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Governor Abbott Extends Early Voting Period For November 3rd Election

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued a Proclamation extending the early voting period for the November 3rd Election by nearly a week. Under this proclamation, early voting by personal appearance will begin on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and continue through Friday, October 30, 2020. The proclamation also expands the period in which marked mail-in ballots may be delivered in person to the early voting clerk’s office, allowing such delivery prior to as well as on Election Day.

“As we respond to COVID-19, the State of Texas is focused on strategies that preserve Texans’ ability to vote in a way that also mitigates the spread of the virus,” said Governor Abbott. “By extending the early voting period and expanding the period in which mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered, Texans will have greater flexibility to cast their ballots, while at the same time protecting themselves and others from COVID-19.”

View the Governor’s Proclamation.

Allergen-aware station, increased safety measures part of SFA’s student center dining hall renovation

By
Aaron Ferguson
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A digital rendering of Stephen F. Austin State University's Baker Patillo Student Center dining hall renovation project provides a glimpse of the facility's modernized look. The project is scheduled to be complete before the start of the fall semester and includes plans for social distancing and increased student safety.

A station completely free of seven major food allergens is one of several new features in an extensive, ongoing renovation to Stephen F. Austin State University’s Baker Pattillo Student Center dining hall.

Other major features include a dedicated “plant-forward” produce station to replace the former salad bar, a redesigned bakery allowing for confectionary pickup orders, a meat carvery station that will focus on lean meats, and the implementation of various physical distancing and health safety measures.

Construction began in April and is scheduled to be complete before the start of the fall semester.

“Because there are millions of people with food allergies, we knew we needed to better serve our students by having a more inclusive concept in the dining hall,” explained Carrie Charley, SFA’s director of auxiliary services. “In a commercial kitchen, it is nearly impossible to prevent cross-contamination. At this new allergen-aware station, all ingredients are kept separate from other dining hall menu items from the moment they arrive on the student center’s back dock until the moment the dish is served.”

The innovative meals offered through the station will be free of seven of the eight most common food allergens: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy, wheat and shellfish. The eighth allergen, finfish, was kept to provide sufficient protein variety, Charley said.

“For the past several years, we’ve been tracking how many students have dietary restrictions, and that number has increased,” said Jill Hamilton, an Aramark senior specialist registered dietitian. “The allergen awareness station was added to make it easier for those with restrictions to identify offerings. Even if someone doesn’t have an allergy, I think they will still enjoy the station.”

While some dietary restrictions are based on a diner’s personal preferences, food allergies are not, and exposure to certain food products can be potentially dangerous to students with those allergies. Allergen-aware staff members will prepare dishes using dedicated kitchenware and utensils that have been thoroughly washed and sanitized between uses.

SFA has, for years, utilized allergen and nutritional information cards, which are placed near each dish at dining hall stations. The new dedicated station is the next step toward ensuring increased levels of student health awareness and dietary flexibility.

While universities nationwide are expanding their allergen-aware accommodations, SFA “might be one of the first to also use this new space as a teaching kitchen,” Charley said. “Once we are able to safely do so, we hope to host teaching tutorials and cooking competitions from this space in the evenings and during special events. We have special seating designed around the area that is movable and customizable for small groups.”

The concept of plant-forward offerings, which emphasizes “healthy plants at the center of the plate with a proportionally small quantity of animal protein,” Hamilton explained, is not a new one. SFA began adding plant-forward dishes two years ago, including such offerings as lentil “meat” loaf, grilled veggie skewers and cauliflower wings.

Several other stations in the dining hall also offer plant-forward dishes, but the newly revamped and expanded plant-forward produce station will provide a dedicated space for and expansion of these offerings. It also provides more flexible and diverse options for vegan and vegetarian diets, although every station also includes a vegan dish.

“I am super excited about the new produce station,” Charley said. “According to Dataessential, nearly 40% of Americans say they are eating less red meat and are seeking more vegetables. This trend is called ‘plant forward,’ putting plants (fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, beans) at the center of your plate. This renovation bursts open the doors to new possibilities for dining on our campus with a fresh perspective, fresh ingredients and a bright new landscape to enjoy meals together.”

Aside from expanding food options, the student center dining hall renovation also has updated food service procedures and modernized seating and dining aesthetics.

“The entrance to the dining hall has been expanded by 16 feet and provides a more open view into the entire facility,” Charley said. “There are three self-check-in stations and also pre-packaged to-go meals available.”

With the outbreak of COVID-19, additional safety and distancing measures were added to the renovation project, including the design of 25%, 50% and 75% capacity seating plans by architects Tipton Associates, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“With those plans, we will be able to adjust as needed before it is time to load the furniture in,” Charley said. “Most of the crowd control and occupancy management will be handled by the dining team, with the cooperation of our guests. The new check-in stations are self-swipe, and the dining team will serve food rather than having self-service, keeping things as contactless as possible. We now also have outdoor seating available facing the beautiful view down Vista Drive.”

