Home Blog Page 449

My five cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
-
0

A weekly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

The fourth week of session has been a busy one as Senate Finance continues to meet every day to hear from every agency in the State. This week we have heard from agencies such as the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Texas Supreme Court, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

1. Eminent Domain and Landowners

Eminent Domain can often be hot button issue in a state full of oil and gas exploration and can often mean many different things to the parties involved. Eminent domain gives governments the legal right to seize private land for public use. In some cases, private companies can use eminent domain if they compensate landowners accordingly for their property.

Senator Lois Kolkhorst has filed SB 421, which would mandate companies who use eminent domain, to hold a public meeting and ensure landowners not only understand the ins and outs of the process, but also have an opportunity to have their questions answered. It would also provide specific protections for landowners and would penalize companies if they do not provide proper compensation to landowners. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that the eminent domain process is fair and transparent to all parties involved.

2. The Sutherland Springs Hero

In the Texas Senate, we have the opportunity to honor and recognize many different individuals and groups, however, this week, we were able to recognize an individual who has become known as the Sutherland Springs hero. In November 2017, after hearing gun shots come from the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Stephen Willeford ran out of the safety of his home, and with the help of a neighbor, chased the gunman away from the church. Twenty-six people died that day and 20 others were hurt, but it is because of the bravery of Mr. Willeford and a neighbor, that more lives were not lost. The Texas Senate honored he, his wife and family on the Senate floor and thanked him for bravery.

3. Breakfast with Superintendents

The Texas Association of School Administrators held their midwinter conference in Austin this week. My staff and I had the opportunity to attend the breakfast for the Region 4, 5, and 7 Education Service Center Regions. I understand it is often hard for these administrators to get to Austin and advocate for their school districts, and I appreciate the time they are able to give.

As Senate District 3, with its 101 school districts, is a predominantly rural area, the concerns and needs of its school districts vary from those of a more urban district. Because of this, I welcome opportunities to talk with educators to better understand how decisions made in Austin are impacting their local school districts.

4. House Committee Assignments

House Speaker Bonnen released committee assignments for House members late last week. I was encouraged to see that many of the House members within Senate District 3 were given significant positions in various committees. Now that they have their assignments, committees in the House and Senate will soon begin holding hearings. I look forward to working with all of the House members in East Texas, as only by working together can we effectively advocate for the people we represent at home.

5. Farm Bureau and Community Colleges

Every week there are various associations and groups that visit the Capitol to advocate for the issues that are important to them. Texas Farm Bureau was one of those groups this week as they came to the Capitol for their legislative day These men and women represent Texas so well and remind us all of how important agriculture has and will continue to be for our state. It is always an honor to meet with this and other grassroots organizations who are working for the interests and livelihoods of rural Texans.

We also had students and staff from our local community colleges come to the Capitol this week to meet with members of the Legislature for Texas Community College day. I am always encouraged to see young adults taking an interest in how their state government works and finding out what they can do to represent the interests of their college campuses.

Roadrunners Take Care of Jarvis Christian JV Bench Shines in Non-Conference Win

By
Gary Stallard
-
0
Kenan Jackson: Angelina College’s Kenan Jackson (10) rips down a rebound during Tuesday’s game against the Jarvis Christian College JV. The Roadrunner bench put on a show in AC’s 94-66 win at Shands Gymnasium. (Brodie Shelton photo)

The Angelina College Roadrunners on Tuesday took a break from conference play to take on the Jarvis Christian College JV, and the ‘Runners got a ton of help from their role players in a 94-66 win at Shands Gymnasium.

AC’s bench accounted for 64 of the team’s 94 points, with Braxton Foreman leading the way with 17 points. Foreman was one of five Roadrunners scoring in double figures: Deon’ta Lagway scored a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds; and Yosani Clay, Deedy Gauno and Hunter Janacek added 10 points each. Dewitz added three steals, and AC out-rebounded the Bulldogs by a 49-23 margin.

Jarvis College’s JaJuan White and Andrew Carrizales each scored 18 points for the Bulldogs.

The Roadrunners (10-12, 4-7) get back to business in conference play on Saturday. AC will play at Jacksonville College at 4 p.m.

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

4 Ways to Focus on Self-Care

By
Statepoint
-
0

It’s no surprise that the concept of self-care is getting a lot of traction in many health and wellness circles. Self-care can improve your mental and physical health and help you be more productive. Unfortunately, many people don’t prioritize it.

Whether you are a career-focused professional or a stay-at-home parent, it’s likely you have a tendency to put other people’s needs – those of your children, colleagues, friends or family — ahead of your own.

