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Farm Pond Management

By
Cary Sims
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Raising fish in your farm pond

Some of the most frequent questions I get are in regard to farm ponds. Folks in west Texas call them “tanks” or “stock tanks”. And I have it on good order from my co-workers in northeast Texas that their chosen name for ponds is “pools”. Regardless of their name, ponds are used for watering livestock, aesthetics, or just plain fishing.

I suppose that most ponds in our area produce catfish, bass and other fish without too much effort. Indeed, there are lots of folks that really don’t do anything but throw out a fishing line from time to time.

Smaller ponds that are an acre or less are ideal for raising catfish. If you want to raise more than one species of fish, the experts recommend having a pond larger than an acre. Keeping a multiple-species pond running requires space for the fish to move around, spawn, and feed.

A good rule of thumb for the maximum carrying capacity of a pond is 1,000 lbs. of fish per surface acre. Focus on the word, “surface” because when estimating the number of fish you can keep alive, the depth of the pond is of no concern. True, a deep pond will still hold water in long dry spell, but for how many catfish to stock, you need to measure the surface area.

And for the curious, 1 acre is 43,560 square feet. If your acre was shaped in a square, it would be 209 feet wide and 209 feet long. But I’ve never seen a pond that was perfectly square, and many folks greatly over-estimate the size of their pond. If you’ve ever played around with Google Earth or similar program, you know you can measure the length of a road, property line and even measure the area of a pond.

I’ll bet you’d be surprised how small your pond is. Nearly everyone I ask will tell me they’ve got a pond “that’s about an acre”. If you insist on guesstimating the area, compare it to the area of a football field. A football field is roughly the size of an acre.

The upcoming fall months of October thru December is a great time to stock catfish. Catfish stocking rates range from 100 to 1,000 fingerlings per surface acre. (Remember, if you have a small pond that is a tenth an acre, your range will be from 10 to 100 fingerlings.) The range is dependent on the frequency of feeding. Supplemental feeding greatly increases the growth rate and short term carrying capacity as you are supplying the protein needed to grow them out to eating size.

When you feed your fish, use a floating feed that contains at least 28% protein. Feed at a rate that will be consumed in 10-15 minutes each time. Frequent feeding should occur from March to November and can be provided once a week during the winter months on warm, sunny days only.

If you are interested in stocking your pond, call your favorite local feed store to ask when their fish supplier is coming and what the prices will be.

For those who stocked fingerlings years ago, one of the most common mistakes I hear of is simply not harvesting your fish. Yes, folks will go fishing for the fun of it but then turn them back into the pond. Eventually, your fish will grow and reproduce. You’ll then reach a stocking rate that is too high and will be short in available oxygen during the summer months.

The solution? Catch ‘em and eat ‘em! You must harvest your catfish or they’ll naturally die off when pond water levels are low in oxygen.

Think of a cattleman that never sold his calf crop. Over time, the pasture that could support his initial herd of cattle would be so overpopulated that there simply wouldn’t be enough grass.

So it is with fish and oxygen levels. Interestingly, you’ll lose your bigger fish from oxygen depletion rather than your smaller ones during a die-off. I can’t exactly wrap my head around the science of it, but larger fish simply need more oxygen than smaller fish. Unlike thin cattle than anyone can see needs more to eat, you may not be easily able to tell when your fish will eventually die off.

IF you do have lots of eating size catfish and you know you have plenty of fish in your pond, your best management would be best to just go fishing this fall, catch all you can. Be sure to invite your family and the neighbors over for a fish fry. It could easily be an annual event.

Drug Free All-Stars 2018-2019

By
Ezra McMullen
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The Coalition would like to announce the new group of Drug Free All-Stars for this year. The Drug Free All-Stars are a group of high school seniors from Angelina County that are hand selected to serve as role models for their community by living a tobacco, drug, and alcohol free lifestyle. Drug Free All-Stars are active throughout the school year by volunteering their time in the community promoting this cause. The All-Stars for this year consist of 59 students from the seven Angelina County high schools including; Central, Diboll, Hudson, Huntington, Lufkin, Pineywoods Community Academy, and Zavalla.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about the Drug-Free All Star program please contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Commissioners Approve Projects for Nacogdoches and Polk Counties

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Texas Transportation Commissioners last week approved more than $1 billion in construction projects throughout the state, with $834,966 approved for the Lufkin District in Nacogdoches and Polk counties.
A $574,813 construction project was approved for various locations on US 259 and US 59 in Nacogdoches and Polk counties to upgrade safety lighting. Vaca Underground Utilities Inc., Houston, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.
A project that will improve traffic and pedestrian signals on FM 1275 (University Drive) at East College Street in Nacogdoches and install advance intersection warning signals at US 59 and US 287 in Corrigan was also approved. Striping Technology, LP, Tyler, will serve as contractor for the $260,153 project. No timeline for completion has been set.
As these projects begin, motorists are urged to stay alert to workers and moving equipment located in and near the work zones. Reduce speed and obey all traffic control devices. Traffic fines double when workers are present.
For more information on statewide projects and closures, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on projects in the Lufkin District, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

School Lunch Hacks for Busy Families

By
Statepoint
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Busy families are always looking for efficient ways to pack healthy, satisfying school lunches. Keep kids on their “A” game this year with the following tips.

Get the Kids Involved

Getting your kids involved in packing their lunches is not only a great way to teach responsibility, it’s also an opportunity to discuss the fundamentals of healthy eating – plus with helpers afoot, it may just save you some time and energy.

