A trio of SFA coaches and one player were recognized by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) in a regional release this week, which recognizes the best coaches in the state of Texas. Kyle Keller, Len Bishop and Jay Turnipseed were recognized for their coaching efforts after great seasons by both the SFA men’s basketball and women’s basketball squads in 2019-20, while Kevon Harris was recognized for his efforts in leading the Lumberjacks to a sterling 28-3 season.
Kyle Keller was tabbed as the Division I men’s college Coach of the Year in the release after leading the Lumberjacks to a 28-3 record and a Southland Conference regular season title. Led by Kevon Harris, who was named the TABC Division 1 Men’s Player of the Year, the ‘Jacks were the top seed heading into the Southland Conference Tournament and were the favorites to represent the league in the NCAA tournament before the season was cut short. Keller had the ‘Jacks leading the nation in steals and turnovers forced per game, and run through league play with a conference record 19 victories. Also receiving recognition on the TABC awards list was Jay Turnipseed, who was named the Division 1 Student Assistant of the year. Turnipseed aids the Lumberjack preparations by cutting and editing game film, overseeing the manager staff and organizing scouting efforts.
Leonard Bishop earns a spot as the Division 1 women’s Assistant Coach of the Year after helping to guide the Ladyjacks to a fourth consecutive 23+ win season in 2019-20. The Ladyjacks finished as runners-up in the Southland Conference standings and were set to make some noise in the upcoming conference tournament, where they also looked to secure a 25th victory to accomplish the feat for a fourth straight season. Bishop’s work with the post players was evident in the emergence of sophomore forward Aiyana Johnson, who broke out in her second campaign to snag All-Conference honors after posting averages of 13.3 points and 8.3 rebounds on a 55 percent shooting clip from the field.
Four Lumberjacks Recognized with TABC College Awards
Pineywoods Region Fishing Report- 4.23.20
GOOD. Water stained;72 degrees; 0.46’ low. Largemouth bass are good in 15 feet or less of water on points. Continue fishing crankbaits, spinners, and rigged plastics. Crappie are good fishing in shallow structure with minnows. Catfish are good on cut and prepped bait coming out of the river.
EXCELLENT. Water lightly stained; 65-70 degrees; 0.60’ high. Black bass are excellent on square billed crankbaits, plastic creatures, and topwater baits deeper (7-12’) water. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows in creeks fishing in 12-20’ around brush piles and submerged structure. Catfish are excellent on cut bait in 6-18′.
EXCELLENT. Water stained; 65-71 degrees, 2.20 high. Largemouth bass are excellent in shallow water spawning in trees and cover in 1-4’ fishing plastic creatures, frogs, and rattle baits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs near brush piles and submerged structure. White bass are good on jigs and small crankbaits in the main lake. Chain Pickerel are fair. Catfish are excellent on prepared bait and live bait in 8-18’.
GOOD. Water stained; 72 degrees; 0.53’ low. Largemouth bass are good with current temperatures performing mid-depth on soft plastics, dive baits and spinners. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striped bass remain slow. Catfish are good on stinkbait and cut bait. Sunfish are fair with live worms or crickets in shallow water.
GOOD Water lightly stained; 63-66 degrees; 0.25’ low. Largemouth bass are excellent on plastic worms, topwater and chatter baits roadbeds, submerged structure and points in 8-12’ and plastic frogs in shallow grass and lily pads. White and yellow bass are good deeper water of main lake points and humps. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows in 12-20’. Catfish are good on cut bait and punch bait in 8-20’.
GOOD. Water clear to lightly stained; 70-71 degrees; 0.19’ high. Black bass are good with success coming on tiny torpedo frog and silver with red-tipped topwater in 14 feet of water or more. Crappie are excellent around structures up to 14 feet of depth with live minnows. Catfish are fair near structure using prepared dough baits and worms.
GOOD. Water stained; 65 degrees; 5.44’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, topwater baits and Texas rigged creature baits in 5-14’ for post-spawn bass. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs in the timber areas and brush piles 10-15’. Catfish are good on cut bait and prepared bait in 6-16 feet of water.
FAIR. Water lightly stained; 72 degrees; 0.61’ high. Black bass are good with several ten plus pound fish happening every week found in creek beds, points, and ledged drops. Striped bass are fair. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in most structures under 6 feet. White bass remain good on spoons. Catfish are fair on live baits.
