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DETCOG Asking for Help with Broadband Internet Study

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) is currently sponsoring a Broadband Internet study in Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler Counties. DETCOG is asking the public to help by completing a survey about their internet service currently posted on the “www.DETCOG.org” web site.

The study is being conducted by inCode, a division of Ericsson Inc.  They are an independent consulting firm with expertise in telecommunications.

“We believe our region has suffered from inadequate broadband internet service for too long.  We are asking for help from everyone in the region to develop a plan to address this need that is so critical to the future of our region,” said DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt.

A fiber-optic cable based broadband network has become a critical component of the modern communications infrastructure.  Such a network would serve the needs of schoolchildren, households, businesses, industries, health-care providers, local governments and utilities. “We are fast approaching the point where high speed internet access in your home is a necessity just like electrical service,” said Hunt.

DETCOG’s long-term hope is that a next-generation network infrastructure can be provided in the region.  Its desire is to develop a detailed blueprint of an actionable business & technology plan to deploy an ultra-high speed, fiber-optic, broadband “backbone” network for every part of the DETCOG  region.

For more information about the Broadband study email Bob Bashaw at “bob.bashaw@detcog.org”.  You can also call him at (409) 384-5704 ext. 5302.

GARDEN CAPITAL HOSTING TOUR OF HOME GARDENS APRIL 6-7

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Solmonson garden at 1202 Chestnut St. has a number of fun accents, including a deck rail made from glass bottles.

The Garden Capital of Texas will showcase some of its most beautifully landscaped gardens during the Tour of Home Gardens, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6 and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7. Tickets are $20 and are on sale at the Charles Bright Visitor Center, 200 E. Main St.; International Tours, 3208 N. University Dr.; and Charles Pool Real Estate, 3505 North St.

This exclusive tour is thoughtfully curated by the Garden Capital of Texas Committee and includes stunning private home gardens and public gardens. Details for each garden destination will be on the ticket.

Sponsors of the Home Garden Tours are BancorpSouth, Commercial Bank of Texas, Charles Pool Real Estate, The Monarch Group of Raymond James, StretchER, Splash Kingdom, Heritage Title and Nacogdoches Abstract and Title Company.

The money raised by the tour will help fund the Garden Capital committee’s planting efforts. The Arbor Day Foundation officially designated Nacogdoches as a Tree City in 2015, after the city partnered with the Garden Capital committee and Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful to meet four core standards of urban forestry management.

For more information about the Garden Capital Tour of Home Gardens, contact the Garden Capital of Texas Committee at Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful, 936-560-5624 or by email at info@keepnacbeautiful.org. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gardencapital. The mission of the Nacogdoches Garden Capital of Texas Committee is to educate, engage and inspire Nacogdoches area citizens to become involved in beautifying their community green spaces. The Nacogdoches Garden Capital Committee is a part of Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful.

Gardens featured on this year’s tour include:

Bill Elliott, 4219 Raguet St.

“I love showing my garden to other people, but the disappointing thing is that you can’t see a garden with one visit,” Elliot said. “All year long something interesting is happing. It takes at least a year to see a garden.”

Elliot’s garden features azaleas and the queen of the garden, camellias, along with an assortment of other plants, including weigela, pineapple guava, loquat, pomegranate, banana shrub, assorted hydrangea, assorted viburnum, sweetshrub, toothache tree, bush cherry, green rose, assorted magnolias, sweet olive, tulip poplar, quince, and Mexican buckeye.

“I like unusual plants, so many of them don’t make it,” Elliot said. “Every day of the year, I find something new, surprising, and beautiful. I have a fence to keep the deer out, but the garden is open all of the time. Feel free to visit it any time.”

Lisa & Tim Rodrigues, 3930 Sir Gawain Dr.

This freeform home garden was designed by the homeowners, who started “from scratch” in 2010. There are East Texas standbys like azaleas and hydrangeas, and native plants – many of which were purchased from SFA plant sales through the years. A pool was added to the mix in 2016, which shook things up quite a bit. The Rodrigueses say their goal, like most gardeners, is to have something blooming year-round.

Barb Stump, 101 S. Sanders St.

