Home Blog Page 366

FEMA Directors Visit as 12,000 Meals Served by The Salvation Army in SE Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Mobile kitchens from The Salvation Army of Texas served 12,000 meals in SE Texas and Lake Charles, LA, to residents affected by Hurricane Laura on Saturday. 14 teams of Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) staff and volunteers worked tirelessly throughout an extremely hot and humid day to serve hot meals to those in need.

FEMA Directors, including FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, visited a location in Orange County, TX, on Saturday where a Salvation Army mobile kitchen was preparing to serve lunch. “The Salvation Army works very closely with FEMA during times of disaster and we are thrilled that the FEMA staff saw our mobile kitchen team in action,” said Alvin Migues, Director of The Salvation Army Disaster Services for Texas. The FEMA Administrator grabbed a piece of paper during the visit and wrote down the number for affected individuals and families to call for assistance. The number, 1-800-621-3362, was posted inside the message board of the mobile kitchen for all to see. “The Salvation Army is one part of the response effort and works with FEMA, other government agencies, and many local disaster partners. These relationships are key to the success of any response effort and we appreciate the support of FEMA.” The number for FEMA assistance is now posted to each Salvation Army mobile kitchen.

Saturday was the first day of meal service by The Southern Baptist Texas Convention kitchen as part of Hurricane Laura response. The commercial-size kitchen and serving area is set up on the basketball pavilion at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Beaumont. Mobile kitchens drive through the serving area and crews load the hot food, packed in heat sealing cambros, directly onto each vehicle. The kitchen prepared 5,000 hot meals for distribution on Saturday and it is anticipated that production will ramp up to 10,000 meals each day in the coming week.

The Salvation Army is serving food in the following fixed locations:

· Bridge City – Market Basket: 2005 Texas Ave Bridge City, TX

· Port Arthur – Sam Houston Elementary: 3245 36th Port Arthur, TX

· Orange Corps – 1950 MLK Drive Orange, TX

· Vidor – 114 W. Bolivar St, Vidor TX

· Jasper/Newton – Newton Church/Food Bank, 501 Main Street, Newton, TX

· Deweyville High School – 171 TX-12, Deweyville, TX (TX-12 & HWY 87)

· Huntsville Shelter – HEARTS Veterans Museum: 463 State Highway 75 N, Huntsville, TX

The Salvation Army has served 18,481 meals, 16,270 drinks, 6,608 snacks in affected communities in Southeast Texas since the response effort to Hurricane Laura began on Friday.

The best way to support the disaster work of The Salvation Army by making a financial donation at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx.

First Week at SFA

By
Luis Ruperto
-
0

When August rolls around it’s always an exciting time for parents and SFA students alike, which means that school is just around the corner. In an ideal world, the students are excited to go back for another semester, there’s back to school shopping, move-in dates, and of course, the famed first day of class or “Syllabus Day” as I like to call it.

Though we knew that we would have to practice social distancing and wear face masks around campus, I for one didn’t care. Yes, it is annoying and not the most comfortable thing to wear at times but if it is what I have to do to gain a sense of normalcy then I don’t mind.

See, for as crazy as the past couple of months have been since Spring Break, the one thing I knew was going to happen one way or another was school. So, after being stuck at home for the majority of 6 months going back to school was like an oasis in the middle of the desert and the idea of studying and doing homework seemed exciting to me.

Even though we were coming back, we weren’t coming back to the campus we knew and loved. While on its face it’s the same buildings, colors, and scenery, on the inside the dynamic is something I thought I would never see.

It is one thing to know that you have to wear a face mask but it’s something different, unique even, when you see it in person and in practice at school. And while some may say it’s the same as wearing a mask at the grocery store, yes, but even at the beginning we never thought we would wear a mask at the store, the same feeling applies here.

But I think I speak for all lumberjacks when I say that we were all curious if not anxious as to how the first day of class was going to play out with all of the social distancing measures in place, on top of trying not to get COVID as part of your personal safety and precautions.

But I gotta say, SFA did a pretty good job preparing for our return, but the first day was just not the same. it seemed watered down and I didn’t feel that Lumberjack buzz in the air I had grown accustomed to during my time here.

I know that some students chose to stay online as part of their health and safety which is understandable, and no one can blame them, but they also play a crucial role in the spirit of SFA life that is being missed dearly.

