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Keeping Kids Safe Online This School Year

By
Statepoint
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Between schoolwork, socialization and gaming, kids will likely be online more than ever this year, especially with many students continuing to learn remotely. Families are yet again facing the challenge of ensuring children’s online usage is balanced, healthy, and safe. Here are a few of the issues around increased screen time:

• Disrupted sleep: According to the National Sleep Foundation, blue light emitted from electronic devices disrupts quality shuteye, as it can delay the release of melatonin, a natural sleep hormone. Over time, compromised sleep can create a number of physical and mental health concerns.

• Safety threats: With kids online more hours a day and less supervised than they would be during a typical school day, online predators have taken advantage of the situation. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline reported a notable surge in complaints.

• Mental health issues: The physical separation from friends, teachers and the classroom has created new mental health challenges for students, not all of which remote learning can completely address. With many adults and kids alike experiencing “Zoom fatigue,” maintaining motivation throughout the school year will be even more challenging than in a typical year. Excessive online usage can also increase exposure to cyberbullying, and ultimately lead to other mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.

Despite these new challenges, there are many steps parents can take to help kids strike a healthy balance with their screen time for a happier, more successful school year:

• Set a schedule: A typical school day includes natural breaks. Families can recreate this at home with scheduled time for kids to walk around, stretch, and get fresh air between assignments.

• Monitor online usage: With parents themselves busy during the day, monitoring what children are doing online is a challenge in many cases, and impossible in others. However, screen time management solutions for parents, such as OurPact from Eturi Corp., can prove a valuable tool in keeping kids productive and safe. Using the app, parents can set schedules, grant access to needed sites, create daily screen time allowances, block inappropriate content and apps and monitor internet use. To learn more or download, visit OurPact.com.

• Have a conversation: Families should have an open dialogue about healthy digital habits. Parents can back up these conversations by setting a good example with their own device usage.

With the boost in online usage come new health and wellness challenges. At the same time, parents can help their children navigate the remote-learning environment by taking steps to promote healthy digital habits.

Funds available for forest thinning through Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting applications for the 2020 Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Prevention Cost-Share Program. Through this program, eligible forest landowners can receive financial and technical assistance related to reducing the threat of future SPB infestations and outbreaks.

Funds provided by USDA Forest Service-Region 8 and Forest Health Protection can assist landowners with conducting first thin operations in overly dense, pulpwood sized pine stands in 21 East Texas counties.

“Our goal through this program is to reduce the potential for SPB attacks on our forests while simultaneously increasing tree growth and vigor,” said Shane Harrington, Texas A&M Forest Service Program Leader.

Since the inception of the SPB Prevention Program, over 100,000 acres have been treated throughout East Texas.

“This program has a successful history of assisting forest landowners by reducing their potential for hosting future SPB attacks as well as increasing overall forest health and resiliency, which is what sound forest management is about,” said Harrington.

Eligible landowners may receive up to $50 per acre, with a 100 acre maximum, to assist in conducting first thin operations. The forested property must meet the set criteria and be located within one of the 21 priority counties which include: Angelina, Cass, Cherokee, Hardin, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Marion, Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler and Walker.

Applications are due by November 1, 2020 and can be submitted through local Texas A&M Forest Service offices for the eligible counties. Additionally, all approved thinning projects must be completed within 12 months of the approval date

For program criteria, requirements and an application, interested landowners can visit http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SPB or contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service office.

Governor Abbott Extends Statewide Disaster Declaration For COVID-19

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation extending his Disaster Declaration for all Texas counties in response to COVID-19. Originally issued on March 13th, the Disaster Declaration provides the state a variety of resources to effectively serve Texans as the Lone Star State continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

“Renewing this Disaster Declaration helps ensure that we have the resources and strategies in place to help communities across Texas respond to COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “I urge Texans to take precautionary steps to protect their health by wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizing their hands. Working together, we will slow the spread and keep our communities safe.”