This 2.5-acre landscape garden surrounds a 1901-vintage historic Queen Anne-style home. Designed by owner Barbara Stump, the Victorian period-appropriate “mixed shrub border” of sweet olive, purple plum yew, and “George Lindley Taber” and “Encore” azaleas encloses the front. A comfortable walkway is bordered by salvias and perennial flowers and shrubs. The gazebo, covered with evergreen wisteria, cross-vine, and roses provides a spot of shade. A wild ravine is now a “hidden garden” centered on a white wisteria plant, camellias, azaleas, bamboo, and blueberries. Planted in 2003-4, specimen Japanese Maples, Chinese Fringe Trees, Long-leaf Pine, and Tulip Poplar trees are strong vertical accents. Once a parking lot for the previous owners (a fraternity), the bed by the front porch is now a shrub and perennial bed. A collection of deciduous azaleas shaded by a patriarch red maple is stunning in spring. The selection of plants and trees provides fall color as well.

Le’Ann Solmonson, 1202 Chestnut St.

The Solmonson yard is a labor of love that has evolved each year with new projects. The front yard is accented with a number of flowerbeds filled with azaleas, hydrangeas, perennials, annuals, and a water fountain they constructed themselves. The flower-filled backyard

transitions into an urban farm with raised vegetable beds, herb gardens, fishpond, and backyard chickens. The yard has a number of fun accents, including a deck rail made from glass bottles.

Sculpture For All, Mast Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden; SFA campus, Wilson Drive Sculpture For All is an outdoor art exhibition showcasing a variety of sculptures nestled throughout the Mast Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden. The Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden is the largest azalea garden in Texas and features more than 7,000 azaleas and more than 1.25 miles of accessible trails. It is the centerpiece of Nacogdoches’ annual Azalea Trail. The first arboretum at a university in Texas, the Mast Arboretum covers more than 10 acres along the Lanana Creek Trail. Enjoy the wide diversity of plant life, including rare trees, shrubs, vines, perennials and the SFA horticulture program’s The Plantery. Visit the Monarch Waystation at the Jim and Beth Kingham Children’s Garden.

Lady Roadrunner Softball Opening Conference Play on Wednesday AC Facing No. 5 Tyler Junior College in Doubleheader

By
Gary Stallard
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Nikki Whitehead: Angelina College shortstop Nikki Whitehead makes a throw from deep in the hole during a recent game. The Lady Roadrunners host No. 5 Tyler Junior College

It wouldn’t really matter which team the Angelina College softball was playing.

After experiencing three weeks of rained-out games, the Lady Roadrunners are happy just to have the opportunity to take the field again.

On Wednesday, AC (8-2) will host No. 5 Tyler Junior College in the conference opener at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the Angelina College campus.

AC last played an actual game on Feb. 16, when the Lady ‘Runners pulled off a sweep of San Jacinto College. Since then, the team has hardly had decent weather in which to hold a full practice while forced to cancel at least four games.

Even with the long layoff, the Lady Roadrunners are leading the Region XIV East Zone with a .409 team batting average while the overall slugging percentage is a whopping .640. AC has also managed 12 homers in just 10 games. Sophomores Brette Kohring (.516), Nikki Whitehead (.500) and Jessica Husband (.500) lead the team in hitting. Freshman Kaylee Ancelot leads the squad in RBI with 14 in 39 plate appearances.

In the circle, Lady ‘Runner McKenna Fryar is second in the conference with a 1.93 ERA.

The Lady Apaches (16-4) have participated in tournaments out west and thus have escaped some of the East Texas deluge. Tyler has won seven straight games going into Wednesday’s doubleheader.

First pitch on Wednesday is scheduled for 2 p.m. The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE PROJECTS FOR LUFKIN DISTRICT

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Texas Department of Transportation Commissioners last week approved more than $350.8 million in statewide construction projects, with more than $5.3 million approved for the Lufkin District.

Two projects were approved for Nacogdoches County. Those include:

  • FM 2609: A $3.8 million construction project was approved that will include the reconstruction and widening of pavement from the end of pavement to FM 941. The project length is 5 miles. Pinto Construction Co., Inc., Nacogdoches, TX will serve as contractor. No completion date has been set.
  • SL 224: A $544,987 construction project was approved that will include resurfacing with a thin overlay mix from FM 2259 to US 59 South and from US 59 to FM 2609. The total project length is 6 miles. Drewery Construction Co., Inc., Nacogdoches, TX will serve as contractor. No completion date has been set.

An $180,000 grant for design and construction of pavement improvements at the Groveton/Trinity County airport in Groveton was also approved. Local funds of $20,000 will be added to the grant for a total of $200,000 in airport improvements. TxDOT is authorized to award federal and state funding for capital improvement projects and to assist in the development and establishment of airports throughout the state. This grant is funded through the Aviation Facilities Grant Program.