As “Syllabus Day” came to a close I was hopeful for a great week and an even better final semester here at SFA but…. 2020 had something else up its sleeve, we didn’t even make it to Wednesday before classes were canceled due to inclement weather and hurricane Laura. Yeah, we knew Laura was coming but at first, we weren’t supposed to get hit, then we were and at the last minute we didn’t, thankfully. It just seems like we can’t have one good week this year before we get another curveball and personally, I find some humor in that.

I know a lot of people are wishing for this year to just end so we can move into 2021 and maybe have better luck and I am one of those people but the more I sit and think the more I realize that we should enjoy life daily because you have no idea what is going to happen. Make the most of what you have and those you have around you.

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
-
0

My heart goes out to the people in East and Southeast Texas, as well as our neighbors in Louisiana, who have been affected by Hurricane Laura. While a last-minute change in direction spared much of Texas from vast destruction, the aftermath of this horrifying natural disaster has devastated countless communities and left thousands without electricity, water, or shelter.

Our nation has been tested with unprecedented challenges over the last eight months – we’ve fought against a foreign virus that indiscriminately infected the globe, endured isolation and lost loved ones, grappled with injustices, encountered social unrest and violence, felt the effects of a slowing economy and historic unemployment, and weathered two catastrophic hurricanes. If you find yourself wondering, “What else could go wrong in 2020?” I can assure you you’re not alone.

As I monitored the path of Hurricane Laura, I found myself flipping through a book written by the famous Christian poet and hymn author, Annie Johnson Flint, titled “He Giveth More Grace.” I want to share an excerpt from one of her passages that I found particularly moving with the hope that you’ll find the same comfort her writing brought me and carry it with you as we continue confronting our collective challenges.

“He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;

To added affliction, He addeth His mercy;

To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace.”

With that, here’s this week’s Capitol update. . .

Capitol Update

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently announced the procurement of over 1 million personal devices and internet Wi-Fi hotspots with federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). This procurement will ensure that students will have both a device and connection to the internet throughout the 2020-2021 school year and beyond. I applaud this effort, as I’ve been an outspoken proponent of increasing high-speed internet access to rural and underserved areas across the state. As students and teachers rely more heavily on virtual learning, it is critical that the State of Texas does its part to close the digital divide and facilitate greater access to the technology and tools that support our new learning environment.

I also want to recognize and thank the countless educators across our state who have prepared for this new school year under unusual circumstances. Whether you’re a principal weighing the decision to provide online or in-person instruction, a teacher adapting to new technology, or a custodian working overtime to prepare a safe and sanitary learning environment for our students; your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for your commitment to serving the students of Texas.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our District office may be reached at (936) 634-2762.

Georgia-Pacific Employee Celebrates 35 Years of Service

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0
(Pictured from l to r) Georgia-Pacific Corrigan Plywood Human Resource Manager, Maria Belschner, congratulates Sharon Shirley for 35 years of service to the company. After serving in numerous roles within the company, Shirley is preparing to retire as a member of the Human Resources team.

She’s one of the more familiar faces at Georgia-Pacific’s Corrigan Plywood Mill—and now after 35 years of service—Sharon Shirley is preparing to wrap up her career and enjoy retirement.

It was in 1985 when Shirley joined the company as a human resource assistant at Camden Plywood; however, she later transferred to Corrigan where she worked various roles. Through the years, Shirley served in the accounting group and crossed-trained in several areas, such as payroll, accounting, shipping, and safety before working as a procurement log scaler for 17 years. Her desire to interact with all of the plant’s employees eventually returned Shirley to where she began her career in human resources.

“The favorite part of my job is getting to know our employees who are the heart of what we do, which is making plywood,” said Shirley. “It is truly my privilege and honor to be a part of such a hard-working and dedicated team.”

As she celebrates 35 years of service, Shirley is patiently awaiting the next 4 months when she will officially retire from Georgia-Pacific. “I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, traveling, and of course some fishing,” said Shirley. “I’m ready for the next journey and am excited to see what life has to offer.”

Bamboo Woes

By
Cary Sims
-
0

From time to time, I’ll get it question about how to plant and establish bamboo to use as a screen or fence substitute along a property line . More often than those inquiries is somebody trying to beat back and kill the awful invasive jungle of bamboo that has taken over much of their landscape.

So if you are interested in wanting some privacy , let me ask you, are you really, really sure that you want this?