Visual cues will be implemented throughout the hall to keep diners at a safe distance from each other. Sneeze guards have been a standard fixture in all dining halls, but extra guards were added to fill gaps.

“Face masks are required to be worn while in line and walking from station to station,” Charley added. “You also will see staff members in masks and frequently cleaning throughout the day. You might see that a station is temporarily closed during 15-minute intervals for deep cleaning and utensil replacement.”

For more information on fall 2020 dining options and updates, visit the “Dining” section on sfasu.edu/fall2020.

Tips to Help Erase Bullying This Back-to-School Season

By
Statepoint
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This back-to-school season may look a little different, but no matter what learning environment kids find themselves in this fall, bullying is a real cause for concern.

One in five kids aged 12 to 18 has encountered bullying, according to StopBullying.gov. It can happen in person, online or even by text. In an effort to combat the problem, Pilot Pen launched the Erase Bullying for Good campaign in 2015 to help support bullying prevention programs in schools nationwide. For a smooth start to the school year, they are offering parents these back-to-school tips for facing the issue:

• Sometimes kids hesitate to share negative situations they’re encountering. That doesn’t mean they aren’t showing signs that something is wrong. Pay attention to sudden changes in mood, sleep patterns, study habits or other signs of stress. Let kids know that if they’re bullied or witness bullying, it’s okay to come to you or another trusted adult, like a teacher, counselor or coach. A strong trust network helps kids feel safe and empowered.

• If your child is being bullied, reassure them that they’re not alone and have done nothing wrong. Let them know you’ll work through this together. Follow up with school officials to ensure the negative behavior is being addressed, especially if your child is being physically bullied or feels like they’re in danger.

• The presence of digital devices and broad reach of social media means more avenues for bullies to reach their targets. Maintain an open dialogue with your child regarding online activity, and don’t be shy about keeping an eye on profiles and posts.

• Being the target of bullying can feel isolating and overwhelming. If your child witnesses bullying, encourage them to be an “upstander,” not just a bystander. This involves being an ally who stands up to bullies, and it can be as simple as seeking help from an adult, or as ambitious as starting an anti-bullying program at school.

• It can be disheartening to learn that your own child has engaged in bullying. Remember, bullying is a behavior, and behaviors can be changed. Help your child identify underlying feelings that may be causing them to act out in this way and encourage them to find positive outlets such as sports, art or journaling.

• It’s important for kids to understand that the goal of bullying is to make the victim feel scared or powerless. Parents can equip children with the knowledge, resources and confidence they need to feel empowered in the face of bullying, as well as with tools that align with this cause. By the end of 2020, the Erase Bullying for Good campaign, through purchases of Pilot’s FriXion Erasable pens, will have contributed more than $450,000 to organizations committed to bringing bullying prevention and education programs to US schools. FriXion’s unique, thermo-sensitive erasable ink writes smoothly and erases cleanly, so students, teachers and parents can write, create and express themselves fearlessly without the stress of written mistakes, empowering them to be upstanders through the written word. To learn more, visit HelpEraseBullying.com.

Bullying is all too common. However, parents can play an active role in helping put a stop to it this back-to-school season and beyond.

TxDOT HOLDING VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING

By
Rhonda Oaks
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A virtual public hearing is scheduled Tuesday, July 28, beginning at 10 am to discuss the development of the 2021 Unified Transportation Program. A virtual public meeting was also held on July 7. The 2021 UTP could be considered for adoption at the August TxDOT Commission meeting in Austin.

The full 2021 UTP document can be viewed here: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/unified-transportation-program.html. The public can join the meeting by clicking the link and also submit a comment form online.

The UTP is TxDOT’s 10-year plan to guide transportation development for future construction projects and related activities. The UTP is an important part of guiding project development, but is not a budget or a guarantee that projects will be built.

“While future development of Interstate 69 is unquestionably a priority in East Texas, the Lufkin District must still balance all of its transportation needs. The UTP helps us to do that,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “We want the public to always be involved in the planning process and this virtual event gives everyone that opportunity.”