View the Governor’s proclamation.

FEMA Flood Mitigation Grant Applications Opening Soon

By
Rep. James White
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Open enrollment in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, the state’s prepaid college tuition program, began Sept. 1 and runs through Feb. 28, 2021. The Texas Tuition Promise Fund offers parents and loved ones the chance to prepay a child’s future higher education at Texas public colleges and universities at today’s prices, excluding medical and dental institutions.

There are three different flexible options that parents can choose from in the plan. Under each of the three types of options, parents can purchase “tuition units” to help cover future tuition costs at 2020-2021 academic year costs. Parents may purchase up to 600 units with one academic year roughly costing about 100 units. This allows the flexibility of having enough funds to cover 6 years of undergraduate studies.

• Type I units, priced for undergraduate resident tuition and school-wide required fees at the most expensive eligible Texas public four-year university or college, cost $151.64 per unit.
• Type II units, based on the weighted average cost of undergraduate resident tuition and school-wide required fees across eligible Texas public four-year universities and colleges, cost $108.35 per unit.
• Type III units, based on the weighted average cost of in-district tuition and school-wide required fees across eligible Texas public two-year community colleges, cost $28.81 per unit.

Units can be purchased in lump-sum payments, installments that include a 6% interest rate, or a pay-as-you-go option that allows the addition of more units as a families income grows. Some payments can be as low as $15 if a pay-as-you-go account is set up. Parents should take advantage of the online calculator (https://www.texastuitionpromisefund.com/calculator/) to get price estimates on the type of units and the number of units they will need or wish to plan for.

“I highly encourage our parents to consider this outstanding program that plans for the futures of our Texas children. As college tuitions continue to increase it is worth a look to lock in and freeze the current rates in today’s market and secure significant savings,” said State Representative White.

To enroll please visit https://www.texastuitionpromisefund.com/enroll-in-the-plan/ or for further information please go to www.TuitionPromise.org or call 800-445-GRAD (4723), Option 5.

The Fund will host two webinar opportunities on September 16th and we highly encourage
parents to attend.

• 10 a.m.:
https://txcpa.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=txcpa&ser
vice=6&rnd=0.461588109681107&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftxcpa.webex.com%2Fe
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26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAAQMevFV0Z3DCrAs74vhz6HpaewugGViCbpYgCT
fEOxN1Q2%26


• 3 p.m.:
https://txcpa.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=txcpa&ser
vice=6&rnd=0.461588109681107&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftxcpa.webex.com%2Fe
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26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAAQMevFV0Z3DCrAs74vhz6HpaewugGViCbpYgCT
fEOxN1Q2%26

Please do not hesitate to contact Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, with questions regarding this
release at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.

Angelina College Police Academy Graduates 27 Cadets

By
Gary Stallard
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Cadets from Class 104 of the Angelina College Police Academy graduated on Thursday after a pandemic-prolonged training schedule. A total of 27 future peace officers received their recognition in a ceremony held at AC’s Hudgins Hall Auditorium. (Gary Stallard/AC News photo)

Angelina College Police Academy Class 104 may have set a record for the length of time it took to graduate.

The cadets began training in AC’s Regional Law Enforcement Academy back in March of this year and were supposed to graduate in July; however, the COVID-19 crisis suspended all activities until the fall. Toss in the recent hurricane and its difficulties, and those students were forced to wait longer than any other class to receive their rewards.

On Thursday, those future peace officers finally were able to walk the stage.

“Your perseverance throughout this entire process proves you’re determined to answer your calling,” AC Police Chief Doug Conn told the cadets during his address.

Along with the earned certifications, several cadets received other recognition such as Valedictorian, Top Gun, Best Driver and the Survivor Award.