Bamboos are botanically “grasses” that are perennial. We know them as one of the most difficult to control ornamental plants once they have escaped. They are distinguished from other grasses by their woody stems, branched growth, and often large size. They can grow anywhere from one to seventy feet tall. While often considered beautiful, they can quickly turn into a homeowner’s worst nightmare if not properly maintained. Once established, bamboo can take over landscapes, stream banks, and woodlands.

If you look at the USDA field guide “Invasive Plants in Southern Forests”, the first invasive grassy plant they list is Golden bamboo. It is common to many old homesites and has now escaped. Native to Asia, it was planted as an ornamental plant and used widely for fishing poles.

Another grass-type weed listed in that identification guide that folks fight is Giant Reed. It has more of a corn plant looking structure that reaches up to 20 feet tall and has migrated from old home sites as well. It is considered an “old world” plant (read European origination) that is also from western Asia, and north Africa. In addition to an ornamental, it’s reeds were used for woodwind instruments.

Overall, there are about 1,200 species of bamboo with many of these being sold in the nursery trade. There are two basic types of bamboo: clumping and running. Clumping bamboo species grow in large clumps and are relatively slow in spreading. Their root system can be quite large and compete with surrounding plants. This type can often be removed by digging up the offending plants. Unfortunately, many of the more popular types of bamboo sold in the nursery industry are the more invasive, spreading types. Running bamboos can be very problematic once established, as they spread by thick, tough, underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes can spread more than 100 feet from the mother plant and are very resistant to adverse environmental conditions and most herbicides.

Every effort should be taken to control a bamboo infestation in its entirety. Because bamboo is so aggressive, it can re-establish rapidly if any small section is left untouched. Homeowners with bamboo infestations must be patient, as this weed requires an intensive control program over several years.

The first step in controlling bamboo should be to remove as much of the root mass and rhizomes of the plant as possible. This can often be done by hand with small infestations but larger problem areas may require the use of power equipment.

Regular mowing is another method that can help control bamboo if you have two to three years of consistent pressure. Because bamboo is a grass, it can tolerate occasional mowing but does not tolerate frequent mowing. Mowing practices, similar to that in a home lawn can eventually deplete the bamboo rhizomes and offer some control. Again, two to three years of regular mowing are often needed to see results.

A final, and often necessary, method of control for bamboo is the use of herbicides. A non-selective herbicide with the active ingredient glyphosate is the best option for homeowners. Glyphosate has little to no residual soil activity and will only kill plants that receive direct contact. For glyphosate to be effective, the bamboo must be mowed or chopped and allowed to regrow until the new leaves expand. Glyphosate should then be applied to the leaves. Keep in mind that one application of glyphosate will not eradicate the bamboo infestation.

Once again, it can potentially take two to three years to gain complete control.

As incredibly safe as glyphosate products are, do not apply these products directly to water or to areas where surface water is present unless you use an aquatic labeled glyphosate product. For bamboo control next to creeks, lake basins, wetlands, or other water sources where spray drift will contact the water, choose a glyphosate product labeled for use near water. Look for product labels such as Eraser AQ, Hi-Yield Killzall Aquatic Herbicide, Rodeo, Pondmaster, Aquamaster, or Aquapro. Aquatic formulations of glyphosate may be mixed with a non-ionic surfactant, such as Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker Non-Ionic Surfactant or Southern Ag Surfactant for Herbicides, to improve control.

As always, when using herbicides, please be sure to follow all label instructions.

While bamboo control is not impossible, it can often seem that way. Staying on top of the problem is one of the most important things to remember. An intensive control method over several years will be necessary to eradicate a bamboo infestation.

One of the best methods of control is prevention. If you really want to hide a certain view, I know of some tremendous fencing businesses around Lufkin. Build a privacy fence and plant lots of trees and shrubs to soften the view.

Salvation Army Mobile Kitchens to Commence Feeding on Friday in Southeast Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams moved into Southeast Texas after Hurricane Laura blew northwards on a course close to the Texas/Louisiana border on Thursday morning. Much of the area was left without power and damage assessment is underway in affected communities.

In Walker County, Texas, The Salvation Army began providing meals on Tuesday, August 25, at four evacuation shelters housing more than 380 individuals. Residents under mandatory evacuation orders were transported to the shelters in Huntsville by Monday evening. Working closely with local emergency management staff, The Salvation Army teams from Conroe and Austin have been preparing and delivering three meals each day to the shelters. Evacuation shelters are anticipated to remain open until power can be restored and transportation arranged back to the respective cities.

