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Lady Roadrunners Sign Diboll’s Alvarez Multi-Tooled Player Led Ladyjacks to Post Season in First Three Years

By
Gary Stallard
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For three years, Diboll’s Ashtyn Alvarez has helped anchor the left side of the Ladyjacks’ infield, whether roaming around the shortstop position or taking her place in the hot corner at third base.

The multi-skilled player in 2020 will take her talents a few miles up the road to Angelina College’s softball program.

Alvarez on Wednesday signed her letter of intent to join the Lady Roadrunners beginning in the fall of 2020.

The senior has helped lead Diboll to the playoffs in each of her three years, earning All-State honors in 2019 and 1st Team All-District honors in each of her first three years. For her, signing with the Lady ‘Runners was an easy move in more than one way.

“I wanted to go to Angelina because I thought it would the best decision for me right now, to play two years and hopefully transfer to a Division I university,” Alvarez said. “I really like the coaches and the way they made me feel at home, and I really like the way the girls made me feel welcome when I joined them at practice.”

Alvarez brings a solid glove, a strong arm and a big bat to the diamond. She also said she gained even more in her time playing under Diboll head coach Hayland Hardy.

“The mentality required to play,” Alvarez said. “Coach Hardy taught me not to get down on myself, and to always be a leader to the younger players.”

Alvarez’ parents are Clancy and Alonzo Alvarez.

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

5 Ways to Stay Safe During the Dangerous Holiday Driving Season

By
Statepoint
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Family going on a holiday by car

The holidays can be the happiest time of the year, but unfortunately, they can also be the most dangerous, with more fatal car crashes occurring due to increased travel time, more alcohol use and excessive speed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA predicts that during this Christmas week, from Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at 6 p.m. through Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 5:59 a.m., 799 people will lose their lives nationwide due to car crashes. While it may be uncomfortable to consider these predictions, NHTSA’s report says that analyzing and forecasting fatalities can serve as useful warnings to the public, actually making roads safer.

“No one wants to think about what can go wrong, especially at such a joyful time of year, but as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure,” said Jon Bloom, vice president, personal auto, Erie Insurance. “The good news is that there are specific things that people can do help keep themselves and their families safe this holiday season.”

Erie Insurance offers these five tips for safer holiday driving.

• Keep your car road-ready. Proper maintenance will help keep your car in shape for whatever road conditions you encounter. In addition to getting regularly scheduled oil changes, make sure your car’s fluids are topped off and that filters, hoses and other components are in good working order. If they’re showing signs of wearing out, replace them.

• Maintain properly inflated tires. Not maintaining the right tire pressure can lead to flats and blowouts, which could cause you to lose control of your car and crash. Pay close attention to your car’s tire pressure monitoring system. If you see an alert that tire pressure is low, fill them as soon as possible.

• Be ready for emergencies. While maintaining your car can reduce your chance of being stranded along the side of the road, it could still happen. Keep an emergency kit in the car with a cell phone charger, blanket and first aid kit, along with bottled water and snacks. Also, check with your insurance agent to ensure your policy includes Emergency Roadside Service coverage so that if your car does break down, you can call for help.

• Give yourself plenty of time. With speeding being one of the top causes of car crashes, it’s important to remember that there’s no prize for arriving first. It’s much better to drive the speed limit — or even lower, depending on road conditions and build in a few extra minutes to get where you’re going, especially when driving near busy shopping malls or on holiday travel days when traffic is heavy.

• Stay sober or designate a driver. Celebrating with a holiday toast? Plan ahead and have a designated driver, or use a cab or ride sharing service to get home. Regardless, never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.

While the holidays can be a particularly perilous time to drive, taking precautions can help ensure you, and others on the road, have a safe season.

Holiday at the Museum

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Texas Forestry Museum invites you and your family to enjoy the holiday break by playing the Sawmills & Sawyers game. Players pretend they’re one of three characters that live in a sawmill town. This choose-your-own-adventure game allows players to decide what path their character will take in life. The person to have the most successful ending wins! The Sawmills & Sawyers game is a free activity and will be available December 14, 2019 through January 11, 2020 during museum hours. Photos will be taken at the event for promotional materials.

The Texas Forestry Museum, a private non-profit organization, is located at 1905 Atkinson Dr. in Lufkin. We are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except major holidays. For more information on the Texas Forestry Museum and its scheduled events, please call 936-632-9535 or visit our website at www.treetexas.com.

NEW OVERHEAD SCHOOL ZONE LIGHTS ACTIVATED AT CENTRAL ISD

By
Rhonda Oaks
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School and 25 mph sign on white

Motorists should remain alert on US 69 North near the Central ISD school zones beginning today with the activation of new overhead school zone lights and speed limit signs.

