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Angelina State of the County set for February 7th

By
Megan Whitworth
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Lufkin, Texas (January 29, 2020) – Angelina County Judge Don Lymbery is set to take the stage during the annual State of the County at the First Friday Luncheon on Friday, February 7 at noon at Crown Colony Country Club, 900 Crown Colony Dr., Lufkin.

Lymbery said his speech will discuss a wrap-up of his first term as county judge. He was sworn into office in January 2019. Lymbery also said he will discuss the great things on the horizon for Angelina County.

The cost to attend the State of the County is $15. Attendees can register online at LufkinTexas.org.

Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this event:

First Friday Luncheon Presenting Sponsor – Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

State of the County Presenting Sponsor – Woodland Heights Medical Center
State of the County Gold Sponsor – East Texas Asphalt Co.

My Five Cents- A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols, Senate District 3

By
Aaron Ferguson
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Texas State Flag

I hope that you all had a wonderful start to this new year. This coming year will be spent reviewing interim charges in our Senate committees and beginning to prepare for the next legislative session which will begin in January 2021.

Here are five things happening around your state this month:

  1. Immigration in Texas

At the beginning of this month, Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas will no longer consent to resettling refugees. This is part of a federal program in which state and local authorities may opt into the program. Since 2010, more refugees have been sent to Texas than any other state, and approximately one in 10 resettle in Texas. In addition to those refugees which were sent here through the program, we have been left to deal with immigration issues on our own, due to the lack of support and funding from the federal government.

In May 2019, the number of immigrants entering the state in a single month peaked at 144,000. Many times communities are not notified before a large influx of refugees are sent to their town. This can put a huge burden on local taxpayers, overwhelm school districts and strain local and state support systems. Texas should be using its resources to help refugees, migrants, and all Texans in the state currently, before more are added. While Governor Abbott has taken criticism for his announcement, I fully support his decision.

  • Bills That Went Into Effect on January 1st

While many bills passed during the 86th Legislative Session went into effect the day they were signed by the Governor, many were delayed a few months to a few years to ensure state agencies and the public have time to prepare for the new laws or changes to current law.

There were 24 pieces of legislation that went into effect on January 1 this year. These included SB 2060 which requires appraisal district offices to send an explanation, with the appraisal notice, of any homestead exemptions a person may qualify for and use. These exemptions can be for first responders, veterans, those with disabilities and Texans over the age of 65.

SB 1264 has gone into full effect and ensures patients do not receive surprise large medical bills when there is no choice in their provider, such as if they unexpectedly end up in an emergency room. Anyone who believes a healthcare provider committed a balance billing, charges that exceeds what insurance will cover, related violation may file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

  • Governor’s Medal of Courage

For the first time, Governor Abbott has awarded the Governor’s Medal of Courage, which honors those ‘who display great acts of heroism by risking their own safety to save another’s life.’ It is the highest honor given to civilians by the Governor. It was awarded to Jack Wilson who bravely stopped a gunman at West Freeway Church of Christ near Fort Worth in December. Two men were killed before Mr. Wilson was able to stop the gunman and prevent further loss of life.  He is a former Hood County reserve deputy and firearms instructor. He also serves as the church’s volunteer security team.

  •  Honoring a Former President and First Lady

The President recently signed the George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Coin Act, which was sponsored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Congressman Roger Williams. This act authorizes the creation of a Presidential dollar coin and a First Spouse medal and bullion coin in honor of the former President and First Lady who both passed in 2018. As Senator Cornyn said, “The lives of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush were characterized by love of country and service for others. Each coin will preserve their legacy and inspire us all to serve others in their memories.” I am looking forward to getting one of these coins!

  • United Methodist Women

At the end of January, the Texas United Methodist Women held their annual conference in Austin. This conference brings together hundreds of women from around Texas to discuss their legislative priorities. Those include education, maternal health, immigration and healthcare. My office was proud to welcome attendees from Senate District 3 to our Capitol office. If you are in Austin for any reason please do not hesitate to come visit the office, which belongs to all in Senate District 3.

Be on the Lookout for Bald Eagles in our Area!

By
Aaron Ferguson
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Two American bald eagles at a nest near the lake at Ellen Trout Zoo.

We’ve heard rumblings about some sightings of Bald Eagles in the Angelina County area, and whether you are a connoisseur of the avian sorts or have never seen one and would like to, we want to help!

Our resident bald eagles are joined by eagle migrants from January to March, making it the perfect time to go bald eagle watching. It’s also nesting season, when the eagles are very active. 

