easing its impacts on local residents. 

The project is set to demolish the current overpass over I-20 and build a new one so the interstate goes over Cotton Flat Road. This will eliminate the possibility of bridge strikes that caused lengthy traffic delays and posed a serious safety risk. Between 2015 and 2018 there were seven reported bridge strikes at this location. The continued increase in energy activity is creating significant damage to roads from water, sand, equipment and big trucks, creating a safety issue for all drivers in those areas. As such, TxDOT announced a historic investment throughout the Permian Basin over the next 10 years through its Unified Transportation Program. The Commission approved more than $600 million more funding for improvements in the UTP for the Permian Basin in 2019. 

“Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the assistance from our federal partners to address a booming area that not only benefits the citizens of Texas, but the nation as a whole,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. 

“The Permian Strategic Partnership is thrilled USDOT is recognizing the importance of the Permian Basin to our state, nation and world by awarding BUILD Grant funds to this TxDOT project,” said Don L. Evans, Chairman for the Permian Strategic Partnership. “The Permian is one of the most strategically important oil producing regions in the world, and it is critical we continue to invest in the region’s priority infrastructure projects to fully realize its potential.”

Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Nursing Facility Administrators Advisory Committee

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Melinda Mitchell Jones, Hari Namboodiri, and Cathy Wilson to the Nursing Facility Administrators Advisory Committee for terms set to expire on February 1, 2025. The committee provides the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services with recommendations for licensure sanctions and rule changes for the Nursing Facility Administrator Licensing Program.

Melinda Mitchell Jones of Lubbock is a Distinguished Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s School of Nursing. She is a member of the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas State Bar, Lubbock Bar Association, Texas Chapter of the American Association for Nurse Attorneys, the National League of Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. In addition, she is chairman of the Board for Girl Scouts Texas Oklahoma Plains Council and a member of the Board for Legal Aid Society of Lubbock. Jones received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.

Hari Namboodiri of McAllen is the executive director of Las Palmas Health Care Center. He is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and the American Health Care Association. In addition, he is the president of the India Association of Rio Grande Valley and serves on the Senior Citizen’s Advisory Board for the City of McAllen. Namboodiri received a Bachelor of Education from the University of Kerala, Master of Arts in Education from the University of Calicut, Master of Social Work from the University of Kerala, and a Bachelor of Law from Government Law College.

Cathy Wilson of Austin is a Culture and Logistics Manager for Holtzman Partners. She is a past board member and treasurer of the Junior League of Austin. She has served in a variety of volunteer positions with the Parent Teacher Association and the Oak Hill Youth Sports Association. Wilson received a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.

ANGELINA ARTS ANNOUNCES TWO LIVE CONCERTS COMING TO LUFKIN THIS FALL

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Arts Alliance

Angelina Arts is thrilled to announce that there will once again be live music coming to
Lufkin. Originally slated for the Pines Theater, in a first for Angelina Arts, The Quebe Sisters will
now be performing outside in downtown Lufkin on October 10 at 7 PM. Just added to the calendar,
on November 14 at 7:30 PM at the Temple Theater, the Nashville-raised and New York-trained
Annie Moses Band will deliver a spellbinding musical odyssey.

A limited number of tickets are available for The Quebe Sisters and can be purchased now at
AngelinaArts.org. Tickets start at $15. Current ticket holders may simply keep their tickets or, if the
new outdoor venue does not work for them, they may request a refund by October 1. Masks will be
required until seated. Social distance seating will be available in pre-placed chairs outside, in front
of the Pines Theater.

Tickets to the Annie Moses Band will go on sale Monday, September 14 and range $30-40. It will
be social distance seating and masks are required before, during and after the performance. Limited
seats available and anyone wanting to purchase more than two seats must call the box office.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit AngelinaArts.org or call the 936.633.5454.

About The Quebe Sisters: When the Quebe Sisters from Texas take the stage with their unique Western Swing style,
audiences are usually transfixed and then blown away by the triple-threat fiddle champions and
their multi-part, close harmony vocals. Their performances are authentic all-Americana, all the
time, and respectful of the artists that inspired them the most.