Here are four ways to focus on making time for essential self-care activities.

  • Make over your morning: Rise an hour before everyone else in your household. Use the time to meditate, stretch, write in a gratitude journal or visualize a successful day ahead.
  • Make a list of your favorite things: Write down things that truly bring you joy and fill you with a sense of purpose. To ensure you’re finding time to do them, schedule them in your calendar. Some ideas could be going for a run, buying fresh flowers or tackling an arts and crafts project.
  • Invest in new gear: Sometimes the best motivator for getting active is a new piece of clothing or accessory you feel confident wearing.

“New footwear is a great way to support health and wellness goals, while helping you stay motivated to invest in self-care activities,” says Randy Woodworth, women’s athletic buyer for Rack Room Shoes.

To help you on your healthy self-care path, invest in something that is comfortable and can easily transition between activities. For one-stop shopping for footwear and other accessories to help you reach your self-care goals, visit the Athletic Shop at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online at rackroomshoes.com.

  • Take regular walks outside: Never underestimate the power of exercise and fresh air. Find the time that is most convenient for you, whether that’s first thing in the morning, during a lunch break or after dinner.

Once you’ve got the plan in place, get into a self-care routine that works for you and stick with it.

DETCOG Board Hears RSVP Report on MLK Day of Service

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0
DETCOG President, Houston County Attorney, Daphne Session (left) accepts a $15,000 matching funds check from the RSVP Advisory Council. Also shown are RSVP Program Director Renee Ricks (2nd from Left), RSVP Volunteer Coordinator Erin Hollis (rear), RSVP Advisory Council member Janet Thomas (2nd from Right) and RSVP Volunteer Manda Rector.

Deep East Texas Council of Government (DETCOG) Board Members received a report on the Retired and Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) activities at their January meeting. RSVP Program Director Renee Ricks started by reporting on the program’s food drive held in honor of the MLK Day of Service. It’s estimated that up to 25% of the population of DETCOG Counties are struggling to avoid hunger. Board Members had been asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the meeting. Those contributions will to go to Care & Share of San Augustine, which feeds approximately 600 families per month and provides backpacks filled with food to Headstart children every weekend.

The report on the RSVP program also included the donation of a $15,000 check to DETCOG by the RSVP Advisory Council. The council raises funds by sponsoring trips throughout the year to places as diverse as Alaska and Vermont. The money raised by the Council will be used as matching funds for the RSVP program operating grant.

Senior Corps RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and over, with more than 300,000 volunteers nationwide. RSVP Volunteers choose how and where they want to serve and how much time they want to give. If you interested in volunteering in your community, or just want more information about the RSVP Program in Deep East Texas, contact Renee Ricks at (409) 384-5704 ext. 5402.

No. 14 Lady Roadrunners Outlast Panola in OT AC Winning Streak Stretches to Nine Games

By
Gary Stallard
-
0
Mia Perkins of Angelina College hit a clutch three pointer to cap a 12-2 Lady Roadrunner run and send the game into overtime Saturday against Panola College. The No. 14 Lady ‘Runners rallied late to take a 91-82 win – the team’s ninth straight – at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard photo)

Eleven points down with seven minutes to play in regulation. A Panola Fillies team that seemingly couldn’t miss a shot on a night when the Lady Roadrunners couldn’t seem to buy a bucket.

Saturday was exactly the type of game Angelina College’s 14th-ranked Lady Roadrunners have been expecting all season. With a ranking in front of their names, there would be a target on their backs.

But the Lady ‘Runners put together a thrilling finish, rallying late and forcing overtime before taking a 91-82 win at Shands Gymnasium to stretch the team’s winning streak to nine straight games.

Mia Perkins’ three pointer with seven minutes to play capped AC’s 12-2 run to help the Lady ‘Runners regain the lead, and Natasha Mack’s bucket with 1:31 would send the game to overtime. There, Mia Williams drilled a pair of threes and converted late free throws – she would score eight of AC’s 11 points in the extra frame – to hold off the Fillies.

Mack finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks to lead the Lady ‘Runners. Perkins’ double-double included 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Simran Mayfield scored her season high with 16 points. Williams ended the game with 13 points.

The Fillies hit a total of 11 threes in the game and led throughout most of the contest. Jolie Williams led Panola with 25 points – including five treys – and Maryia Adaschyck added 22 points.

The Lady Roadrunners (19-1, 8-1) will take Wednesday off before traveling to Kilgore College on Saturday. Game time is 2 p.m.