As these projects begin, motorists are urged to stay alert as signage and barricades are placed to announce construction beginning in these areas.

For more information on projects statewide, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on Lufkin District projects, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

PLAYING FOR A NIGHT OFF AC Looking to Clinch First-Round Tournament Bye on Saturday

By
Gary Stallard
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Zac Kircher Celebration: The Angelina College Roadrunners and assistant coach Zac Kircher celebrate Wednesday’s win over first-place Jacksonville College. The Roadrunners are hoping to clinch a first-round tournament bye in Saturday’s home finale against Lee College. (Gary Stallard photo)

Saturday’s regular-season and home finale for the Angelina College Roadrunners won’t just feature a tribute to sophomores nor a team simply playing out its year.

Saturday’s game still has plenty of meaning behind it.

Having already clinched a berth in the upcoming Region XIV Conference Tournament, the Roadrunners are hoping for a night off in the form of a first-round bye on the tournament’s opening day on Tuesday.

Currently, AC is riding a six-game winning streak and is tied for second place in the South Zone with Lamar State College-Port Arthur. If the Seahawks lose to Jacksonville on Saturday, AC will clinch the bye. If Lamar-PA wins, the ‘Runners simply have to beat Lee College at Shands Gymnasium to skip out on first-round action.

Keying the late-season winning streak has been a brand of defense leaving opponents frustrated and at a literal loss. In seven of AC’s past eight games, the ‘Runners have held opponents to fewer than 70 points – a remarkable achievement in a high-scoring league.

Head coach Nick Wade says there have been no major adjustments to the team’s approach; rather, it’s simply a measure of his players’ commitments to one another.

“It’s a process of continuing to get better, but more than anything, the guys are playing for the guys next to them,” Wade said. “They want to send our sophomores out on a high note.

“But they also want to be mentioned in the conversation as one of the better teams in Region XIV. Not many people were talking about us at the beginning of the season.”

Another element carrying the team to success is Wade’s insistence – stated before the team had even held its first official practice – that players give everything they have for however long they’re on the floor. In Wednesday’s win over first-place Jacksonville College, no player embodied that mantra more than Ovidio Perez, who fought his way to 17 rebounds despite facing a distinct size disadvantage in the paint.

“If you’re going to play here, you have to be tough, and Ovidio is a tough kid,” Wade said.” Every night, we have to have someone different step up and make plays, and he has such a huge heart. He’s a guy who makes those plays for us.

“Unless you’re around the team, you don’t realize how close they are. They really care about each other. You see that on the court more than anything. In the dog days of the season, they’re leaning on family as much as heart, and that more than anything makes us a scary team right now.”

Saturday’s game against Lee College tips off at 4 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium. Prior to tip-off, the team will honor sophomores Kevin Norman, Markus Stevenson, Deedy Gauno, Kenan Jackson, Hunter Janacek and Chris Simmons.

Viewers can catch the action via live streaming by logging onto angelinaathletics.com.

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

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As I often say in this column, I love seeing folks visit their State Capitol during the session. This past week I once again had the pleasure of welcoming a number of constituents, including a group from Leon County who made their way to Austin for their first ever Leon County Day at the Capitol. Our office helped facilitate meetings for this group with representatives from Texas Parks and Wildlife, experts in public education, advocates for private property rights, as well as a number of other interesting speakers. Part of my responsibility as your State Representative is to make sure any person or group from our district understands that your beautiful Texas Capitol belongs as much to you as any other Texan. If you or someone you know would like to visit during this session, please feel free to contact our Austin office and we would be honored to assist in facilitating a visit.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol. . .

Meetings, hearings, and East Texans at the Capitol:

We had another busy week in the House Public Education Committee, as we spent over six hours in committee and heard over 20 bills regarding everything from PreK to advancing technology in our schools. Though we didn’t vote on any of these bills, this is the first committee hearing where members were given the opportunity to ask questions about specific pieces of legislation, and hear from the authors, as well as expert witnesses, on their intent behind their proposals. As we move deeper into session, the duration of these committee hearings will only get longer while we consider the many bills aimed at improving our education system throughout the state.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with a number of county judges who were here with the Association of Rural Communities. We had a productive discussion about the importance of local control and visited about the various ways our state can help preserve the vitality of our rural communities. As a rural Texan, I have a deep appreciation for the work our rural community leaders do to preserve our way of life, and I will continue to do my part to defend and help support these communities in any way that I can at the state level.

