Taking quality care to entirely new level, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin is completely reconstructing the hospital’s second floor to create a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art area focused solely on the health and well-being of East Texas women and children.
Come join us to learn more about this incredible development. Interviews will be available only during this time.
Mack Named
Conference MVP, Williams and Perkins Selected
Angelina College’s Mia Williams (left) and Natasha Mack celebrate the team’s recent conference tournament championship. Both players, along with teammate Mia Perkins, earned post-season accolades from Region XIV. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
The post-season accolades continue to compile for the Angelina College Lady Roadrunner basketball team, with Region XIV conference officials releasing the All-Region and All-Conference list this week.
Natasha Mack, the reigning NJCAA National Player of the Year, earned the conference’s Most Valuable Player award along with 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-Conference nods.
Mia Williams earned 1st Team All-Conference honors, and Mia Perkins received an Honorable Mention All-Conference award.
Mack and Williams are two home-grown East Texans who were familiar with one another long before they became AC teammates. Mack was a standout at Lufkin High School, while Williams left Diboll High School as one of the school’s best-ever athletes. Although competing in different classifications and districts, the two competed against one another frequently.
When the pair joined forces with the Lady Roadrunners, they became a formidable inside-outside duo responsible for leading Angelina College to national prominence. AC cracked the nation’s top 10 earlier this season, and just last week qualified for the NJCAA Division I national tournament tipping off in Lubbock on Monday.
Perkins, who attended Westbury Christian High School in Houston, provided the perfect complement to Mack’s inside presence. Perkins finished fifth in the conference with 5.6 rebounds per game and finished second with 109 offensive rebounds, ensuring the Lady ‘Runners enjoyed multiple opportunities for second-chance buckets. Perkins pulled down a season high 19 rebounds on Feb. 23 against Paris College. In the Region XIV tournament semifinals against No. 4 Trinity Valley Community College, she helped vault AC into the finals with an 18-point, eight-rebound effort.
Mack finished the season as the conference leader in four different categories, including scoring (23.8 ppg), rebounding (11.6 rpg), field-goal percentage (59 percent) and blocked shots (5.6 bpg). She notched a rare triple-double on Nov. 6 against LSU-Eunice with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 blocks; and she scored in double figures in each of AC’s 32 games, charting double-doubles in 23 of those.
Williams earned a deserved reputation as a three-point sharpshooter, finishing fourth in the league after converting 36.6 percent of her attempts. She hit six three pointers against Panola College on March 2 and made four or more three pointers in seven games this season.
However, those numbers fail to account for her overall value as a playmaker and facilitator. Williams finished ninth overall in assists with 3.8 dishes per game and often was the leader on numerous Lady Roadrunner fast breaks.
The trio was part of an historic run for the Lady Roadrunners, who became the first Angelina College women’s basketball team to win the conference tournament championship and qualify for a berth in the national tournament.
The Lady Roadrunners, the fourth overall seed in the upcoming national tournament, begin their trek for a championship on Wednesday, March 20 against the winner of the Hutchinson/Western Nebraska game.
All games take place at the Rip Griffin Center on the Lubbock Christian University campus.
The bats are back. The pitching is beginning to solidify.
And the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners are starting to take the shape the coaching staff thought they would take before the season’s first game.
All they needed after nearly a full month of rainouts was some playing time.
The Lady ‘Runners on Tuesday blasted three homers despite a strong wind blowing straight into batters’ faces, pitchers Shelby Mixon and McKenna Fryar each pitched complete games in dominant fashion and AC swept Shawnee Community College 13-1 and 9-0 at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex in Lufkin.
Rachel Agnello homered in the opener, ripping an opposite-field solo shot in the second inning. Makayla Rodger drove in three runs with a pair of doubles, and Emilee Cernosek and Jessica Husband each drove in two runs in the13-1 win shortened to five innings via the mercy rule.
Pitcher Shelby Mixon allowed a single run on just two hits in picking up the win.
In the nightcap, Fryar flirted with a no-hitter before allowing Shawnee’s lone hit of the game – a see-through grounder in the fifth inning – and finished with 12 strikeouts in her five innings of work.