Along with headlining their own shows to ever-growing audiences, they’ve shared stages with
American music legends like Willie Nelson, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky
Thunder, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Ray Benson
and Asleep at the Wheel, Riders in the Sky and many others.

Today, after more than a decade of travelling the U.S. and the world and recording three acclaimed
albums, Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe are pros in a variety of genres, and count many famous
musicians among their biggest boosters.

The Quebes’ unbridled passion for American music, along with their talent, skills and a lot of hard
work, has taken them far beyond their wildest early aspirations.
About Annie Moses Band:

The story of the Annie Moses Band began in a cotton field in North Texas during the Great
Depression. Annie Moses, our great grandmother, picked cotton for a wealthy landowner and
scrimped and saved to pay for a few piano lessons for our grandmother, Jane.

She died young, but her legacy lives on, first in Jane’s, Julie Andrews-style soprano which graced
small country churches across the fruited plain, and then in the award-winning Nashville
songwriting of our mother, Robin and our father, Bill.

Intensive classical training took us to the halls of the Juilliard School where the iconic sound of the
Annie Moses Band took shape – blending the world of classical finesse with the heart of a
hardscrabble family history.

Over 15 years later, the Annie Moses Band has recorded more than a dozen albums, produced
Emmy-nominated PBS specials, traveled to Europe and Asia, and performed on stages as diverse as
Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry.

The Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich, entertain
and educate by presenting and promoting the performing arts.

Tips to Take a Safe and Affordable Fall Road Trip

By
Statepoint
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0

As American families continue to track developments of the pandemic, many are opting for regional travel experiences this fall.

For some, a road trip to a national park or quaint town might provide just the right combination of taking in the fall scenery while traveling in a way that limits contact with others. However, even road trips close to home can incur their fair share of expenses, which is something many Americans are looking at more closely these days. To watch your spending on the road, consider the following trip tips:

• Plan your route carefully. Opting for a closer destination can eliminate hefty gas expenditures and wear and tear on your vehicle. For example, if you’re on the East Coast, consider the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina for breathtaking views. Similarly, if you reside on the West Coast, you might want to think about a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery.

• Look for deals on accommodations. If you’re taking a multi-day driving trip, hotel stays can begin to add up, especially in larger cities. Try to find accommodations in less densely populated areas along your route, which can include motels or even alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals. Accommodations metasearch site trivago is a great option to search for lodging deals: www.trivago.com.

• Ensure flexibility. Over the past few months, flexibility when booking travel went from being a “nice to have” to being a must. The world moves quickly, so ensure that your travel plans are able to move with it. When you are booking your accommodations, it’s important to compare deals with free cancellations. Knowing you can change your plans will offer you peace of mind. Sites like trivago provide full visibility into flexible choices, indicating whether each deal in the search findings allows for free cancellation.

• Save gas. When it comes to filling up the gas tank, a bit of comparison shopping can go a long way. Consider gas stations a bit farther from main highways. Sometimes, it pays to go off the path a bit or wait for the next rest stop. Free apps also exist that provide real-time gas comparison data based on your current GPS. You can also improve your fuel economy by keeping your car well-maintained and your tires properly inflated.

• Buy a National Park Pass. Chances are that if you’re planning to take in the great outdoors, you’ll find yourself in one of the nation’s 2,000 federal lands. If your route passes through more than one site, consider purchasing a National Park Pass. For $80, it covers entry and parking fees for one vehicle of up to four people for an entire year. With many parks resuming operations and reinstating entrance fees (usually around $25 per park), the pass is a convenient investment well worth the cost. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

As you make your plans, remember that states and jurisdictions are following different health guidelines and are at different stages of reopening, so prepare with a little research. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the way.

Governor Abbott Welcomes Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Back To Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0
Governor Greg Abbott today welcomed the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) back to Texas, having selected the cities of Arlington and Fort Worth to host the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and the NFR Experience on December 3rd through the 12th. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo, showcasing the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world. A Major Events Reimbursement Program fund of $7.1 million has been established, based on the projected economic impact to the two communities resulting from increased tax revenue and spending associated with the event being held in Texas. 