Projects listed in Fiscal Year 2021-2024 estimated let date range include:

• US 59, Angelina County: Upgrade between FM 2021 and SL 287

• US 59, Polk County: Construction of the Corrigan Relief Route

• US 59, San Jacinto County: Upgrade between FM 2914 and Liberty County Line

•  SH 105, San Jacinto County: Widen from two to four lanes between Montgomery County Line to Montgomery County Line

•  US 259, Rusk County Line: Add continuous two-way left turn lane between SH 204 and Rusk County Line

• US 96, Shelby County: Construct passing lanes between Center and San Augustine County

• US 96, Sabine County: Widen from two to four lanes between Pineland and Spur 414

Projects listed in the Fiscal Year 2025 to 2030 estimated let date range include:

• US 69, Angelina County: Add continuous two-way left turn lane between FM 326N to 3 miles south of FM 326N

• US 59/US 259 North Interchange, Nacogdoches County: Upgrade to interstate standards (Future I-69)

• US 59, San Jacinto County: Upgrade to interstate standards (Future I-69) between Shepherd and the Trinity River

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

Governor Abbott, HHSC Encourage Medicaid, CHIP Providers To Apply For Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today urged eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers to apply for federal COVID-19 relief funds before the August 3 deadline. Provider Relief Funds may be used to cover lost revenue due to COVID-19 or health related expenses purchased to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the virus, including supplies and equipment to provide health care services for COVID-19 patients, workforce training, reporting test results to federal, state, or local governments, and acquiring additional resources, equipment, supplies, staffing and technology to expand and preserve care delivery. Up to $15 billion from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund is available to eligible providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs.

“These funds can assist with a variety of COVID-19 expenses incurred by our Medicaid and CHIP providers,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage eligible providers across the state to apply for this funding in order to access these crucial federal resources as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Texas is grateful for the front line service, dedication and partnership with our Medicaid and CHIP providers across the Lone Star State.”

“Health care providers are on the front lines serving Texans during this pandemic and these federal funds are available to cover costs incurred in the fight against COVID-19,” said Michelle Alletto, Texas HHS chief program and services officer. “This funding can also help providers suffering economically because of the pandemic to ensure we have a strong provider base to continue to take care of Texans.”

As of July 15, 2020, less than 5 percent of the state’s 27,351 eligible providers in Texas have applied. Failure to apply for, and secure relief funds will leave potentially billions of federal dollars otherwise available to Medicaid and CHIP providers in Texas, unused. To ensure eligible providers have the opportunity to apply, the deadline has been extended to August 3.

Applicants can receive approximately 2 percent of reported gross revenue from patient care. For more information, visit the U.S. HHS website.

DETCOG July 23, 2020 Board Meeting Brief

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Congressman Brian Babin was a special guest during the Deep East Texas Council of
Government’s July board of directors meeting Thursday July 23. Babin represents the 36th
District of Texas which includes the counties of Jasper, Newton, Polk and Tyler in Deep East
Texas. Babin thanked the DETCOG board members for the leadership they provide in their
communities and reflected on several topics including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, funding amidst the pandemic, the workforce and jobs during these times and the possibility of schools reopening.

“Over the last two months we’ve had great job creation,” Babin said. “Just last month alone
we’ve created nearly five million brand new jobs, which is the highest job gain ever recorded in history since we’ve been recording our job creations in one month’s time. This is great news; the American economy is continuing to open even in spite of the escalating numbers of cases we’re seeing in several states including our great state.”

“The good news there is that even with the escalating cases, our death rate and death and
death total has continued to flatten out and fall, that’s very good news.” Babin also reported he had successfully added an amendment to a proposed federal transportation bill which would increase funding for the future Interstate 14, also known as the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway, which will eventually cross the DETCOG region along the current
route of US 190.

In other business the DETCOG board heard an update on the 2020 Census response rates for the region. As of July 22, Angelina County has the highest response rate in Deep East Texas with a 53.4% rate. In comparison, Angelina County had a final response rate of 64.7% in 2010. Sabine County currently has the lowest response rate with 28.6%, as compared to the county’s 2010 response rate of 44.7%.

The low response rates in more rural counties like Sabine and others in Deep East Texas is
attributed in large part to the fact that no Census materials were mailed to most rural
households. Census workers have only recently begun distributing Census packets to many
rural homes. The Census Bureau has extended the self-response deadline to October 31.
Starting sometime in August Census workers are expected to begin visiting households who
have not responded.

Statewide, Texas has a response rate of 57.2%, and the state had a 64.4% response rate in 2010. The U.S. currently has a response rate of 62.3% and had a response rate of 66.5% in 2010.

Additionally, Mark Durand, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions of Deep East Texas, gave an update on the region’s labor market. Unemployment in Deep East Texas was at 9.2% in June, lower than May’s total of 12.0%. However, the June 2020 unemployment rate was higher than June 2019’s total of 4.7%, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional actions during the meeting include:
• Approval of a letter in support of the nomination of Jasper County Judge Mark Allen for
the president-elect position of the Texas Association of Regional Councils.
• Reviewed of the quarterly financial report.
• Approval of DETCOG’s salary schedule.
• Approval of a Continuity of Operations and Disaster Recovery Plan for Deep East
Texas Regional 9-1-1 Network.
• Approval of revised bylaws for 9-1-1 Advisory Council.
• Confirmation of committee appointments for the 2020-2021 term.

