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Tropical Storm Cristobal Highlights Urgency for Residents to Prepare Now for an Active Hurricane Season

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Dark ominous grey storm clouds. Dramatic sky.

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is off and running with the third named storm already churning in the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal residents should consider how the on-going COVID-19 pandemic will impact their evacuation and preparedness plans as Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to approach the U.S. Gulf Coast early next week, according to the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).

“Preparing for hurricane season in the midst of a pandemic is an unprecedented situation,” said David A. Sampson, president and CEO of APCIA. “We are pleased to be partnering with Craig Fugate to offer additional resources and information on how to prepare for, and recover from, natural catastrophes during the current crisis.”

Fugate is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts in emergency management planning and response. As a bipartisan leader, Fugate served as Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency from 2009 to 2017 where he led the nation’s response to more than 500 presidentially declared disasters and emergencies, including Hurricane Sandy. Prior to that, Fugate served as the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management from 2001 to 2009 under former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. In that role, he directed the state’s recovery efforts after numerous hurricanes, including during the devastating 2004-2005 hurricane seasons.

“COVID-19 and social distancing change the way communities look at evacuation and sheltering,” said Fugate. “Coastal residents who do not live in mandatory evacuation zones will have new factors to weigh when considering if they can safely ride out a storm at home. This puts a renewed emphasis on making our homes stronger and more resilient against storms this season. Residents should always follow the directions of state and local officials if you are told to evacuate, but additional planning will be needed in identifying safe destinations.”

In addition to hardening homes, residents should ensure they are financially prepared by conducting an insurance check-up, making a home inventory, and evaluating their need for flood insurance.

“With Tropical Storm Cristobal already on the radar and an active hurricane season ahead, residents should call their insurer to review and update their insurance policy,” said Sampson. “Talk to your insurer about your flood risk. Let your insurer know if you are going through extraordinary life circumstances.”

Insurers are committed to serving their customers. With extensive emergency continuity plans and remote solutions in place due to COVID-19, insurers are ready to process claims expeditiously. Through the use of innovative technology, like drones, specialized smartphone apps, 3-D modeling, real-time video collaboration, and links to simple, one-touch claims via text or email, insurers have gone virtual with the claims process to serve policyholders safely, quickly, and efficiently if disaster strikes.

“The growth of virtual claims adjusting technology is not only keeping customers and employees safe, but also helping insurers pay claims faster,” added Sampson.

APCIA and Fugate offer the following tips to prepare for hurricane season.

Be Financially Prepared

  • Call your insurer to review your policy and understand how it works. If you have recently completed a renovation or remodel, let your insurer know.
  • Make a home inventory using your smartphone to take photos and videos of your belongings, like furniture, electronics, and appliances. Do not forget the small stuff like your clothes and dishes or any high value items like artwork or jewelry. Store your home inventory in safe place, like the cloud, where it can be easily accessed.
  • Evaluate your need for flood insurance. A standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. Flood coverage must be purchased as a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or the private market. New flood policies typically take 30 days before they go into effect.

Make Your Home Stronger

  • Inspect your roof and make repairs to loose or damaged shingles.
  • Trim branches and shrubs away from the roof and house.
  • Clear your yard of debris that could become wind-borne “missiles” and damage property.
  • Secure loose gutters and seal gaps and crackers around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion.
  • If investing in hurricane shutters is not feasible, measure windows and get plywood cut ahead of time and have the necessary tools to install them.
  • New research from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has shown that a strong garage door can be crucial to preventing damage to your home during high winds. Check to see if your garage door is wind-rated. If not, consider purchasing a new garage door or be prepared to brace your existing garage door if a storm approaches.

Know Your Evacuation Zone and Make a Plan

  • Know if you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and plan for where you will evacuate. Consider evacuating tens of miles away instead of hundreds of miles away, if it is safe to do so. This reduces the concern of spreading COVID-19 from state to state or region to region. Additionally, staying closer to home allows residents to get back quickly and take immediate steps to reduce further damage or loss.
  • Whether you are planning to evacuate to a shelter, a hotel or with friends and family, make sure you have face masks for each member of your family.
  • If you do not live in a mandatory evacuation zone, consider if you can safely ride out a storm at your home to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This may vary depending on the intensity of a storm.
  • Do not forget to include your pets in your evacuation plan. Never leave pets behind.