Two of my colleagues and I had the honor of joining representatives from Sam Houston State University for a reception commemorating Sam Houston’s 226th birthday. We were graciously recognized and given an award for our assistance in helping the University establish their College of Osteopathic Medicine. I’m delighted that this new program is moving forward as it will ultimately benefit our entire region by providing increased access to quality medical care throughout East Texas.

Reminders:

The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: March 6th and the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville from 9:00-11:00am, or at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville from 1:30-3:30pm; March 20th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:00-11am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm; and finally on March 27th at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:00am-11:00am.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508

Wet Soil Means Gardening Might be Delayed

By
Cary Sims
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So many gardeners that I visit with are not only tired of the wet weather and wet soil but are getting anxious that the wet ground is keeping them from getting their spring gardens into shape.

I’ve been joking with folks around here that we should start growing rice. I also wonder if we could use a flat bottom jon boat with an outboard Evinrude to till up the muddy ground without getting stuck.

All humor aside, this wet ground is going to slow gardens down and getting that tiller into your wet, soggy soil sets up a garden for long term problems.

Soil is supposed to have “structure”. Have you ever taken a shovel full of good soil and noticed how it crumbles? Good soil has that structure. Without getting to technical, optimum soil structure allows water to percolate thru, roots to thrive, and earthworms to tunnel in.

We turn under the soil, or “till” it, for a number of good reasons. Tilling controls weeds and prepares a seed bed. That beautiful, freshly tilled ground is made ready for planting and has eliminated competition.

Tilling also manages crop residues and can help reduce insect and disease pressure. Residues from previous growth can be incorporated into the soil, adding organic matter. Burying the older vegetation that can harbor insect and disease will help the new plants get a head start and stay healthy.

But tilling your soil only works when it is at the correct amount of moisture. If the ground is worked while wet, we will most certainly increase soil compaction and decrease its ability to absorb moisture.

You may have heard or read about “plow pans”. In large scale food production, the heavy machinery and overworked soil can create a compacted layer of soil just below the disked or plowed zone. That pan can create a barrier to water movement, root development, and nutrient distribution. The professional farmers are keenly aware of this and take great pains to avoid or remedy this condition.

Following the lead of commercial growers, home gardeners need to understand the soils they are relying upon. Tilling the ground too often, even when the soil is at the proper moisture, can interfere with macro-organisms, such as earthworms that need time to do their good work.

If you’ve been saying, “But what about no-till? You can’t forget about that option!” Indeed, it is another very good option. No-till implies that you disturb as little of the ground as possible when you plant. And if you have a site that you can do this, you’ll avoid the potential problems I’ve listed above.

One way to use no-till in a home garden is to use a very thick layer of mulch and plant in open (un-mulched) areas to ensure a good crop. I do this all the time in my beds. I only dig up the area needed for planting and heavily much all around the seeds or plants.

I know of several raised bed gardeners that simply cannot till their beds but rely upon excellent compost to top-dress their garden beds and plant within. At the local elementary schools where we teach gardening to kids, we use a landscaper mix (available by the yard from local nurseries).

This mix is a blend of compost, sand and finely ground pine bark. It is an excellent soil medium. If you use it, you’ll find you don’t need any gardening tools to work the soil.

Best of luck with your garden. Work the soil when it dries out. We’ll look at these days differently during our next drought!

Must-Know Health Tips for Faster Flu Recovery

By
Statepoint
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With last year’s flu season having been associated with 80,000 deaths — one of the deadliest in decades — focusing on immune health is important.

There are essentially three stages of the flu: incubation — the development of the virus within your body; infection — when most symptoms are strongest; and convalescence — as your body recuperates from the virus.

“Most people are familiar with vaccines to prevent the flu and remedies to relieve symptoms. There is less awareness about the recovery stage, when your body is weakened by the virus and at risk for other ailments,” says Dr. Fred Pescatore, renowned natural health physician.

Last year, a study found adult patients had higher risk of heart attack after an influenza diagnosis.

To ensure proper recovery, Dr. Pescatore is offering the following tips.

Increase Air Moisture: Adding moisture to the air can help reduce congestion and soothe the throat while recovering from the flu. Using a humidifier in dry rooms can ease symptoms. Also, try a face steam. Begin by boiling a pot of water. Remove it from the heat and bring your face close while draping a towel over your head to breathe in the steam. This is an easy at-home remedy that you can put your own spin on by adding herbs and oils. Dr. Pescatore recommends drops of peppermint to open up the nasal passages even more.