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

Roadrunner Baseball Sweeps No. 3 McLennan in Season Opener Bergeron Tosses First-Game Shutout

By
Gary Stallard
-
0
Angelina College’s Alex Ashby slides across the plate during Saturday’s season opener against McLennan College. The Roadrunners swept the No. 3 Highlanders 3-0 and 6-5 (eight innings) at Roadrunner Field. (Gary Stallard photo)

For their season/home opener of the 2019 season, the Angelina College Roadrunners faced the third-ranked team in the nation in the McLennan College Highlanders.

Turns out the AC squad has a pretty good-looking ball club as well.

‘Runner starting pitcher Sean Bergeron tossed a complete-game shutout in the opener, and AC fought back to take an extra-inning win in the nightcap to sweep the Highlanders 3-0 and 6-5 Saturday at Roadrunner Field.

Bergeron proved dominant against the hard-hitting Highlanders, allowing just three hits and no runs while striking out 12 and issuing no walks.

Bergeron got ample run support from Trent Brown’s two-run single in the fourth inning and a Euro Diaz RBI double in the fifth.

In the nightcap, the Highlanders opened up a 3-0 lead, but AC’s Taylor Meaux and Drake Pierson hit back-to-back homers in the third inning to tie the score. Later, Rylan Meek – whose double in the opener set up the two-run fourth – scored Diaz with a single, and Brown gave the ‘Runners a 5-4 lead with a single to score JoJo Munoz.

The Highlanders sent the game into extra innings with a G Martin’s solo homer in the top of the 7th, but the Drew Shifflet – who allowed just one run in 4 2/3 innings in his collegiate debut – shut down McLennan in the top of the eighth. In the bottom half of the frame, Dillon Nesbit led off with a walk, stole second and moved to third on a Munoz sacrifice bunt. Nesbit then scored the walk-off run on a passed ball, leaving the Roadrunners with the opening-day sweep.

The Roadrunners travel to Waco to take on the Highlanders on Monday before returning home on Thursday against Houston Community College in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Roadrunner Field.

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

First Pitch: Roadrunner Baseball Opens Season at Home on Saturday AC to Face No. 2 McLennan in Afternoon Doubleheader

By
Gary Stallard
-
0
Lance Lusk: Lance Lusk and the rest of the Angelina College Roadrunners open the 2019 baseball season at home on Saturday against No. 2 McLennan College. The afternoon doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. at Roadrunner Field. (Gary Stallard photo)

For their very first home stand of the 2019 baseball season, the Angelina College Roadrunners are going to face the McLennan College Highlanders, ranked No. 2 nationally in pre-season polls.

Such a scenario could feel a little intimidating for the home except for one factor: These Roadrunners have been there, done that.

This year’s Roadrunner club features a bevy of returning starters, many of whom earned big-time honors in 2018. In fact, AC placed seven players – Sean Bergeron, Taylor Meaux, Tanner Sembera, Dylan Murphy, Dillon Nesbit, Lance Lusk and Jacob Mead – on the JUCO All-Star team back in the fall. Their presence marked the biggest contingent of ‘Runners to make the team in head coach Jeff Livin’s 22-year tenure.

So instead of worrying about how a young squad might perform against a ranked team, Livin instead is simply hoping for help in external matters.

“Hopefully, we can expect some sunshine and a dry field on Saturday,” Livin said. “That’s been our biggest obstacle so far. In the limited amount of time we’ve been able to see the team in action, I really like what we’ve got going. It seems like we’re solid, and we’ve improved in a lot of areas.

“I just can’t help but feel we’ve missed some opportunities to work on some the game’s finer points, but the bad weather wasn’t exclusive to Lufkin. Everybody’s been dealing with it. It’s challenging for any coach who likes to have everything prepared in advance.”

Poor weather even managed to push back the original starting date. The two teams were supposed to meet on Friday, but recent heavy rains required an extra day of field-drying time.

Some of those veteran players hitting the field in Saturday’s doubleheader include the entirety of Livin’s starting pitching staff from ’18: Bergeron, Mead and Lusk. Tanner Sembera, who played sparingly last year, has shown the coaches he’s ready to make an even bigger impact.

“Tanner was a mid-week starter last year,” Livin said. “He was coming off some arm issues, so we really paced him, and he just exploded in the fall.”

Chandler Reece, one of the first guys called out of the bullpen in 2018, is back, along with J.T. Migues.

AC has veterans in other key spots: Catchers Dillon Nesbit and Sam Gotlieb are back for another year behind the plate – “That’s always reassuring” – and third baseman Dylan Murphy and Taylor Meaux still anchor the corners. There’ll be new faces in the middle infield, including Trent Brown at shortstop; and guys like Euro Diaz and Drake Pierson to lend experience in the outfield.