Get Your Hurricane Supply Kit Ready

  • Have enough food, water, and any needed medications for each member of your family, including your pets, for at least seven days.
  • Include face masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies in your supply kit.
  • Be prepared for power restoration to take longer than normal.

Día de los Muertos Fiesta in Nacogdoches changes downtown location

By
Aaron Ferguson
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Because of its growth in attendance and popularity, the annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta, or Day of the Dead festival, is moving to a different downtown location this year to accommodate larger crowds.

The 5th annual celebration is slated for 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, behind the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Nacogdcohes Public Library and the Nacogdoches CVB have joined the School of Art and College of Fine Arts in sponsoring and coordinating the event.

The new location means the role of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and its art galleries has shifted, according to Lisa Steed, events coordinator for SFA art galleries.

“The event just got too big for Church Street,” Steed said, referring to the street that runs alongside The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House. Church Street and areas around Cole Art Center is where the fiesta has been held since its local beginning.

The CVB’s Pilar Street stage, equipped with sound and lighting capabilities, is more conducive as a performance venue, specifically for the popular Chikawa Aztec Dancers and other musical entertainment, Steed said.

“The Chikawa Aztec Dancers will be returning for our 5th annual event,” she said. “They will perform earlier in the evening than in the past due to requests from many parents.” The dancers will go on stage shortly after 5 p.m.

Based in Conroe, the Chikawa Aztec Dancers with their colorful costumes are always a crowd pleaser, Steed said.

Also performing will be SFA faculty members Jeana-Paul and Juan Carlos Ureña at 6 p.m., followed by the internationally renowned Los Llaneros performing the energetic and haunting music of the savannas of Colombia and Venezuela at 7:15 p.m.

The Friends of the Visual Arts will sell official Día de los Muertos T-shirts, along with ceramic bowls made by SFA art students. There will be other booths, including those with children’s activities, and food booths and food trucks. The festivities will also include a Day of the Dead-themed costume contest with prizes.

Streets will be blocked off and booths and food trucks will be located around three sides of the CVB, with Main Street remaining open to traffic.

For more information, contact Steed at (936) 468-6557.

-Courtesy of the Stephen F. Austin State University News and Media Center

Governor Abbott Announces Phase III To Open Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today announced the third phase of the State of Texas’ plan to safely open the economy while containing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase III, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at up to 50% capacity, with very limited exceptions. Business that previously have been able to operate at 100% capacity may continue to do so, and most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits. All businesses and customers should continue to follow minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

As with previous phases, the Phase III plan is based on the advice and support of the four doctors on the Strike Force to Open Texas medical team. Via Executive Order, Phase III begins immediately. A breakdown of Phase III can be found below.

“The people of Texas continue to prove that we can safely and responsibly open our state for business while containing COVID-19 and keeping our state safe,” said Governor Abbott. “As anticipated, the new positive cases that we are seeing are largely the result of isolated hot spots in nursing homes, jails, and meat packing plants. Thanks to the effectiveness of our Surge Response Teams, we have the ability to contain those hot spots while opening up Texas for business. As we begin Phase III, I ask all Texans and Texas businesses to continue following the standard health protocols and to heed the guidance of our state and federal officials who continue to closely monitor COVID-19. If we remain vigilant, we will continue to mitigate the spread of this virus, protect public health, and get more Texans back to work and their daily activities.”

Between May 26th and June 2nd, over 45% of new cases came from jails or prisons, meatpacking plants and nursing homes. There are currently 1,487 Texans hospitalized due to COVID-19. There are 20,679 active cases in the state and 45,858 Texans are estimated to have recovered.

Effective June 3:

All businesses currently operating at 25% capacity can expand their occupancy to 50% with certain exceptions.

Bars and similar establishments may increase their capacity to 50% as long as patrons are seated.

Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed positive cases may open at 50% capacity.

Restaurants may expand their maximum table size from 6 to 10 persons.

Effective June 12:

Restaurants may expand their occupancy levels to 75%.

Counties with 10 or less active COVID-19 cases may expand their occupancy limits to 75%. Counties that fit this category but have not previously filed an attestation with DSHS will need to do so.