Kaylee Ancelot launched her fifth homer of the year, a two-run shot in the fourth inning. Cernosek added an RBI triple, and Husband walked it off in the bottom of the fifth with a two-run blast to right field. Ancelot finished the game with three RBI; Brette Kohring finished the doubleheader with four hits in five official plate appearances.
The Lady Roadrunners (13-5) will resume conference play at home on Saturday with a doubleheader against Kilgore College. Game time for the opener is 1:30 p.m.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
As part of a statewide effort to raise awareness, increase vigilance and report signs of human trafficking, the Texas Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, law enforcement and industry partners, is launching its “On the Road to End Human Trafficking” initiative.
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that knows no boundaries and, sadly, affects hundreds of thousands of women, children and men across our state and around the world,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We are proud to work with the Governor’s Commission for Women and other partners to bring an end to this modern-day slavery.”
Similar to a neighborhood watch program, the initiative encourages everyone to know, watch for and report signs of trafficking. According to University of Texas research, more than 300,000 people are trafficked in Texas at any given time, including 79,000 youth victims. These innocent human beings are horrifically abused by being forced into slavery, either in the form of hard labor or sex/prostitution.
To raise public awareness and help eradicate this criminal activity, TxDOT is educating its employees as well as travelers. For employees, a wallet card along with an information sheet to keep in TxDOT vehicles provide details on signs to look for and steps to take to report trafficking. Posters and restroom stall signs also will be displayed in TxDOT’s Texas Travel Information Centers and Safety Rest Areas across the state to provide critical information to victims of human trafficking on how to reach out for help. The public is encouraged to use a toll-free, 24/7 confidential phone number, (888) 373-7888, to report suspected trafficking; victims are encouraged to call 911. TxDOT’s human trafficking materials are available for others to download and use at www.txdot.gov.
By taking part in this initiative to eradicate human trafficking, TxDOT is living up to a core agency value – the well-being, safety and quality of life for Texans and all travelers.
Angelina College Lady Roadrunner coaches and players pose with members of the community during Monday’s Selection Show watch party on the AC campus. The Lady ‘Runners learned they’re the No. 4 seed in the upcoming national tournament starting March 18 in Lubbock. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)
Byron Coleman had this day in mind way back before his Lady Roadrunner basketball team began its 2018-2019 campaign.
Knowing his group possessed the potential for a national championship tournament run, Coleman scheduled some of the toughest teams he could find in the pre-conference portion of the schedule. There was never any doubt about facing brutal competition within Region XIV, but Coleman wanted his players to get a taste of what lay ahead should AC book a berth to Lubbock.
“We always said we’d play anybody anywhere, and we did that,” Coleman said. “We played a great non-conference schedule knowing our conference is already so tough. We scheduled opponents we knew would help us if we just took care of our own business. It worked out well for us.”
On Monday morning, Coleman and the Lady Roadrunners joined community members for a Selection Show watch party on the Angelina College campus. They waited anxiously to hear the selection committee’s seeding announcement, and when the Lady ‘Runners saw their team listed as the No. 4 seed, the entire room erupted in applause.
“It’s great to get all these people from the community together and join us in watching this live,” Coleman said. “You know, you always see these show on TV with Division I basketball, so for us to get the chance to experience it ourselves, man, you can’t do anything but smile. I’m happy that the girls had the chance to enjoy this.”
As expected, undefeated and No. 1-ranked Wabash Valley earned the No. 1 seed, followed by Gulf Coast State at No. 2 and Shelton State at No. 3. Two more Region XIV teams – Tyler Junior College and Trinity Valley Community College – earned at-large bids, proving Coleman’s statement about the strength of the conference.
The tournament tips off on Monday, March 18; the Lady Roadrunners will play at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23 against the winner of the Hutchinson/Western Nebraska game.
The national tournament championship game will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23. All games take place at the Rip Griffin Center on the Lubbock Christian University campus in Lubbock and will be live streamed on NJCAA TV.
It’s a lot to absorb for a coaching staff and team representing the first Angelina College women’s basketball team to compete for a national title. Coleman just wants to ensure he and his players don’t forget to live in the moment.
“These kids know this will be something that 10 or 20 years from now we’ll be getting together to reminisce,” Coleman said. “We were joking on the bus that we needed to write a book about all the trials and tribulations we endured in getting to this point. They’re cherishing this, and they understand the value of the moment.
“We’ll remember this forever.”