Added to the pitching staff is a group of talented freshmen, including Drew Shifflet, Wesley Gafford and Dalton Roblin, among others. Other freshmen pushing for playing time include JoJo Munoz, who Livin said “has been our hottest hitter all spring.”

“It’s kind of like, ‘Hey, sophomores, we love you, but we’ve got to win some games’,” Livin said. “We foster that type of competition, and it’s good to see all our guys responding to it. It’s going to make us a good ball club.”

The lineups may change throughout the season. They usually do. For now, all that matters is it’s time to play ball.

“I think the guys are just ready to get out and start playing, and they’re not really worried about who the opponent is,” Livin said. “They’re more excited about showing what they can do than they are worried about what someone else can do.”

First pitch for Saturday’s doubleheader is at 1 p.m. at Roadrunner Field at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex.

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

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
-
0

There was a lot going on at your State Capitol this week as the Texas House received our committee assignments for the 86th Legislative Session. I’m excited that Speaker Bonnen has selected me to serve on both the House Committee on Public Education and the House Committee on Defense & Veterans Affairs. As a member of these two important committees, I will have the opportunity to play an integral role in taking care of our state’s military installations, service members, and veterans, as well as work intimately with my colleagues to address the number one issue facing the 86th Legislature — school finance reform and property tax relief. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on addressing these critically important issues!

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

The 86th Texas Legislature: Filed Legislation

I kicked off the 86th session by recently filing several pieces of legislation that I believe will make a positive impact on our state. The first, House Bill 1065, would have a direct impact on our district, and rural Texas in general, by establishing a grant program aimed at increasing the number of resident physicians in rural communities. Given the persistent shortage of physicians in rural areas, Texas must do more to increase access to quality medical care by promoting programs to incentivize and develop rural residency training opportunities. I’m proud to have taken a strong step towards achieving increased access to care in underserved areas across our state.

Another bill I recently filed, House Bill 1064, designates May 4th of each year as “Texas Firefighters Day.” We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, and this legislation would provide us an opportunity to formally recognize their bravery, determination, and selfless service.

Lastly, I filed a bill that would help streamline the process by which landowners and water utilities obtain the proper permitting to produce and transfer groundwater. This bill, House Bill 1068, goes a long way in not only cutting burdensome red tape, but also protecting the precious rights of landowners across the state.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations:

February 6th at 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; February 20th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:00-11:00am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm; and finally on February 27th at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:00-11:00am.

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.

Gearing up for Potatoes

By
Cary Sims
-
0

What I often consider a homely vegetable actually has its roots in South America. The potato was discovered at the same time the Spanish Conquistadors discovered gold. It later built a nation and then caused a tremendous disruption to that same country with the arrival of a single fungus disease. The result of its dramatic loss had an enormous impact on global migration and, ultimately, crop protection advances.

It is true that what we call an Irish potato is originally from the highlands of Bolivia and Peru in South America. So far as historians can determine, Incans grew potatoes as far back as 8,000 B.C. Spaniards brought it back to the European continent in the 1500’s where it soon spread across Europe. The French went so far as to call them “Apples of the Earth”. But no country adapted and benefited from growing potatoes as much as Ireland. Their cool moist, highland climates closely mimicked their origins in South America.

Ireland was heavily producing potatoes in the 1700’s. They provided vastly more nutrition per acre than the grains they had been growing. In just 60 years, from 1780 to 1840, the Irish population doubled, reaching 8 million people due in large part to this wonderfully, nutritious crop.

But in 1845 a fungal disease affecting potatoes, devastated the crop resulting in what we know call the Irish famine. Just three years later, over 1 million were dead from famine and over 1.5 million left the country, mostly immigrating into Canada and the United States.

If you want to grow this wonderful crop, here are some growing tips. Plant them in a garden in a location that has not had tomatoes, peppers or eggplant for a couple of years. Those vegetables mentioned are all in the same family and share pest problems.

Be sure to provide 8 hours of direct sunlight for maximum production in loose, well drained, slightly acidic soil. Work beds 12 inches high and 36 inches apart. Good, high beds will be critical to growth and harvest.

Purchase quality seed potatoes from our local garden centers and feed stores. With the seed potatoes, cut them into pieces weighing about 1.2 to 2 oz. or about the size of a good hen egg, making sure that each seed piece you use has at least one good eye.

Give these pieces 5-6 days for the cut seed potatoes to “cure” or dry over so that they will not rot in the soil. In your prepared row, plant seed pieces about 1 foot apart and 3 inches deep.