GOOD. Water lightly stained; 65 degrees; 0.01′ high. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, and TEXAS rigged worms in 6-12’. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows in 12-18’. Catfish are good on cut bait in 6-15’.
GOOD. Water slightly stained; 71 degrees; Largemouth bass are good and best in the early mornings on topwater, spinners, crankbaits, and creature baits. Crappie are good on jigs within shaded structure. Sunfish are fair on jigs and crickets. Catfish are good on dough balls, cut and live bait.
GOOD. Water stained; 72-73 degrees; Largemouth bass are good moving long points, drops, and oxygen-rich tributaries with Carolina rigged plastics, spinners, and jigs. Sunfish are fair on crickets and cutworms among any shallow structure under 5 feet.
FAIR. Water stained; 73 degrees; 0.40’ high. Largemouth bass are good with topwaters showing the most consistency thru mid-morning. During the stretches of the day, use spinners and crankbait running the structure. White bass are fair with minnows. Crappie are excellent on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live and stinkbait.
FAIR. Water slightly stained; 72 degrees; 0.72’ high. Largemouth bass are good with vegetative cover and timber structures. Striped bass are fair on humps and deep water in schools. White bass are fair, finding the deepest water. Crappie are good on minnows in structure. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait.
EXCELLENT. Water clear; 66 degrees; 0.31’ high. Black bass are excellent on Carolina rigged creature baits as well as spinners and jigs fishing dock structures and natural shorelines in creeks and coves up to 15’. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are excellent on stinkbait and live baits. White bass are good in 25’ -40’ on swimbaits and slabs.
FAIR. Water stained; 64 degrees; 12.59’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on swimbaits and rattle baits in flooded areas. White bass are good on jigging spoons and slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs in creeks. Catfish are good on cut bait, live bait, and stinkbait.
SFA regents approve increase in employee tuition assistance program
The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved a program that will provide additional employment benefits to SFA faculty and staff members. The Lumberjack Education Assistance Program will increase the benefits available to SFA employees and their family members who enroll in SFA classes.
As a result of a new policy approved during the April regents meeting, LEAP will exempt mandatory tuition and fees for eligible participants, except statutory tuition, which is $50 per semester credit hour for undergraduate classes and $80 per semester credit hour for graduate classes.
Additionally, for SFA employees who enroll in courses, scholarship support will be available to cover the statutory tuition costs. There is no cap on the number of courses an employee, spouse or dependent may take with the LEAP benefit.
According to Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president, the goal of the program is to invest in SFA’s faculty and staff, to continue to support Lumberjack Families, and to attract additional high-quality faculty and staff.
“For those employees who have college-age children, we believe LEAP will be tremendously popular,” Gordon said. “It will increase our enrollment and credit hour production, which is particularly important during this academic year, when the Texas Legislature is calculating formula funding. In addition, we want to create a culture where faculty and staff members’ children choose to attend SFA and continue to build the pride and tradition of the Lumberjack family.”
Previously, employees and their families were eligible for up to $3,000 annually in tuition assistance benefits when enrolling in SFA courses.
During the April meeting, regents also approved:
- policy revisions, curriculum changes, and minutes from the January and March meetings
- a summer budget of $3.48 million for fiscal year 2019-20
- and ratifying $596,703 in additional grant awards allocable to fiscal year 2020, due to faculty research and service.
Regents acknowledged the receipt of the audit services report and heard reports from the Faculty Senate and Student Government Association.