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
In observance of the 50th anniversary of Angelina College, the School of Health Careers is planning a “Blast from the Past” celebration Thursday, March 21 from 4-7 p.m.
A pictorial history of the programs in the School of Health Careers will be on display in both buildings, including lists of graduates. Refreshments will be served and alumni are encouraged to attend.
The School of Health Careers began with just one program, nursing. It now includes Radiology Technology, Respiratory Care, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Surgical Technology.
Winifred Ferguson-Adams, Associate Dean of Health Careers said, “Fifty years of producing quality healthcare workers for East Texas should be celebrated. This is an opportunity to reflect on the past and continue to step toward the future.”
For more information about this event, contact Winifred Ferguson-Adams at wadams@angelina.edu.
Jessica Pinkert has been named executive
director of Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, effective March 18, 2019. Pinkert will oversee the education, preservation and organizational administration of Millard’s Crossing.
“Millard’s Crossing is thrilled to announce the selection of Jessica
Pinkert as the new Executive Director of the historic village,” said Ryan Russell, president of the Millard’s Crossing Board of Directors. “Our board has full faith that Jessica will use her diverse skills and background to breathe new life into our beloved
Nacogdoches landmark.”
Pinkert graduated from the Hospitality Administration program
at Stephen F. Austin State University in 2018 and is currently working towards her master’s degree in Mass Communication. Prior to accepting the position with Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, Pinkert served as the Main Street and Communications assistant
for the City of Nacogdoches.
As an engaged member in our community, Pinkert serves on
the Shop Nac First committee and is a member of the University Professional Women of Stephen F. Austin State University. Pinkert plans to continue her activism with the Main Street program through its respective committees.
When she is not working or volunteering, Pinkert enjoys knitting,
strengthening her photography skills, spending time with her family and supporting local businesses.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Millard’s
Crossing,” said Pinkert. “I fell in love with our community when I moved to Nacogdoches and feel honored to tell our story. I believe that combining my admiration of local attractions with my talent in media specialization will help me to create quality content
for destination marketing.”
Millard’s Crossing Historic Village is a private, non-profit
501c3, dedicated to connecting people to the past in a meaningful and memorable way. Established by the late Lera Millard Thomas, the village comprises a broad sampling of 19th
century East Texas architecture from simple log cabins to Victorian homes. The mission of Millard’s Crossing Historic Village is to portray the spirit and ingenuity of pioneer settlement in East Texas and to connect present generations to those of the past.
Millard’s Crossing is open Monday through Saturday from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, please email info@mchvnac.com.
Angelina College Surgical Technology Program Director, Stefanie Vaughn (left) and Donta Davis, AC adjunct clinical coordinator/lab instructor, were recently elected to the Association of Surgical Technologists Texas State Assembly. Vaughn, will serve as treasurer, and Davis, will serve as Board Director. They are responsible for representing more than 3,000 TSA members for the next two years.
Stefanie Vaughn, and Donta Davis were recently elected to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Texas State Assembly (TSA) at the annual business meeting and workshop in Ft. Worth. Davis, AC adjunct clinical coordinator/lab instructor, will serve as Board Director and Vaughn, Surgical Technology Program director, will serve as treasurer. They are responsible for representing more than 3,000 TSA members for the next two years.
Vaughn was elected as one of the six delegates for the AST National Conference that is being held in Washington DC this June. “I will have the responsibility for interviewing candidates and voting for our professional organization’s national leaders. Our goal is to focus on educating the community about our profession, serve our local TSA members by providing a workshop to earn continuing education credits. As a liaison between the state and national level, it is the responsibility of a board member to convey and voice the concerns of our TSA members. Mrs. Davis and I are honored to serve our community, college, and state on the TSA board,” Vaughn said.
According to the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST), surgical technologists are allied health professionals, who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. They work under the supervision and authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that
equipment functions properly, and that the operation is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique. They combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
For information about the Surgical Technology program at Angelina College, email Stefanie Vaughn at svaughn@angelina.edu. Registration for the summer and fall semesters begins April 16.
Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars in-front of a Big’s Convenience Store after they had finished stickering inside for Project Sticker Shock.