When plants are 4 inches tall, add a cup of complete fertilizer for a 30 ft. row and maintain adequate soil moisture so that moisture stress issues (from too wet or too dry conditions) do not occur.

In the ground, your crop of potatoes will grow above the seed piece. Knowing this, gardeners will need to hoe or otherwise bring the soil up to the stem to provide more room for tuber growth. Many gardeners use a heavy mulch for same purpose. Do not allow sunlight to reach your potato tubers as those areas will turn green.

Larger potatoes are ready to harvest about 3 but no later than 4 months when the tops begin to die back, and the skin becomes firm. You can harvest smaller “new” potatoes during the growing season digging back carefully with your fingers and harvesting them.

Several varieties grow well in Texas. While there are thousands of potato varieties found in South America, the following list would serve you well in our part of the world: Red flesh (Dark Red Norland, Norland, Red La Soda, and Viking), White flesh (Atlantic, Gemchip, Kennebec, and Superior), Yellowflesh (Yukon Gold) and Russet types (Century Russet, Norgold M, and Russet Norkatah).

Don’t be surprised if your potato flowers or even bears fruit. Though not very common, remember that we are just after the wonderful tubers, which provide a nearly nutritiously complete meal all by themselves.

Most folks around here swear that you must plant potatoes on Feb 14. So, you have about a couple weeks to prepare.

My five cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
-
0

A weekly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

The third week of session has been a busy one, with the pace beginning to pick up. The fun is only beginning for this legislative session.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

1. Committee Assignments

Late last week, Lt. Governor Patrick released the Senate committee assignments for the 86th Legislative Session. I am honored to continue to serve as Chair for the Transportation Committee, as well Vice-Chair of Business and Commerce, and a member of the Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations committees. I am grateful to Lt. Governor Patrick for these opportunities and look forward to working with all of my colleagues in the Senate to serve the people of Texas.

2. Senate Finance

The Senate Finance Committee, on which I serve, have begun their hearings on the states budget. Over the next few weeks we will hear the legislative appropriations requests from every state agency and higher education institutions, as well as public testimony. These requests are a starting point to determine their budget needs for the next two years.

The hearings this week have focused on Article I, General Government which includes the Texas Comptroller, Library and Archives Commission, Veterans Commission and Office of the Attorney General. Next week we will be hearing from public safety, judiciary, natural resources and business and economic development agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles and Workforce Commission.

3. Texas Mental Health Consortium

In a sometimes rare occurrence, all 31 members of the Senate have signed on as co-authors of SB 63, which creates the Texas Mental Health Consortium. This Consortium will be made up of an advisory board of representatives from the state’s health-related higher education institutions, and

nonprofit organizations which focus on mental health. The Consortium will work together to find ways to improve early identification and access to mental health services, addressing psychiatry workforce issues, promote and coordinate mental health research and strengthen judicial training on juvenile mental health.

Over the past several sessions, the Legislature has made significant progress on mental health through funding and other resources. With an increase in youth suicide rates and with recent school shootings, it is important that resources are provided to pediatricians, schools and families to ensure these children are able to receive adequate treatments and help. The state has also seen a shortage in mental health professionals, which create a barrier in services. These institutions not only are training these professionals, but they also have a wide array of expertise and resources which can help to meet the challenges in meeting the mental health needs of Texans.

4. Get Involved

I believe ensuring accessibility and transparency are some of the most important things a Legislature can do. It is a positive way for members to remain accountable to the people they serve. One way we are able to do this is by providing many resources online. You can utilize these resources by visiting www.capitol.texas.gov. Through this site, you will be able to view a live stream of Senate and House committee hearings as well as watching both chambers when they are in session.

Another tool available is being able to look up bills by subject and keyword, review bill analyses and learn about the possible fiscal implications of a bill. You may also sign up to receive e-mail notifications when bills of interest to you are assigned to committee and then advance through the legislative process. By keeping abreast of happenings in your State Capitol, you ensure accountability and integrity for all Texans.

5. Adoption of Texas Flag

On January 25, 1839 the Republic of Texas adopted the Lone Star flag, which was designed by Dr. Charles Stewart from Montgomery, who was the second man to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. The colors of the flag, which also mimic those of our national flag, all symbolize the values that our state represents with white for purity, ‘Old Glory Red’ for bravery and ‘Old Glory Blue’ for loyalty. When Texas became the 28th state in the union in December 1845, this flag became the official state flag and continues to fly today. I am proud to be a State Senator for our great state in the Capitol, over which our state flag flies proudly.

1...448449450...757Page 449 of 757