School zone lights will be activated near the high school and elementary campuses after the Texas Transportation Commission in August approved extending the zones. New overhead signs and flashers indicating the reconfigured school zones were set about 600-feet north at both campuses to allow for improved sight distance for southbound motorists on US 69.

Crews are also scheduled to set the approved signs indicating a speed limit change to 55 miles per hour between the two campuses. When school zone lights are not activated, the speed limit will be 55 mph. When school zone lights are activated, the speed limit will continue to be 35 mph. These changes are enforceable once signs are set.

Motorists are urged to stay alert, reduce speed and obey all traffic control in and through these school zones. The changes came from a recent engineering study and traffic investigation that justified the need to alter the speed and reconfigure the school zones.

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

Georgia-Pacific Gives Santa a Helping Hand this Christmas

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Georgia-Pacific employees at the Diboll Regional Office hope to make Christmas merrier for area children in need. Showing off this year’s donated toys for the annual Community Christmas Blessings toy drive are GP employees (front row l to r) Jennifer Holder, Dessia Fowler, Lauren Moreno, and Yana Ogletree; (back row l to r) Michelle Palmore, Linda Roe, Tim Machac, Lisa Dotson, Pat Aldred, Bessie Furgurson, and Delana Hendrick

Georgia-Pacific employees are hoping to make Christmas brighter for area children in need this Christmas. During the month of December, employees at the company’s Diboll Regional Office collected toys for the annual Community Christmas Blessings Toy Drive. From bicycles and dolls to trucks and stuffed animals, GP employees donated more than 50 toys for children up to 15 years of age.

“Our employees support many community events and organizations; however, the annual Community Christmas Toy Drive is one of their favorites,” said Michelle Palmore, GP employee and toy drive coordinator. “Thanks to their efforts, Christmas is going to be wonderful for close to 200 children who would otherwise not have gifts under the tree.”

The Community Christmas Blessings Toy Drive is sponsored by the Diboll Civic Club and area churches. Families were asked to apply for toys in September. After reviewing the applications, the toy drive organizers distributed the toys the second week of December. This year 167 children will receive toys, new clothes and a coat.

Take Action to Prevent the Flu

By
Statepoint
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Take time to get a flu vaccine.

  • CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and its potentially serious complications.
  • While there are many different flu viruses, flu vaccines protect against the 3 or 4 viruses that research suggests will be most common. Three-component vaccines contain an H3N2, an H1N1 and a B virus. Four component vaccines have an additional B virus component. (See Vaccine Virus Selection for this season’s vaccine composition.)
  • Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
  • Flu vaccination also has been shown to significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza.
  • Also, there are data to suggest that even if someone gets sick after vaccination, their illness may be milder.
  • Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in their community. CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. Learn more about vaccine timing.
  • For the 2019-2020 flu season, CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine (inactivated, recombinant or nasal spray flu vaccines) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another. (See Types of Flu Vaccines).
  • Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.
  • People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
  • Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to them.
  • Infants younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated. Studies have shown that flu vaccination of the mother during pregnancy can protect the baby after birth from flu infection for several months. Additionally, people who live with or care for infants should be vaccinated.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

  • If you are sick with flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness.
  • Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) and are not available over-the-counter.
  • Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
  • CDC recommends prompt antiviral treatment of people who are severely ill and people who are at high risk of serious flu complications who develop flu symptoms.
  • For people with high-risk factors, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.
  • Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 48 hours of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is very sick from flu. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug.
  • Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people, especially children, may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may also be infected with flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Nichols Receives Scenic Texas Award

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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This week, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) was awarded the Scenic Hero award, the highest honor given by Scenic Texas. It recognizes outstanding work at the Texas Legislature and the significant impact on the scenic mission for the State of Texas.

“I am honored to receive the Scenic Hero award from Scenic Texas,” said Senator Nichols. “It is important to ensure that as our state continues to grow and businesses expand in their advertising, we do what we can to preserve the beauty of our state.”

“These Texas Legislators that we are honoring have been instrumental in supporting good legislation, like last session’s passage of SB 357 limiting the height of billboards, and killing bad legislation that takes away from citizens’ ability to safeguard the scenic qualities of Texas roadways, countryside, and communities,” said Scenic Texas

Executive Director Sarah Tober.

Senator Nichols was specifically honored for his work as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and as author of Senate Bill 357. This bill ensures the height of a commercial billboard is limited to 60 feet, except for a sign existing or erected before March 2017 which may not be higher than 85 feet. In a previous session, Senator Nichols authored a bill which led to better enforcement of illegal signs erected across the Lone Star State.

Scenic Texas, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the visual character of Texas. We are the only state nonprofit that helps citizens safeguard the scenic qualities of Texas roadways, countryside, and communities. Scenic Texas is an affiliate of Scenic America.