The graduating cadets of Class 104 included Danny Arce, Jeremiah Baker, Brent Baldwin, Heather Barry, Darin Brooks, Billy Davis, Frank Erimias, Malachi Frazier, Keenan Hadnot, Steve Hollingsworth, Elizabeth Johnson, Nicholas LeBlanc, Felipe Lopez, Lynnzee Lyons, Joshua Manchack, Dakota Martinez, Michael McKnight, Jonathan Perez, Nickolous Pope, Colton Reeves, Brian Reeves, Brian Rivas, Perry Shaw, LaQuinta Simmons, Daniel Tinajero, Juan Tovar, Mikayla Westmoreland and Jim Williams.

Academy staff members include Doug Conn, Chief of Police; Lt. Jason Burrous, Training Manager; Lt. Randy Holland, Training Manager; Officer Jack Stephenson, Training Specialist; and Kim Capps, Administrative Assistant.

Krista Brown’s email address is kbrown@angelina.edu.

ANGELINA ARTS ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO 2020-21 SEASON LINE-UP

By
Joshua Blackwell
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After announcing its upcoming 2020-2021 Temple Theater Season of Performing Arts, including its annual Performing Arts Series and Discovery Series earlier this summer, Angelina Arts announced today that due to the effects of Covid-19 on the touring arts/entertainment industry, several shows in the 2020-2021 season have been rescheduled.

The following changes include:

Steep Canyon Rangers Original date: Oct 22, 2020

Rescheduled to: March 26, 2021

Straight No Chaser Original date: Nov 22, 2020

Rescheduled to: Nov 21, 2021

A Christmas Carol Original date: Dec 3, 2020

Rescheduled to: Dec 2, 2021

Beautiful – A Carole King Musical Original date: March 11, 2021

Rescheduled to: TBA

A new show, as part of the Discovery Series, has been added. Bike Zoo will take place on April 17, 2021, and will be presented in downtown Lufkin in partnership with the Lufkin CVB. Bike Zoo will be a free event for the community.

Existing season subscribers will have one of four options to choose from concerning performances that have shifted into the next season. 1) Make a tax-deductible donation for the value of their tickets, 2) Credit their account for future performances, and 3) Request a refund now through the end of December 2020.

Angelina Arts Executive Director Jennifer Allen states, “These are unprecedented and challenging times for arts organizations, including Angelina Arts. While we planned a very robust 20th anniversary season more than a year ago, today we are heartbroken to announce these changes to our season. We ask for your patience, understanding and generosity as we continue to manage these uncharted waters. We are committed to our mission and we are seeking ways to keep the arts alive in Lufkin during this pandemic. The arts are essential to our community and your support is needed now more than ever.”

The 20th Anniversary Performing Arts Series, themed “A Toast to Our 20th,” still includes performances by Tony Award® Winner Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton, The Color Purple, Rent), Grammy® winner Marty Stuart, Steep Canyon Rangers, Parsons Dance Company, Blue Man Group and the national tour of Broadway musical Escape to Margaritaville.

The Discovery Series performances include Very Electric Christmas, Innovation Nation, Bella Gaia (Beautiful Earth) and Bike Zoo.

Single tickets to the 20th Anniversary Season go on sale Monday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. and can be purchased online at www.angelinaarts.org or over the phone at 936-633-5454. Visit www.angelinaarts.org for more information.

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

ANGELINA ARTS RECEIVES GRANT FROM GEORGIA-PACIFIC FOUNDATION

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to announce that it has been awarded grant funds from the Georgia-Pacific Foundation to support its 20th Anniversary Season of educational and cultural programs during 2020-2021.

The $15,000 grant from Georgia-Pacific will enable Angelina Arts to present a wide array of high-quality programs for adults and children, which would not otherwise be available anywhere in the region.

These funds will support programs that are proven to improve quality of life, drive tourism and provide valuable learning experiences. Georgia-Pacific will serve as the official Season Sponsor of the Angelina Arts Alliance’s 20th Anniversary Season of performances and its annual Discovery Series.