Effective June 19:

Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 may open at 50% capacity.

Additional Openings:

Special provisions have been made for outdoor gatherings, such as Fourth of July celebrations, but it is imperative that local officials and public health officials collaborate on safe standards. These provisions are included in the Governor’s Executive Order and are also available on the Open Texas webpage.

Further Protocols:

All businesses should continue to follow the minimum standard health protocols from DSHS. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit http://open.texas.gov.

Reminders for those going out:

  • Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings.
  • People should not be in groups greater than ten when possible.
  • People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.
  • People are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities.

View the Governor’s Executive Order.

Georgia-Pacific Employees Helping to Build a Better Community

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Georgia-Pacific Particleboard employees help to build a better Diboll during the city’s Operation Clean Sweep. Helping to build a wheelchair ramp for a local resident are (l to r) Andy Parish, Sherman Thomas, Bruce Thompson, Todd Belschner, and Lee Tamez. This is the group’s 15th year to participate in Operation Clean Sweep that assists elderly and disabled residents in need of external home repairs.

Armed with hammers, nails and lumber, Georgia-Pacific Particleboard employees are helping to build a better Diboll. For the past 15 years, this special group of employees has been putting its carpentry skills to the test to help area elderly and disabled residents with home repairs. It’s all part of the Diboll Civic Club’s annual Operation Clean Sweep project that assists residents in need with external home repairs, from painting and roofing to porch construction and general yard cleanup.

“This is a great opportunity to give back to our community,” said Andy Parish, Georgia-Pacific employee and Operation Clean Sweep Volunteer. “Our company volunteers have many different skill sets—and when combined—we can quickly build a project or complete a home repair that will have a lasting positive impact on the homeowner in need.”

Georgia-Pacific Particleboard employees (l to r) Bruce Thompson, Lee Tamez, and Todd Belschner donated their time and materials to build a wheelchair ramp for a Diboll resident as part of the community’s Operation Clean Sweep program that helps elderly and disabled residents with external home repairs and improvements.

This year the Georgia-Pacific team of volunteers spent two and a half days building a wheelchair ramp for a local homeowner. According to Parish, the Georgia-Pacific team is looking forward to its next assignment. “We enjoy being a part of this worthwhile program. It is extremely rewarding to see the difference we can make in the lives of our friends and neighbors by volunteering just a small amount of time.”

Top Tips to Plant, Grow and Care for a Container Garden

By
Statepoint
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Container gardens are a viable and popular cultivation option, especially for those who have limited sun-exposed spaces or are looking to start small and learn the basics of gardening.

“Containers, whether bought or recycled, are a great place to plant herb and vegetable gardens,” says landscape designer, Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground in Atlanta, Ga. “But to get it right, there are a few things to keep in mind.”

To help you successfully cultivate a container garden, Scott offers the following pointers:

• Well-drained, not dry or overly wet soil, is necessary for herb and vegetable growth, so using bottom-draining pots with a peat-based potting soil specifically formulated for herbs and veggies will facilitate proper soil drainage and moisture retention.

• The proper container size depends on what you’ll be growing. Most small herbs do well in pots as small as eight inches in diameter, while larger plants may require a gallon pot or larger. For visual interest, consider repurposing items around the house to use as your container, such as an old pail.

• Incorporate a “thriller, filler, spiller” planting approach to maximize space and aesthetic appeal. This means tall focal plants in back, middle layer plants that fill in, and plants that will cascade over the container in front.

• Soil dries out more quickly in container gardens than garden beds, especially if you place containers outdoors in the sun. Perform daily soil moisture checks. You may need to water outdoor container gardens every day — and possibly twice a day — in extremely hot weather.

• Place your container garden where it will get the optimal amount of sunlight — between six and eight hours a day. The beauty of container gardens is their movability. You can even follow the sun as exposure changes throughout the seasons. Always refer to the care tags on the specific plant to determine a prime location.

• Gardens planted in a container are entirely dependent on you to provide nutrients. Start out with an organic, rich potting soil formulated for container gardens. Then, going forward, fertilize your container every two to four weeks by pouring a nutrient-rich liquid solution directly into the soil.