Staging at The Salvation Army disaster warehouse in Beaumont, nine full-size mobile kitchens and two rapid response vehicles will begin feeding operations on Friday morning. “Five mobile kitchens from the Texas Division will head to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to support the response efforts of the Alabama/Louisiana/Mississippi Division after that community bore the brunt of the hurricane,” said Alvin Migues, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army in Texas. “The additional six units will serve at fixed locations in Orange County, Bridge City, and Port Arthur. Each mobile kitchen will be stocked with 2,000 meals and our trained staff will continue to monitor the need in communities throughout the area.”

Partnerships are key to any disaster response effort and The Salvation Army is privileged to work with the Southern Baptist Texas Convention who will set up a field kitchen in Beaumont on Friday. The kitchen has the capacity to produce 10,000 meals each day, and The Salvation Army is planning to utilize 25,000 meals over the span of five days.

“In addition to serving as the staging point for the Texas Division disaster teams, the Beaumont warehouse will be the logistics hub for donated goods and supplies to be distributed to the three Salvation Army divisions impacted by the storm,” said Migues. “We are pleased to have the capacity in Beaumont to assist our neighbors in Louisiana and beyond.”

The best way to support the disaster work of The Salvation Army by making a financial donation at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx.

Governor Abbott Surveys Hurricane Laura Damage, Provides Update On Response And Recovery Efforts In Orange

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Governor Greg Abbott today traveled to Southeast Texas to survey the damage from Hurricane Laura and meet with local officials. The Governor also held a press conference in Orange, where he provided an update on response and recovery efforts in the area. Governor Abbott commended the Southeast Texas community for evacuating ahead of the storm, as this minimized the loss of life and severe safety concerns, and urged Texans to remain vigilant against flash flooding and potential river flooding.

“While we are grateful that the damage of Hurricane Laura was far less severe than expected, many communities in Southeast Texas have experienced significant damage from this storm — and the State of Texas is already initiating recovery efforts and ensuring these communities have the support they need to rebuild,” said Governor Abbott. “I am thankful for the proactive leadership by local officials and for the way Texans in the region took action to protect themselves and their families by evacuating ahead of the storm. I urge those affected by the hurricane to continue to pay attention to the direction of local officials as they seek to return to their homes.”

The Governor was joined by Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Congressmen Brian Babin and Randy Weber, State Senator Robert Nichols, State Representatives Joe Deshotel and Dade Phelan, and local leaders from Orange and surrounding communities.

Hurricane Laura made landfall in the middle of the night as a Category 4 hurricane. Tree damage has been reported in Jefferson, Hardin, and Orange counties. Orange County has also reported structural damage. Recovery efforts are already underway in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Laura. Several state agencies are in the affected area to provide search and rescue capabilities, if needed. They are in communication with local leaders but there are no search and rescue requests at this time.

A number of medical resources were deployed ahead of the storm and remain in affected areas to assist in recovery efforts. Over 350 Emergency Medical Task Force Members are currently deployed, and over 144 hurricane evacuation missions have been conducted.

Texans who have been affected by Hurricane Laura can visit gov.texas.gov/hurricane for resources and more information.

Hurricane Laura Moves Past Nacogdoches Leaving Minimal Damage in its Wake.

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on the Louisiana coast around 1:00 a.m. this morning before weakening as it quickly moved inland. While the hurricane brought minor wind and rain to the Nacogdoches area, no significant damage occurred.

“We were fortunate Laura followed a more northeastern path,” said County Judge Greg Sowell. “Our thoughts go out to our neighbors in Louisiana who are really bearing the brunt of this storm and dealing with significant wind damage.”

A flash flood watch remains in effect for much of the county, while the Attoyac Bayou near Chireno will likely see above-flood-stage levels through the weekend. Minor lowland flooding may occur, and ground saturation could lead to downed trees or other roadway hazards. As of this morning, no road damage or closures have been identified. Residents can report road obstructions to Nacogdoches Police Department dispatch at 936-559-2607 or to the County Road and Bridge department at 936-560-7802.

Some weather-related power outages did occur, scattered throughout the county. ONCOR and Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative are surveying the damage and beginning restoration. Residents experiencing power outages should call their local provider.

“I appreciate all of our first responders and essential employees who worked so hard to prepare for and respond to this emergency,” stated Mayor Shelley Brophy. “Also, a big thank you to the people of Nacogdoches for following instructions given by our staff.”