“We are deeply grateful and honored to receive grant funding from the Georgia-Pacific Foundation. This funding is essential to our ability to fulfil our mission and carry on the legacy of bringing the best performing arts for thousands of adults and children all over East Texas,” said Jennifer Allen, Executive Director of the Angelina Arts Alliance.

The season will begin in January with country music legend Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. The season start is later than normal due to COVID-19.

All single tickets for performances at the Temple Theater go on sale to the public on Monday, September 14 beginning at 11am. This year, tickets may be purchased online at angelinaarts.org or by calling 936-633-5454.

No in-person ticket sales will occur this year due to the current pandemic.

The Angelina Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich, entertain and educate by presenting the promoting the arts in East Texas.

ELI YOUNG BAND HEADLINES LIVE FROM LUFKIN DRIVE-IN CONCERT

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Eli Young Band, multiplatinum Texas music hitmakers known for songs like “Crazy Girl” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” are bringing the live music experience back to Angelina County with Live From Lufkin, a drive-in concert Saturday, Oct. 24 at the George H. Henderson Exposition Center.

“We know a lot of people really miss going out with friends to hear live bands and dance and just have fun,” said Taylor Commiato, Lufkin Convention & Visitors Bureau director. “We wanted to give East Texas music fans a chance to have that experience again, safely and responsibly. It will have that big-concert vibe, and everybody gets their own designated area for tailgating. You can bring your own chairs, food and drinks to party and make the experience unique to you.”

The gates will open at 5:30 pm and the concert will begin at 7. Jasper McNeese, Bryan Harkness and Sam Shupak will open. Each ticket will give access to one vehicle with up to six people and will include a reserved space for parking and a personal tailgate zone. Tickets will average $20 to $33 a person. Tickets are on sale now and spaces are very limited. To purchase tickets, go to visitlufkin.org.

Eli Young Band has stayed true to their Texas roots over a storied career, topping the charts with songs like their fourth number one hit, “Love Ain’t,” the platinum “Drunk Last Night,” double platinum “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and triple platinum “Crazy Girl.” They have earned Billboard’s #1 Country Song of the Year and ACM Awards Song of the Year, and earned multiple GRAMMY, CMA, CMT, ACA and Teen Choice Awards nominations. While selling out venues as a headliner from coast-to-coast, the Eli Young Band has toured with Jason Aldean, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, and Darius Rucker.

“Putting on a great concert safely is our top priority,” said Brant Lee, director of convention services for the City of Lufkin. “In order to protect fans, artists, crews and staff, we’ve got speakers and giant screens that will allow us to maximize social distancing while complying with all local and state regulations.”

Each reserved space will be divided into two areas, one for your vehicle and one for your group to tailgate and enjoy the show. Speakers will be set up throughout the area, and large LED screens will be set up so every group will have a good view of the action on stage. The show will also be broadcast via FM transmitter, so attendees can listen through their vehicle speakers in case of inclement weather.

Concertgoers are not required to wear masks while in their assigned tailgate area, but will be required to wear masks if leaving their space to use the restroom facilities. Portable restrooms will be available, and each restroom unit will be equipped with hand sanitizer.

Tickets will be divided between color zones, and spaces will be general admission within the designated zone. Tickets are non-transferrable and can only be scanned once. Each group must arrive in the same vehicle.

Ticket prices for one car/up to 6 persons are:

* Blue section, $200 ($33/person)

* Red section, $175 ($29/person)

* Yellow section, $150 ($25/person)

* Green section, $125 ($20/person)

Buses, large trucks (anything larger than 4 wheels), jacked-up trucks, recreational vehicles, limousines and other oversized vehicles are not permitted. Due to local guidelines, commingling between spaces is strictly prohibited. Underage or excessive drinking will not be tolerated. If your party is consuming alcoholic beverages, please plan to have a designated driver.

Check visitlufkin.org and the Lufkin CVB facebook page for information on order-in-advance and pick-up specials at local restaurants, as well as special rates on local hotels when you purchase tickets.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to visitlufkin.org.