• Don’t forget to reap what you sow. Harvesting will generally help increase yields and prevent plants from outgrowing their containers. For best results, use this five-step method: water plants before harvesting, make clean cuts, keep them clean, dry your harvest quickly and store them away from sunlight and moisture.

More expert advice is available online. Scott has partnered with Exmark, a leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment on a video series for DIY homeowners called “Done in a Weekend.” Among the free videos is “Contain Your Enthusiasm,” offering tips to help you successfully plant, grow and care for herbs and vegetable container gardens. To view the video, as well as access other videos in the series covering a range of home and garden topics, visit Exmark.com/DIY.

There are a few important considerations that every container gardener should know. Be sure you’re equipped with the proper tools and knowledge before getting started.

WORK CONTINUES ON MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

By
Rhonda Oaks
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The Lufkin District is continuing with many construction and maintenance projects throughout its nine county district, with three major construction projects underway and progressing well as weather permits. These projects include:

US 69 South: Construction on US 69 south of Huntington is well into the construction phase. The $71.6 million project will widen US 69 from two lanes to a divided rural four lane highway from FM 844 to FM 1270. Johnson Brothers, Roanoke, TX is serving as contractor.

Crews are currently constructing the overpass at SH 63 in Zavalla with bridge pours scheduled at entry/exit ramps. Dirt work also continues for the new southbound lanes from FM 844 to BW Horton Road. Hot mix is being placed on newly constructed northbound turn lanes between BW Horton Road and Ozias Road, and construction of new northbound lanes will continue between Barge Road and SH 63. This project began in July 2018 and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

Work is also continuing from FM 1270 to the Jasper County line that will continue the construction of a four-lane divided highway. Drewery Construction Co., Nacogdoches TX, is serving as contractor for the $37.5 million project that is scheduled to complete in early 2023. Current work includes clearing south of Earnest Smith Road and dirt and structure work for the new northbound lanes between FM 1270 and Chambers Road.

These projects will provide for better traffic flow and enhanced connectivity between Beaumont and Lufkin.

US 59/Diboll Relief Route: Crews are currently working to clear property for the new roadway located on the east side of Diboll. Current work includes logging operations and utility relocations. Work on the $140.9 million relief route began In April and is expected to be completed in 2025.

Sacyr Construction USA LLC, Miami, FL is serving as contractor for the project that will extend from FM 2108 to 1.15 miles south of White Oak Creek. The relief route will meet interstate design standards and serve as the primary evacuation route and will move vehicular traffic along the US 59 corridor.

US 59/SL 224: The US 59/SL 224 construction project began in 2019 and is progressing well with the construction of new main lanes to the east of current main lanes along US 59. Earthwork east of US 59 is in progress and the first seven spans of bridge deck on the northbound overpass has been completed. Crews are beginning the southbound overpass bridge decks this week. In coming weeks, both overpass bridge decks will be constructed up to the last span before crossing over existing US 59. Drill shaft foundations for bridges will be placed in multiple locations and will include drill shaft foundations for the overpass around Spradley Street. Utilities are being placed on the south end of the project with intermittent shoulder closures for utility work.

Longview Bridge and Road, Longview, TX is serving as contractor for the project that is scheduled to be completed in 2022. The work will include the construction of overpasses at Spradley Street, existing US 59 and Old Lufkin Road and construction of frontage roads for SL 224 between SH 7 and BU 59. The project was designed to meet interstate standards and extends from SH 7 West on SL 224 to 1.2 miles south of Spradley Street on US 59.

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

Frito Pie

By
Hayli Negrete
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During these difficult times, when the world seems so scary and unpredictable, everyone is trying so hard to find something safe. Something familiar. Something that reminds them of a time when things were more simple. For many people, that can be found in the most elementary of meals. 

For myself, that particular meal is frito pie. It’s quick, it’s easy, and is one of the most delicious comfort foods. Without further ado, let’s get to the good stuff.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 chopped yellow onion 
  • 20 ounces of Ranch Style beans 
  • 4 cups of Fritos 
  • 20 ounces of enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 

Preparation: 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Cook the ground beef and onions for 6-8 minutes in a skillet on medium heat
  3. Put the meat in a 9×13 inch pan
  4. Layer the beans, chips, enchilada sauce, and cheese
  5. Bake for 20 minutes and then serve!