In the Texas Senate, Nichols serves as Chairman for the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Senate Finance, Administration, Intergovernmental Relations, Business and Commerce Committees. He is a member of the Legislative Audit Committee and previous member of the Sunset Advisory Committee. Nichols was named President Pro Tempore by his colleagues in the Texas Senate at the end of the 85th Legislative Session.

During his seven sessions as a state senator, Nichols authored and passed legislation to protect landowners’ rights, increase educational opportunities in East Texas and reform transportation policies. He has worked to reduce Medicaid fraud, and promote free-market principles. He was designated as a Champion for Children by the Equity Center and a Fighter of Free Enterprise by the Texas Association of Business, and a Top 10 Best Legislator for the 85th Legislative Session by Texas Monthly Magazine

DETCOG Opens New Regional Headquarters in Lufkin

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Economic Development District (DETCOG) offices have relocated to their new regional headquarters in Lufkin, Texas. Operations began in the new facility on Monday, December 9th. The new physical and mailing address is: Deep East Texas Council of Governments, 1405 Kurth Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904-1929

All existing DETCOG telephone numbers will continue to function at the new location for some time to allow for a smooth transition. However, the fax number has changed to 936-639-2700.

For the time being, DETCOG’s main switchboard number remains (409) 384-5704. The number for the DETCOG Regional Housing Authority is (409) 381-5262. Housing clients are seen by appointment only, so anyone with a housing issue should call ahead to schedule an appointment. Most housing issues including new applications can also be handled online at www.dethousing.org.

DETCOG was organized in late 1966 and its original location was in Diboll. The agency moved to Jasper in the early 1970’s with space originally provided by the City of Jasper. For the past 19 years DETCOG leased a building from the City of Jasper.

“Jasper has been a great home for DETCOG for many years,” said DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt. “We appreciate the good working relationship we have with the City of Jasper, and their cooperation during this time of transition. Even though our office is moving, we will continue to work hard to benefit the Jasper area and all of Deep East Texas.”

The new facility will place DETCOG in a central location for the 12-county Deep East Texas Region and will allow all its programs to be housed under one roof for the first time in a number of years.

A dedication program and open house at the new facility is planned for January 10 at 1:30 pm

Watch the Angelina College Christmas Concert 2019

By
Lee Allen Miller
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East Texas Praise Symp

Watch the 2019 AC Christmas Concert with the AC Singers, East Texas Praise Symphony, Hudson Bonner & Central Elementary Music Groups.

US 69 CONSTRUCTION TO WIDEN ROADWAY CONTINUING

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Work continues on the US 69 Corridor south of Lufkin between Huntington and the Angelina County line, south of Zavalla, that will widen the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway. The projects are being completed in three phases.

Phase One: From Huntington to FM 844, Pinto Construction, Nacogdoches, TX, contractor for the $10.1 million project, worked to extend the four-lane section of highway just south of Huntington. Traffic was switched in July onto new pavement on the west side of the roadway and work began to construct main lanes on the east side. Construction on Phase One is now complete.

Phase Two: From FM 844 to FM 1270 in Zavalla, Johnson Brothers, Roanoke, TX, contractor for the $72 million construction project, continues work that includes cement treating the subgrade material, constructing wingwalls, applying safety end treatments and concrete rip rap for bridge construction at the following locations:

  • US 69 at Shawnee Creek, northbound and southbound: Structures on the southbound bridge have been completed and construction of the bridge deck continues. Northbound bridge construction has not begun.
  • US 69 NB at Wetlands 1 and 2 (north of SH 63): Bridge construction at Wetlands 1 has been completed and crews continue working on bridge railing. Work to complete bridge railing on Wetlands 2 is beginning. Dirt work has begun for Ramp A and beams and panels are being set.
  • US 69 Overpass at SH 63: Drill shafts have been poured. Work will continue until the bridge structure is complete. Beams are planned for placement in mid-December.
  • Ramp C and Ramp D at Sandy Creek, south of SH 63: Beams have been set and crews continue to work to pour the bridge deck, railing, and panels.

In coming weeks, dirt work for main lanes will begin. Flexible base will be placed and bridge work will continue through the project.

Phase Three: From FM 1270 to the Jasper County line, crews have cleared right-of-way and are beginning work to widen the roadway to a four-lane divided highway. Drewery Construction Co., Nacogdoches TX, contractor for the $37.5 million project is scheduled to complete the final phase in early 2023, weather permitting. Phase Three will tie the US 69 South projects in the Lufkin District to the US 69 widening that is being completed by the Beaumont District which will be known as the Big Thicket Corridor.

The finished projects will enhance safety, improve traffic flow and provide better connectivity between Lufkin and Beaumont. Motorists are urged to use caution, reduce speed, expect delays and obey all traffic control through the project work zones.

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

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