Always Read the Label

By
Cary Sims
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As the year progresses, our office gets a number of calls and walk-ins about pest problems in the yard, garden, pasture, and other sites. And the question is two-fold: what is it and what can I do about it.

Once identified there are (typically) a few options on how to control the pest, whether the pest is weed, insects, mites, or disease. But with the control options and great products at our disposal, they won’t do what they are meant to if we don’t read and follow the label.

True, labels are great for putting one to sleep. True, I’m the guy who wants to assemble something without reading the directions.

But if you have fleas in the yard, duckweed in the pond, downy mildew on your Crepe Myrtles, armyworms in your hay meadow, gummy stem blight on your tomatoes, or smartweed in the pasture, the recommended “solution” won’t do you much good if you don’t follow the label.

The pesticide product label gives you important information about how to use the pesticide effectively and safely. Read the label before you buy the product and each time before you use the product.

You may only use the pesticide on sites or crops listed on the label. For instance, the pesticide label will tell you whether or not you may use the pesticide inside your home. If you are treating a vegetable garden, be sure the label says you can use the pesticide on your garden crop.

Also, there are turf and ornamental pesticides may not be used on food plants. The label may tell you what plants should not be treated because of the chance of injuring the plant, or under what conditions you may, or may not, apply the pesticide.

The pesticide label also tells you about special precautions you must take when you use the pesticide. These include keeping people, and especially kids, safe. It will also include statements warning about not contaminating foods, feeds and water; not applying pesticides when it is windy; or not allowing the pesticide to drift or runoff.

The pesticide label will contain a signal word that will tell you how toxic the product is to humans. There are three signal words: CAUTION, WARNING or DANGER. Signal words will usually be in capital letters. Least toxic products carry the signal word CAUTION. Products with the signal word WARNING on the label are more toxic. The most toxic pesticides have the signal word DANGER on their labels.

The pesticide label lists personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing that you must wear when mixing and applying pesticides. The label will also tell you how long you must wait until you can reenter a treated area, or how long you must wait to harvest food plants after an application. It provides first aid information under a section called “Statement of Practical Treatment” or “First Aid.”

The pesticide label will also tell you how to store the product safely, and how to dispose of the empty container or unused pesticide properly.

Always remember to read and heed the six most important words on the label: “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.”

Please, always READ and follow the label directions exactly.

TxDOT NAMES NEW LUFKIN DISTRICT ENGINEER

By
Rhonda Oaks
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The Texas Department of Transportation on Tuesday named Kelly O. Morris, P.E., to serve as the Lufkin District Engineer.

Kelly began her career at TxDOT as a summer employee in 1993 and later began working full time as an Engineering In Training in the Livingston Area Office. Kelly graduated from Texas A&M University in 1995 with a Civil Engineering degree and obtained her Professional Engineer’s License in 2000.

She worked in the private sector from 1999 to 2013 and rejoined TxDOT as the Project Manager in charge of development of future Interstate 69 in the Lufkin District. She was named District Design Engineer later in 2013 and then promoted to Director of Transportation and Development in 2014 where she has led numerous challenging projects including the Diboll Relief Route and US 59 connector ramps in Nacogdoches. Her work has also included a joint project with the Louisiana DOTD on US 84.

“I look forward to leading the Lufkin District and continuing to work with all of our local communities and dedicated TxDOT staff.  Our focus will remain on developing, building and maintaining a safe transportation system. I am excited about taking on new challenges and continuing my career as District Engineer in one of the best TxDOT districts in the state,” Morris said.

Kelly and her husband Todd make their home in Lufkin with their children, Sydney and Seth. Sydney began classes at Stephen F. Austin State University this fall. The family enjoys fishing and traveling together.

Kelly was named District Engineer after the recent retirement of Cheryl P. Flood who served with TxDOT for 38 years.

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

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