Governor Abbott, Judge Sydney Murphy Provide Update On Polk County Recovery Efforts
| Governor Abbott, Judge Sydney Murphy Provide Update On Polk County Recovery Efforts Governor Greg Abbott and Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy today issued a joint statement in response to the severe weather, including a tornado, that touched down in Polk County last night — killing at least 3 people and injuring at least 20. In the joint statement, Governor Abbott and Judge Murphy stated that Texas and Polk County officials are working collaboratively on recovery efforts and providing resources for residents of Onalaska, Livingston, and other communities that suffered severe damage: “Last night’s tornado caused significant damage and led to tragic loss of life within these communities, and our hearts continue to be with Texans affected by these devastating storms. The State of Texas and Polk County officials have been working closely together to ensure recovery resources are available and utilized within the communities ravaged by this tornado. We will continue to do all we can to give Polk County residents the support they need as they recover from this severe weather.” Overnight, Judge Murphy declared a local state of disaster in Polk County, and a shelter has been established for displaced residents of Polk County at the Dunbar Gymnasium in Livingston. Texas Division of Emergency Management’s (TDEM) State Mass Care Coordinator, as well as the American Red Cross, are providing shelter coordination. Search and rescue efforts, debris clearing, and mass care efforts were underway throughout the night. TDEM is leading on-the-ground recovery efforts alongside Polk County and other local officials. Additionally, TDEM has deployed their Assistant Chief, District Coordinator, and a drone pilot to assist in recovery efforts. The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Emergency Medical Task Force (SETRAC) has provided an AMBUS for the community, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has deployed assistance through DPS Aviation and Texas Highway Patrol. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens are offering search and rescue and drone support, and the Texas Department of Transportation is providing emergency debris removal from roadways. Texas A&M Task Force 1 Search and Rescue Teams and Texas A&M Forest Service Type III Incident Management Teams and saw crews are also providing assistance within the community. At the request of TDEM, FirstNet has deployed a Cell on Wheels (CoW) to help meet first responder communication needs. |
State Responds to Widespread Damage in Polk County
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement following reports of widespread damage from severe weather, including a tornado, in several Polk County communities.
“My office, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other state agencies are working with local officials to provide immediate support to the areas devastated by this tornado,” said Governor Abbott. “The state has already deployed response teams and medical resources to help Texans in need and to provide assistance to these communities. Our hearts are with our fellow Texans tonight and the state will continue to do everything it can to support those affected by this severe weather.”
Texas Division of Emergency Management field staff, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, Texas Department of State Health Services ambulance services, and additional medical resources are already engaged within the community and additional assistance is en route. The state stands ready to engage with additional resources as severe weather continues to impact parts of Texas this evening.
Additional agencies involved in the response effort include the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Military Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service, Texas A&M Task Force One and State Mass Care Team.
What You Need to Know About Filing Your 2019 Taxes
Spring is the season of warmer weather and blossoming flowers, but it is also – usually — the season of taxes. Tax Day is typically April 15, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently extended the deadline for filing and paying your 2019 federal income taxes to July 15, 2020.
While this gives you more time to get your tax records in order, the IRS recommends that anyone expecting to receive a tax refund should file as soon as possible. According to the IRS, most refunds are being issued within three weeks of a tax return’s acceptance. You should also double check your state’s tax deadlines. Some states have announced tax filing or payment extensions, but other deadlines remain in place.
Here are five other changes to keep in mind while you prepare your 2019 taxes:
• There is no longer a federal tax penalty for not having health insurance. However, some states will charge their own penalties for taxpayers who did not have health insurance in 2019.
• The standard deduction increased to $24,800 for married couples filing jointly and to $12,400 for single filers.
• If you received, sold, sent or exchanged any virtual currency in 2019, you will need to report that on your tax return.
• Mortgage insurance premiums above $600 are now deductible. Mortgage premiums can also be retroactively applied to 2018.
• The Child Tax Credit doubled to $2,000 per child, up to $1,400 of which is refundable. The credit is also available to more families for the 2019 tax year, since the income thresholds for when this benefit phases out were raised to $400,000 for married couples filing jointly and $200,000 for individual filers.
Experts say it is never too early to begin thinking about and planning for the next year’s taxes. Once you have filed your 2019 return, you may want to consider speaking to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional for guidance on maximizing your 2020 tax benefits. A CFP professional can help you understand tax rules for retirement accounts, such as pre-tax contribution limits and tax credits available to savers, for example. You can find a CFP professional near you by visiting www.letsmakeaplan.org.
Timely and thoughtful tax preparation is an important part of a comprehensive financial plan.
-Statepoint
Creative Ways to Go Beyond the Curriculum While Home Schooling
Today many parents are seeking ways to keep their kids engaged and learning beyond the schoolwork remotely assigned by teachers.
Many of the team members at Pilot Pen are parents, too. Below, they share some fun and creative ways you can use the power of the written word to help create special moments for kids while imparting valuable lessons.