“We are proud to welcome the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, showcasing the very best competitors and livestock in the world, back to the Lone Star State,” said Governor Abbott. “Western sports have long been part of the Texas brand, and Texas fans will be thrilled to see these competitors back in the saddle after being bucked off by COVID-19. Texas is committed to working alongside our communities to ensure they have the tools needed to spur tourism, and grow jobs and their local economies. I congratulate the PRCA on selecting Arlington and Fort Worth, and on coming back home to Texas where the very first NFR was held.”   

“We are so pleased to be at Globe Life Field for the most celebrated event on the rodeo calendar,” said George Taylor, chief executive officer of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. “We are committed to delivering a safe, spectacular event for our fans and we are thrilled to be in Texas for it.” 

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the oldest and biggest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The recognized leader in professional rodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards in the industry in every area, from improving working conditions for contestants and monitoring livestock welfare to boosting entertainment value and promoting sponsors. The PRCA also proudly supports youth rodeo with educational camps and financial assistance to young standouts preparing to enter the professional ranks, as well as supporting allied organizations such as Tough Enough to Wear Pink, Miss Rodeo America, the American Quarter Horse Association and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. 

View more information about the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

TRAFFIC SWITCH PLANNED ON US 69 NEAR ZAVALLA

By
Rhonda Oaks
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0

A traffic switch is scheduled to begin Thursday, Sept. 10, on US 69 South between BW Horton Road, south of Huntington, to FM 1270, south of Zavalla, weather permitting.

Traffic will be moved to the newly constructed section of roadway recently completed in this section of US 69. Two-lanes of traffic, one northbound and one southbound, will remain in place until the next completed phase of construction.

At SH 63 in Zavalla, a three-way stop sign will be utilized that will require all drivers on US 69 and SH 63 to stop at the intersection. Traffic on County Road 357 will be required to use the existing portion of US 69 north for nearly 1 mile to access the newly constructed lanes of US 69.

The US 69 Corridor in southern Angelina County will widen the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway. The projects are being completed in three phases.

Phase One: From Huntington to FM 844, Pinto Construction, Nacogdoches, TX, contractor for the $10.1 million project, worked to extend the four-lane section of highway just south of Huntington. This phase is now completed.

Phase Two: From FM 844 to FM 1270 in Zavalla, Johnson Brothers, Roanoke, TX, contractor for the $72 million construction project has worked to extend the four-lane section of highway and construct several bridges. Crews continue to work through this phase.

Phase Three: From FM 1270 to the Jasper County line, crews continue to widen the roadway to a four-lane divided highway. Drewery Construction Co., Nacogdoches TX, contractor for the $37.5 million project is scheduled to complete the final phase in early 2023, weather permitting.

Once completed, US 69 South projects in the Lufkin District will connect to the US 69 widening that is being completed by the Beaumont District and will be known as the Big Thicket Corridor. The finished projects will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, provide better connectivity between Lufkin and Beaumont and will also serve as an evacuation route from the Gulf Coast.

Motorists are urged to stay alert to the traffic switch changes, use caution and reduce speed as they enter these areas. Obey all traffic control and stay alert to signage directing motorists through the traffic switch onto the newly constructed lanes. Stay alert for workers and moving equipment throughout this work zone.

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

Governor Abbott Releases Statement On Site Selection Naming Texas The Top State For Infrastructure And Corporate Investment

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement after Site Selection Magazine named Texas the top state on its Global Groundwork Index. This index ranks states based on investment trends in infrastructure projects and corporate end-user facility projects, such as roads, bridges, airports, tunnels, pipelines, utilities, railroads and other major infrastructure projects.

“Thanks to our premier workforce, Texas has been ranked #1 on Site Selection’s Global Groundwork Index,” said Governor Abbott. “Our state-of-the-art infrastructure and thriving business climate has kept Texas the top state for economic prosperity. As our economy rebounds from the COVID downturn, we will continue strengthening our infrastructure, creating more jobs, and fostering a more prosperous economic environment for all Texans.”  

Site Selection Magazine publishes information for expansion-planning decision-makers — CEOs, corporate real estate executives and facility planners, human resource managers and consultants to corporations. This is the third annual Global Groundwork Index to be released, which uses a blend of proprietary data from Conway Analytics’ Conway Projects Database and an equally robust database from global infrastructure advisory and events firm CG/LA.

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