The Nacogdoches County Civic Center continues to shelter around 30 evacuees displaced from Newton county. The nearby county is expected to lift its mandatory evacuation order, at which time the evacuees will be bussed home. Emergency management officials do not foresee a need to open shelters for local residents.

“Our City of Nacogdoches staff will continue manning the non-emergent hotline through 5:00 p.m., Thursday, Aug 27. Hurricane Laura-related questions or concerns can be directed to 936-468-4787 or 936-559-2510,” confirmed City Manager Mario Canizares. In the event of an emergency, always call 9-1-1.

Salvation Army Officers Evacuate as Disaster Response Teams Prepare for Hurricane Laura Response

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Mandatory evacuations are in place throughout much of Southeast Texas as Hurricane Laura’s landfall is now imminent. Many residents of the region have heeded the warnings and evacuated to cities outside of the Category 4 hurricane’s projected path. While multiple Salvation Army Emergency Disaster response teams and mobile kitchens are headed to the region, Salvation Army officers living and serving in the area have temporarily evacuated.

Captains Francisco & Jan Zuniga are the Commanding Officers of The Salvation Army in Orange, TX. The threat of a major hurricane and serious flooding is not new to the Zuniga’s as they served in the region during Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda, each causing significant power outages and flooding. The Zuniga family were cut off for more than a week when their neighborhood flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

“As Salvation Army Officers (Pastors) we approach these storms and disasters in several ways – how to best serve the needs of our community, our congregation and staff, and our own family,” said Captain Jan Zuniga. “We work hand-in-hand with the Office of Emergency Management to stay up to date on what is expected of The Salvation Army in the aftermath of the storm and how we can help. We stay connected with our church members and staff during any disaster to ensure they are safe and to coordinate local response efforts. Lastly, my husband and I do our best to divide and conquer our many responsibilities, considering what is best for our two young daughters.”

10 Salvation Army mobile kitchens, staff, and volunteers from throughout Texas are positioning in Conroe, north of Houston, in preparation to move into the affected area. A disaster response team from The Salvation Army in Austin is currently providing food service at a large shelter in Huntsville already housing evacuees. Additional units are on standby to deploy after Emergency Disaster Services staff complete their initial assessment once Hurricane Laura moves out of the area.

“There are so many things to think about and handle before the storm arrives,” said Zuniga. “We finalize current social service programs and make plans for the food in our refrigerators and freezers in the case that we may lose electricity. We return after the storm as soon as possible and get right to work. Our biggest job is to make sure the community knows they are not forgotten and that The Salvation Army is here for them. As well as providing for their immediate practical needs, we also want to give them much-needed emotional and spiritual support, remind them that they are loved, and share hope.”

“Our teams will be ready to move into affected communities as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Alvin Migues, Director of The Salvation Army Disaster Services in Texas “This is a very powerful hurricane and we anticipate significant power outages and flooding throughout East Texas, and storm surge along the entire coastal area. The Salvation Army, along with our committed partners, will do everything possible to reach and serve those affected by the storm.”

The best way to support the disaster work of The Salvation Army by making a financial donation at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. 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.

TxDOT WARNS MOTORISTS AHEAD OF HURRICANE LAURA

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

TxDOT is reminding the public to stay alert to traffic signals that may not work in the case of power outages and possible flooded roadways during Hurricane Laura.

Traffic signals that are not working due to electrical power outages should be treated as a four-way stop intersection.

“It is likely with possible power outages that motorists could encounter signal lights that are not operating,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Motorists must stop at the intersection before proceeding. A blacked-out traffic signal is the same as a four-way stop.”

Motorists should also stay alert for flooded roadways and never drive through flooded areas. If barricades are set, do not attempt to drive around them.

Drivers should remain alert beginning tonight through tomorrow. Power outages and downed trees could cause some roadways to be blocked. TxDOT crews will respond and clear the roadways as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We are currently working 12-hour shifts and will continue this work schedule until the roadways are clear and open,” said Oaks. “We encourage people to stay off the road, if possible. Once the storm passes and motorists begin to move about, we urge them to stay alert for TxDOT and emergency workers responding to this emergency. Give them room to work and slow down.”

Visit drivetexas.org for statewide road closures. Follow the Lufkin District alerts on Twitter at TxDOT Lufkin. For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

1...365366367...759Page 366 of 759