Get Rest: You may be feeling better, but you’re still recovering. Even when symptoms ease, your body and immune system are in a weakened state. It’s tempting to jump right back into your routine, but you still need extra rest and hydration.

Drink Herbal Tea: Drinking herbal tea is one of the easiest ways to soothe lingering symptoms.

“Licorice tea makes for a great-tasting recovery tool. It has a sweet flavor without the sugar of other sweet teas. In addition, licorice supports immunity, which is what you need at this stage of the flu,” says Dr. Pescatore.

Add a Super-Antioxidant: A new peer-reviewed study shows that supplementing with the natural super-antioxidant Robuvit (Ro-boo-vit), French oak wood extract, supports flu recuperation.

Participants in the study took 300 mg of Robuvit daily for three weeks once their flu symptoms ended. Researchers found that after 10 days, participants who supplemented with Robuvit experienced increased post-flu strength, enhanced attention and concentration and better sleep quality.

“There are few products on the market that support your immune system during the recovery period, yet it is one of the most vulnerable health periods, particularly for seniors. This is exciting news for anyone looking for a safe, natural way to recover faster from the flu,” says Dr. Pescatore.

Robuvit is backed by more than a dozen studies showing its benefits for natural energy, flu recovery, detox and sports performance. For more information, visit www.robuvit.com.

“The body is under stress during a bout of flu. Inflammation is up and oxygen levels and blood pressure can drop. Helping your body recover fully is important,” says Dr. Pescatore.

Angelina Beautiful/Clean Free Tree Seedling Giveaway This Week

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Volunteers from Angelina Beautiful/Clean and the Texas A&M Forest Service will celebrate Arbor Day by giving away free tree seedlings on a first-come, first-served basis this Friday, March 1st in the Lowe’s parking lot located at 3501 S. Medford Dr in Lufkin starting at 10 a.m. until the supply runs out.

The annual giveaway event offers a variety of hardwood trees to the East Texas community free of charge. It gives the opportunity for Angelina County and surrounding areas the opportunity to replenish trees that might have suffered drought or storm damage and provide a means of beautification.

According to Jennifer La Corte, AB/C Executive Director, “Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe. Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Trees are a beautiful part of our natural environment. Plant a tree to celebrate the beauty of our amazing planet.” 

The event is free, but tax-deductible donations are welcome. Checks can be made to Angelina Beautiful/Clean.

For more information about this event or Angelina Beautiful/Clean, please contact Jennifer La Corte at 936-63CLEAN (936-632-5326), visit www.angelinabeautifulclean.org or follow on Facebook.

About Angelina Beautiful/Clean

Working in Angelina County since 1984, Angelina Beautiful/Clean (AB/C) has a mission to educate and empower East Texans to take responsibility for enhancing their community environment and serves Angelina County to help make it a cleaner, greener place to live, work and play. AB/C cultivates programs, services and education around litter reduction, recycling and beautification. It is an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.

Georgia-Pacific Names Wright to Manage Diboll Lumber Facility

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Danny Wright

Georgia-Pacific’s Diboll Lumber Mill has named Danny Wright as its new manager. In this role, Wright is overseeing day-to-day mill operations, including safety, environmental excellence and stewardship. Additionally, he is responsible for creating long-term sustainability for the facility, its employees, and the community.

With more than 24 years of service, Wright has spent the majority of his tenure between Camden Plywood, Camden Lumber and Diboll Lumber facilities. He joined the company as a lumber planer supervisor in Camden and quickly moved through the leadership ranks holding numerous positions including Camden Lumber planer supervisor, Camden Plywood log processing supervisor, Camden Lumber mill superintendent, Camden Lumber mill manager, and production manager at Diboll Lumber. Last August Danny returned to Camden Lumber as the plant manager—a position he held from 2011-2015.

Danny and his wife Sheila reside in Livingston along with their two children Mason and Kayla.

About Georgia-Pacific Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals. Our familiar consumer brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Sparkle®, Mardi Gras®, Vanity Fair®, and STAINMASTER™ household cleaning products. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its Georgia-Pacific Recycling subsidiary is among the world’s largest recyclers of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates nearly 200 facilities and employs approximately 35,000 people directly, and creates nearly 92,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com

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