Share Life Skills
Adjusting to this new normal has found parents wearing even more hats than usual. Many are simultaneously tackling work responsibilities, navigating home schooling and taking care of chores. Make the most of this time by showing kids how to be more organized. It’s a valuable lesson they can learn by watching you. The Pilot team recommends teaching kids to keep a daily schedule using erasable markers in a variety of colors– simply erase and revise.
Adding a creative twist to daily tasks is also a great way to teach children life skills. Sorting laundry can be a fun color-matching game for toddlers, while older kids can learn valuable kitchen skills with a family recipe challenge. These practical life skills can help kids develop confidence and independence, while providing quality time together.
Focus on Family
Having children connect with loved ones can have significant benefits. Start a multi-generational gratitude journal together to create a tangible reminder of what’s truly important. Add context to your kids’ history lessons by sharing and writing down real stories of relatives’ lives during key historical periods. This can help children grasp the lasting importance of these events, while enhancing their sense of family pride. Take the time to video chat with relatives and get them involved in the project. You can make the most of the present while creating a lasting memory of your family’s unique legacy.
Experiment With Creativity
For parents looking for creative activities outside the curriculum, consider exploring cursive writing, lettering or drawing. These activities stimulate the brain in ways digital devices cannot and increase kids’ ability to retain information, giving them a sense of accomplishment.
Adjusting to this new normal is challenging. However, there are many creative ways families can go above and beyond the school curriculum to learn, explore and stay both positive and productive.
-Statepoint
Governor Abbott Temporarily Waives Certain Testing Requirements For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain testing requirements for Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) as part of the state’s response to COVID-19. As a result of this waiver, new APRN graduates who have applied for APRN licensure with the Board of Nursing and have met all licensure requirements except national certification may begin practicing under direct physician supervision. This graduate approval does not include prescriptive authority.
“The State of Texas is committed to removing barriers that could potentially prevent frontline health care workers like APRNs from serving their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response,” said Governor Abbott. “This temporary waiver will ensure more APRNs are available to serve in our communities. We are grateful for our frontline health care professionals and remain unwaivering in our support of their crucial work.”
3 Healthy Crock Pot Meals
BROWN RICE AND CHICKEN
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of diced cooked chicken
- 2 cups of cooked brown rice
- 2 chopped onions
- 2 stalks of chopped celery
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- ¼ cup of dry white wine
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
Process:
- Put all the ingredients together in the crock pot
- You can either cook on low for 6-8 hours or automatic for 4-5 hours
- SERVE!
CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
Ingredients:
- 1 Large can of Enchilada sauce
- 2 cans of cream of chicken soup
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 dozen corn tortillas
- 1 small can of sliced black olives
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 package of sharp cheddar cheese
Process:
- Cook the chicken and shred it
- Mix the soup, onions and olives
- Next, cut the tortillas into wedges
- At this point, you’ll want to layer the crockpot with the tortillas, soup mix, sauce, chicken, and cheese. End with the cheese on the top. You can layer this as high in the crockpot as you want, I suggest going to the top.
- Cook on low all day
- SERVE!
MACARONI AND CHEESE
Ingredients:
- 1, 16 ounce package of macaroni, cooked & drained
- 1 tablespoon of salad oil
- 1 ½ cup of milk
- 1, 13 ounce can of evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of melted butter
- 3 cups of sharp shredded cheddar cheese
Process:
- Grease the crock pot
- Toss the macaroni and the oil
- Add the rest of the remaining ingredients
- Stir and cover
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours
- Make sure to stir occasionally
- You guessed it, SERVE!
These are just a few easy, healthy crock pot meal options and they are sure to have your whole family coming out of their dark, lonely rooms to have a nice dinner, together, at the table!
DPS Responds to Incident Involving Train in Burke
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a crash involving a train and a vehicle this afternoon, just north of Diboll. The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 12:45 p.m., a 2018 Chrysler passenger car was traveling east on Red Nash Crossing (Private Road). The driver of the vehicle reportedly disregarded the stop sign at the railroad crossing and was struck in the driver side by a Union Pacific train that was traveling south. The driver of the Chrysler was transported to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital in Lufkin for treatment and identified as 21-year-old Edgar Garcia from Diboll. This crash remains under investigation, and o additional information is available at this time.