Remember the good times, remember the innocent times, but most of all, enjoy this tasty cuisine with your family and friends.

 

Governor Abbott Provides Update On State’s Response To Protest Violence, Calls For Unity And Peaceful Protests

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference in Dallas where he provided an update on Texas’ response to protest violence across the state. In his remarks, the Governor called for swift justice in the case of George Floyd’s death and discussed the ways Texas is working with local law enforcement to maintain order and uphold public safety so that peaceful protestors can continue to make their voices heard.

“What happened to George Floyd was a horrific act of police brutality, and I join the millions of American who seek swift justice,” said Governor Abbott. “George Floyd’s death has touched every corner of our country, and people are rightfully angry. The beautiful thing about America is that every person has the right to make their voices heard and protest against injustice. However, violence and vandalism are never the answer, and they have no place in the Lone Star State. It is essential that we end the violence, vandalism, and looting that we have have seen. But restoring calm in our communities does not end with this task—our work will not end until justice, fairness, and equality become reality in every part of our state. Texas is up to this task, because Texans can overcome any challenge. We will seize this moment to bridge the divides that exist in our state so that we can keep Texas the greatest state in America.”

To end the violence, vandalism, and looting experienced across the state, the Governor has deployed DPS officers and Texas National Guardsmen to several cities in Texas—including 1,000 DPS officers and hundreds of Guardsmen to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. They are working alongside federal partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to stop the violence and protect those protesting peacefully. The Governor also noted that the state is working with four United States Attorneys in Texas to ensure that individuals coming from across state lines to hijack peaceful protests with violence will be subject to federal prosecution.

The Governor was joined by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall, Fort Worth Police Chief Ed Kraus, Major General Tracy Norris of the Texas National Guard, and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Colonel Steve McCraw. Prior to the press conference, the Governor participated in a briefing with these leaders.

Nacogdoches Public Library Reopens to the Public- Phase One

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Nacogdoches Public Library closed its doors to the public on
March 16th in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Since then library staff has
been cleaning library materials, furniture, and computer stations to ensure the safety of
library patrons and staff.

On June 1st, the Nacogdoches Public Library entered Phase One of its reopening
plan. Order-Ahead & Pick-Up may be done by calling library staff or placing an order
online at www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/library. Customers may reserve up to 15 items per
household. Pick-up is in the meeting room and by appointment to maintain safe social
distancing between customers.

Customers may continue to return items through the outdoor book drop. All
returned items are quarantined for seven days. No late fees are being assessed during this
time.

During Phase One the library’s interior remains closed to the public and all library
programs are online. Customers may also continue to access the library’s electronic
eBook and eAudio book collection. For more information, please contact library staff at
936-559-2970.

COMMISSION APPROVES NEW PROJECT IN LUFKIN DISTRICT

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Texas Transportation Commissioners held a meeting by telephone Thursday approving more than $731 million in new construction projects for the state, including a $4.8 million project for the Lufkin District.

San Augustine County was approved for a project on US 96 consisting of the reconstruction of shoulders and the addition of passing lanes from FM 3451 to SH 21 in San Augustine. There has been no completion date set for this project. Madden Contracting Company LLC, Minden, LA will serve as contractor. A pre-construction meeting will be set in the coming weeks.

Commissioners also approved federal relief grants for General Aviation Airports and Rural Transit Districts across the state. The federal grant funding was awarded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES).

More than $6.7 million in federal grant funding was approved for 182 airports in Texas as part of a $10 billion federal economic relief fund package. Airports receiving a portion of the funding were affected by the prevention of, preparation of, preparation for, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airports in the Lufkin District designated to receive a portion of the federal funding include the Angelina County Airport in Burke, $69,000; A.L. Manghum Jr. Regional Airport in Nacogdoches, $30,000; Livingston Municipal Airport in Polk County, $30,000; Houston County Airport in Crockett, $20,000; Center Municipal Airport in Shelby County, $30,000.

Rural Transit Districts were also approved for $61.3 million statewide as part of the CARES Act. Brazos Transit District, which operates in the Lufkin District, will receive $4.5 million in grant funding. The designations of rural transit districts receiving funds were derived through a formula set by the Texas Administrative Code 31.36(g), and included performance and need, discretionary funding and vehicle mile calculations.

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

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