To find areas with bald eagles, check the Texas Nature Trackers Texas Eagle Nests project map. If you spot an eagle nest, photograph it. Then join Texas Nature Trackers and add your photo to the project – it helps biologists track them. They also post eagle sightings on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Insider tip: If you are out in the Palestine area or near Fairfield off of IH-45, then Fairfield Lake State Park usually is a great spot to sight bald eagles. 

The bald eagle was declared endangered in 1966. Assisted by conservation laws and a ban on the pesticide DDT, it was taken off the endangered species list in 2007. Today, your Texas Game Wardens work to protect eagles from poaching and poisoning and recently assisted in the rescue of an injured bald eagle. 

Stride for Life: Walk with Your Health Coach

By
Brittany Hall
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Who: Brittany Hall, ACE Certified Health Coach

What: Stride for Life: Walking with Your Health Coach

When: Tuesday/Thursday 5:15-5:45PM

Where: Kiwanis Park, Pavilion #3 (Lufkin Mall in inclement weather)

Why: Exercise with benefits!

Cost: $7/person per walk-in

More Detail: Being healthy is challenging! You have to take it step by step, one bite at a time, one mindful decision right after the other, all in the direction of your dreams. Pair this with the accountability of a Certified Health Coach and you’re well on your way to living your best life.

Join Brittany Hall, ACE Certified Health Coach for a 30-minute walk every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 5:15PM at Kiwanis Park* in Lufkin, TX. Participation is $7/person** per walk.

Need more accountability? Each time you participate in a walk, your name will be entered into an end-of-the-month drawing to win part of the participation fees, which may be redeemed in cash or its equivalent in Certified Personal Training or Health Coaching services.

*Participants meet at Pavilion #3. Meet at the Lufkin Mall (by the old Sears) during inclement weather.

**Cash or checks only.

Woodland Heights Recognized for Excellence with ACC HeartCARE Center Designation

By
Jennifer Stevens
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The American College of Cardiology has recognized Woodland Heights Medical Center for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive, high-quality culture and cardiovascular care. Woodland Heights was awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in January based on meeting accreditation criteria, and through their ongoing performance registry reporting.

Hospitals and health systems that have earned an ACC HeartCARE Center designation have met a set of criteria, including participating in at least two ACC Accreditation Services programs, NCDR registries and targeted quality improvement campaigns, such as Door-to-Balloon Campaign, that are designed to help hospitals and institutions close gaps in guideline-based care. Woodland Heights was previously awarded both the Cath Lab with PCI and Chest Pain Center with PCI Accreditations by ACC Accreditation Services. Woodland Heights also participates in several NCDR registries and the STS database.

“Woodland Heights started the first cardiovascular program in Lufkin in 1987 and our commitment to assuring that East Texans receive quality cardiac care is as strong today as it was then,” states Woodland Heights CEO Drew Emery.

With this new designation, hospitals and health systems can now showcase their elite status and publicly highlight their outstanding commitment to quality for their patients, providers and other stakeholders.

“Woodland Heights Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the deep East Texas area with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditations Services is proud to award Woodland Heights with the HeartCARE Center designation.”

Hospitals receiving the HeartCARE Center designation from the ACC have demonstrated their commitment to consistent, high-quality cardiovascular care through comprehensive process improvement, disease and procedure-specific accreditation, professional excellence, and community engagement. Woodland Heights has proven to be a forward-thinking institution with goals to advance the cause of sustainable quality improvement.

“This designation is a team effort with our physicians, clinical and ancillary staff,” states Emery. “Our team is honored and humbled to be recognized.”

SFA Lumberjack, Ladyjack Basketball Hosting Abilene Christian in Pivotal Doubleheader

By
Aaron Ferguson
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January 29, 2020– SFA men’s and women’s basketball are set to match up tonight at home against the Abilene Christian Wildcats in a doubleheader which carries large implications for conference seeding as we near the final stretch of the regular season for college hoops.

The Lumberjacks, winners of their last four and 2-0 on their last road trip to Northwestern State and Lamar, look to maintain sole possession of first place in the Southland Conference against fourth-ranked ACU, who are winners of three of their last four matches (barring a loss at home against Sam Houston), are currently locked in at fourth place and looking to gain ground in the rankings. The Jacks, along with ranking second in the nation in steals per game (10.9), also crack the top 10 in both turnover margin (9th, 5.1) and field goal percentage (7th, 49.2%).

The Ladyjacks (15-3, 8-1 SLC), currently locked in a tie for first in the conference with Sam Houston State, look to hold off ACU (15-2, 7-1 SLC) from taking sole possession of first place. With SFA boasting a scoring margin of 19.7 points per game- good for 13th in the nation- Abilene Christian comes to Nacogdoches looking to challenge the Ladyjacks’ league dominance.