DETCOG’s next board of director’s meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2020.

Georgia-Pacific Partners with the T.L.L. Temple Library to Expand Online Learning

By
Joshua Blackwell
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T.L.L. Temple Library staff members (left to right) Chelsea Havard, Community Outreach Coordinator; and Chaunta Jolly, Children’s Coordinator, are expanding their efforts to educate the community and school students online in the wake of the pandemic. Thanks in part to Georgia-Pacific, the library is expanding its online resources for area students.

Next month students will begin the 2020-2021 school year; however, due to the pandemic, many students will experience a new learning environment. While some students will go back to the classroom with strict precautions in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19, others will complete their school year online from their homes. That’s why Georgia-Pacific is teaming up with the T.L.L. Temple Library in Diboll to enhance distance learning.

Recently Georgia-Pacific donated funds to the library to expand the facility’s online resources. “We are enhancing our e-book selection online as well as other tools that can help students with their classroom studies,” said Justin Barkley, T.L.L. Temple Library Director. “Library operations have rapidly changed through the years as more people go online to search for information and read books instead of physically visiting our facility. That is even more evident today in the wake of the virus. In order for us to continue to effectively serve our patrons, it is important that we invest in online resources.”

Established in 1960, Diboll’s first public library opened with a modest 1200 donated books and an operating budget of $800 raised by the Friends of the Diboll Library. Today sixty years later the library continues to serve the area thanks to public support, contributions and grants from local companies and foundations.

REP. TRENT ASHBY RELEASES VIDEO ENCOURAGING CENSUS PARTICIPATION

By
Joshua Blackwell
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State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) released a video today encouraging Texans
to participate in the ongoing United States Census. The Census, which is required by Article I, Section II of the United States Constitution has taken place once per decade for over 200 years.

“The Founding Fathers saw the Census as a critical tool to ensure fair representation in
Congress,” said Ashby. “Today it continues to do so, while also guaranteeing that billions of
federal dollars are equitably distributed where they are needed most. I hope Texans will join me in completing their Census, so our state can continue receiving our fair share of resources and representation over the next ten years.”

As of July 21, the self-response rate in Texas was 57.2%, which is five percent behind the national average, putting Texas behind 39 other states. In House District 57, all six counties are reporting under the state average.
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed back the timeline for the Census process, but all residents of the United States still have the opportunity to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects all data you provide to the U.S. Census Bureau and ensures that it will be used only to anonymously deliver statistics. For more information, please visit www.2020CENSUS.gov.

Trent Ashby is currently running for a fifth term as the State Representative for House District 57, which encompasses all of Angelina, Houston, Leon, Madison, San Augustine, and Trinity Counties.

For more information about Trent, please visit www.TrentAshby.com.

Governor Abbott Welcomes Tesla To Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued the following statement after Tesla announced the construction of Gigafactory Texas in southeast Travis County—an electric vehicle manufacturing facility that will create at least 5,000 new jobs and generate over $1 billion in capital investment.

“Tesla is one of the most exciting and innovative companies in the world, and we are proud to welcome its team to the State of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas has the best workforce in the nation and we’ve built an economic environment that allows companies like Tesla to innovate and succeed. Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas will keep the Texas economy the strongest in the nation and will create thousands of jobs for hard-working Texans. I look forward to the tremendous benefits that Tesla’s investment will bring to Central Texas and to the entire state.”

Governor Abbott Rosters State Resources As Tropical Depression Approaches Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today placed numerous resources on standby across the state in anticipation of severe weather spurring from a Tropical Depression in the Gulf ⁠— including heavy rain, dangerous rip currents, and flash flooding. This Tropical Depression is expected to impact the lower third of Texas, including the upper Rio Grande Valley, the Coastal Bend, and the Texas Hill Country, throughout the weekend.

“As this Tropical Depression approaches the Lone Star State, we are taking the necessary precautions to keep Texans safe,” said Governor Abbott. “These resources I have rostered will help our communities respond to the severe weather and possible flash floods caused by this Tropical Depression. Throughout the weekend, Texans should heed the guidance from local officials and remain vigilant against this severe weather to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has rostered the following resources in preparation to support request from local officials:

  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews and Incident Management Teams
  • Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service: Texas A&M Task Force One and Two Search and Rescue Teams
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat Teams to support Water Rescue Operations
  • Texas Military Department: High Profile Vehicle packages
  • Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages
  • Texas Department of Transportation: High Profile Vehicles
  • Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Highway Patrol: Search and Rescue Aircraft with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

  • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
  • Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
  • Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
  • Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.

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