From left: Guadalupe Tovar, Hudson Drug-Free All Star; Heather Morris, Diboll Drug-Free All Star; Tyler Hance, Central Drug-Free All Star; Alex Sanchez, Diboll Drug-Free All Star; and Andrew Richard, Diboll Drug-Free All Star.
The Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars completed their annual event, Project Sticker Shock. This year, the 57 Drug-Free All Stars visited 18 grocery and convenience stores throughout Angelina County. The goal of Project Sticker Shock is to make the community aware of the dangers of underage drinking and the consequences of purchasing alcohol for minors. Possible consequences for purchasing alcohol for minors include: one year in jail, a $4,000 fine, and a suspended driver’s license for 6 months.
Teens who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop dependence later in life than those who wait to drink until the age of 21 or older. Heavy drinking during adolescence impairs brain development and growth. With Spring Break and other end-of-school-year events approaching, the Drug-Free All Stars want everyone in the community to be aware of the consequences of underage drinking and adults buying alcohol for minors.
The Coalition, Inc. and the Drug-Free All Stars would like to thank Brookshire Brothers, La Michoacana Meat Market, Hernandez Grocery, Big’s convenience stores, and Coleman’s convenience store for participating in this year’s Project Sticker Shock. For more information on Project Sticker Shock, underage drinking, or the Drug-Free All Stars please contact Abby Baker at abaker@angelinacoalition.org.
Georgia-Pacific crane operator Rudy Salazar operates the Kone Crane at Georgia-Pacific’s Diboll Lumber Mill. The new crane stretches 80 feet in width, 927 feet in length, and 87 feet in total height and is making the process of unloading log trucks more efficient and safer.
.Georgia-Pacific has just completed a multi-million-dollar investment in its lumber operations in Diboll. After six months of construction, the new Kone Crane is now in full operation high above the Diboll skyline. Stretching 80 feet in width, 927 feet in length, and 87 feet in total height, the new crane is living up to its expectations and making the process of unloading log trucks more efficient and safer.
“It’s amazing how fast we can unload trucks with this new crane,” said Rudy Salazar, a 20-year crane operator and one of the four crane operators at Diboll Lumber. “This is the first step in the wood manufacturing process; therefore, the speed and efficiency of the crane is critical and ultimately affects the mill’s overall production.”
The new Kone Crane unloads trucks in one bite, compared to the previous crane that had to make two passes to collect the wood. According to Salazar, the new crane benefits log truck drivers who can deliver their loads quickly. “The task of unloading the trucks is so efficient now that drivers don’t have long wait times. Instead I’m waiting on them. For log truck drivers, time is money. As soon as I can get a truck unloaded they are able to get back to the woods and secure another load of logs.”
Ricky Cain with Ricky Cain Logging LLC is one of the loggers who is noticing the positive impact the new crane is having on his operations. “The new crane definitely helps the turn times because of its speed and one bite capabilities,” said Cain. “My drivers in the past would always talk about the long wait time at Diboll, but now they are coming and going.
Cain points out that the real difference will be felt during the summer months at the height of logging operations. “In the summer when there are heavy truck flows, that is where the long waits will really come into play. If a truck gets hung up in the mill, it costs me a load or two per day,” said Cain. “Logging crews have large fixed payments such as notes and insurance, and they are paid by the tons of wood produced and hauled. Any added production or added loads per day adds to their profit.”
Originally used as a military shipyard crane, and relocated to Diboll in the 1960’s, the previous crane unloaded about 50 trucks a day. With innovative upgrades and increased efficiency, the crane ultimately served approximately 130 trucks daily until construction began on the new crane in March 2018. As anticipated the new Kone Crane is surpassing earlier productivity standards and is unloading up to 165 trucks each day.
The Kone Crane also boasts numerous operational improvements including automatic scales that show the operator the exact weight of a load of logs and security features that prohibit operators from picking up logs beyond the maximum tonnage allowed; cameras that allow the operator to have a 360 degree view of the truck that is being unloaded; increased log storage capacity; lightening protection; and LED lighting for complete visibility. There are also maintenance platforms that are easily accessible, and operators benefit from a heated and cooled cabin.
“This is a significant investment in the East Texas timber industry,” said Danny Wright, Georgia-Pacific Diboll Lumber plant manager. “As one of Georgia-Pacific’s largest lumber operations, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance and grow operations in East Texas while focusing on safety and environmental excellence.”