Tickets for the doubleheader can be purchased for six dollars at William R. Johnson Coliseum. The evening will begin with the women’s game at 5:00pm, followed by the men’s at 7:30.

Texas Comptroller’s Office Releases A Field Guide to the Taxes of Texas

By
Aaron Ferguson
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(AUSTIN) — The Texas Comptroller’s office recently released A Field Guide to the Taxes of Texas, a periodic report providing an overview of Texas’ major state taxes.

Every year, the state collects billions in state taxes and fees, federal receipts and other sources of revenue. These funds are used to pay for all of the responsibilities of state government including the education of more than 5 million public school students and the provision of health insurance for more than 4 million low-income Texans. 

In A Field Guide to the Taxes of Texas, readers can:

  • learn how major taxes have contributed to state revenue during the past 10 years;
  • see future revenue estimates, exemption value estimates and tax allocations; and
  • connect to other in-depth resources about state taxes and finances.

“This guide highlights and compiles useful information from a variety of Comptroller reports in one easily accessed spot,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “As legislators begin to identify and address crucial issues ahead of the 2021 legislative session, this guide will provide lawmakers, business and community leaders and the general public with an easy-to-understand reference explaining Texas’ major taxes and associated revenues.” To find additional reports that highlight state spending and revenue, go to the Comptroller’s website.

The Texas Forestry Museum’s Fun in the Forest After Dark

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Texas Forestry Museum invites you and your family to attend Fun in the Forest After Dark on Tuesday, February 4th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. At the event, kids will roast a hotdog over a campfire, take a mystery night hike on the Urban Wildscape Trail, learn about campfire safety from the Texas A&M Forest Service, and visit with an Ellen Trout Zoo staff member and special animal guest. All attendees should wear closed-toe shoes, warm clothing, and bring a flashlight. Tickets are $5 per person and are limited, so be sure to purchase yours soon. A special thank you goes to our event sponsors, Timber Pro Forest Service and E. L. Kurth Jr. Charitable Foundation, for making this event possible.

Angelina County Approved as Second Amendment Sanctuary

By
Aaron Ferguson
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Today in their bi-monthly forum, the Angelina County Commissioner’s Court unanimously passed a resolution for the county to become Texas’ newest second amendment “sanctuary” county.

This resolution recognizes the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution as a means of security and protection of other rights and privileges offered in our Constitution, and federal or state efforts to impede against Angelina county’s second amendment rights will not be recognized or upheld by local governing bodies.

The resolution reads as follows:

“The last protectors of the Constitution are the county Sheriff and we, the people of the United States of America; And our ability to fulfill that role successfully rests on [our] Second Amendment rights. We the people of Angelina County, Texas, through this resolution, hereby declare our rights, our freedom, and our liberty as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America….”

View the full resolution and meeting here.

Minor Sting Operation

By
Joshua Blackwell
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In an effort to decrease the dangers and consequences of alcohol purchased by minors in our county, The Coalition, Inc. has partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct alcohol stings. Under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, juveniles under the legal age to drink/purchase alcohol are used as decoys to enter businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and then attempt to purchase alcohol.

“The ultimate goal is to protect the youth of Angelina County from underage drinking, which is proven to increase the risk of sexual assault and impaired driving,” said Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition, Inc. “We are grateful for the local retailers who train their employees on responsible beverage service and correct alcohol sales. It’s up to all of us to work together to protect our youth from the consequences of underage drinking.”

During the January minor sting operations, there were two stores who sold to minors and eight who did not. We commend those stores who did not sell alcohol to minors in our community and recognize them for helping to combat underage drinking:

· Timberland Chevron, 804 N. Timberland Drive;

· Brookshire Brother’s, 816 N. Timberland Drive;

· Gas N Go, 401 N. Timberland Drive;

· Uday, 3008 Atkinson Drive;

· Jr. Food Mart, 1114 E. Denman Avenue;

· Family Dollar Store, 2500 E. Denman Avenue;

· Sam’s Club, 407 N. Brentwood Drive; and

· Walmart Supercenter, 2500 Daniel McCall Drive.

Two businesses did sell to minors and administrative action was taken against the individuals who sold the alcohol:

· Big’s, 3019 John Redditt Drive; and

· Lucky’s, 3385 Ted Trout Drive.

Sale to a minor is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both. Persons 21 or older (other than a parent or guardian) can be held liable for damages caused by intoxication of a minor under 18 if the adult knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to a minor or knowingly allowed the minor to be served or provided alcohol beverages on the premises owned by or leased by the adult.

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