Kids will enjoy feeling like they have some control over what goes into their lunches. Keep them focused by providing them with structured choices, such as — turkey and swiss sandwich or cheddar and apple? Carrot sticks or sugar snap peas?

Include Fruit

Fruit is an important part of a child’s nutritious diet, so be sure that lunches include healthy fruit servings. Juice labels can be especially confusing, however, sticking to options made from 100 percent juice is a good rule of thumb. For example, Mott’s Sensibles, available in three flavors in convenient 6-ounce pouches, contain 30 percent less sugar compared to 100 percent apple juices, and contain no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

Another way to include some fruit at lunch? Applesauce. A classic kids’ favorite, today’s applesauce is often healthier and more versatile than it once was. Free of added sugar and artificial colors, sweeteners and flavors, Mott’s Unsweetened Applesauce, for example, comes in flavors like granny smith, strawberry and blueberry, and can be used in lunchtime recipes such as Applesauce Energy Bars or Golden Apple Raisin Squares to boost flavor and nutrition.

Pick the Right Pack

Make your life easy and promote wellness with great lunch gear. Check labels; dishwasher-safe containers will streamline your routine and non-toxic materials will help keep kids healthy and safe. If you plan to include both hot and cold food items, look into ice packs, sturdy leak-proof thermoses and lunch bags or boxes that feature compartments.

Consistently creating great midday meals may sound like a tall order, but with a few go-to essentials and some smart packing strategies, you can help keep kids fueled for more focused learning.

-Statepoint

AC Soccer Teams Play Home Opener on Sunday Lady Roadrunners, Roadrunners Facing Mountain View

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Olivia Urrutia drives home a penalty kick in a recent game at Blinn College. The Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners host their home openers on Sunday at Jase Magers Field at Lufkin High School. Game times are 5 p.m. for the women and 7 p.m. for the men. (Gary Stallard photo)

Angelina College soccer players had hardly finished moving onto the campus for the new semester when it was time to kick off the 2018 regular season.

Angelina College’s Dadwin Hernandez breaks away from a pair of Blinn College defenders during a recent game. The Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners host their home openers on Sunday at Jase Magers Field at Lufkin High School. Game times are 5 p.m. for the women and 7 p.m. for the men. (Riley Garrett photo)

Such is the schedule for junior college soccer programs.

The Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners opened the new year on August 22 – five days before classes began – and have spent the past week and some change playing on the road.

On Sunday, the teams will finally have the opportunity to show off for the home crowd. AC’s teams will host a doubleheader against Mountain View College; both the Lady ‘Runners and ‘Runners opened the season with wins over the Lions.

The Lady Roadrunners scored 11 goals in their first two games, with Jade Dewbre accounting for four of those. In the 5-0 win in the opener, Dewbre and Baily Bowers each scored twice while getting another goal from Bety Hernandez. In the road game at Blinn College, AC’s 6-1 win featured two more goals from Dewbre, two from Jerissa Grimes and a goal each from Eva Phillips and Olivia Urrutia.

Head coach Freddy Drago said the key to the women’s success has been an immediate sense of unity despite missing key players early, and he credited sophomores such as Dewbre, Grimes, Urrutia and Skylar Roberson for helping get the new faces on-board quicker.

“The women look like a team already,” Drago said. “Losing some numbers before we even got into camp really forced them to become a team and learn to play together quicker than they would have otherwise. They were put into a tough situation, and they’ve responded very well. Skylar has played a big role helping the younger players understand what we’re trying to do.”

Drago added that the Lady Roadrunners also are playing with a short roster for now, meaning all players are getting more minutes

“Those first few games, we’ve been playing with just two subs, and fatigue is a factor,” Drago said. “We played at Richland the day after the Blinn game and lost 2-0, and the second goal came with less than a minute to play. It was hot, and the girls were just tired.

“One of our international players came into camp yesterday, and we’ve got some others coming off illness or injury who are joining us soon. Getting those numbers back will help us tremendously.”

On the men’s side, the Roadrunners opened with a 4-1 win over Mountain View, getting two goals from Dadwin Hernandez and one each from Bryan Nunez and Josue Salazar. The team dropped a frustrating 2-1 loss at Blinn, and the very next day fell 9-1 at Richland in a game Drago said “just got away from us.” Drago said it’s just a matter of melding all the new faces with returning ones and understanding how the scoring can come from anywhere – and not just in the box.

“It’s like the guys want to get inside the box and get the perfect shot, and it’s never going to be like that just because you’re in scoring position,” Drago said. “We’ve had trouble identifying that. The goal we scored against Blinn was about a 35-yard shot from Josue Salazar, and that was one of the only long-distance shots we took. We can score more like that, but guys

are still learning we don’t have to be right in the box to net goals. Those goals will happen, but we have to learn to score in different ways.”

Fortunately, according to Drago, the entire group possesses more than enough talent to overcome the early struggles.

“What I see is a very talented team, but the guys are still trying to find that thing that will unify them,” Drago said. “We worked hard this week and drilled it into them, just learning to play together and know each other more.”

Sunday’s doubleheader will take place at Jase Magers Field on the Lufkin High School campus. The Lady Roadrunners kick off at 5 p.m., and the Roadrunners follow at 7 p.m.

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

3 Questions to Ask Before Accepting That Job Offer

By
Statepoint
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Many people view their job search as an opportunity to prove their worth to potential employers. Yet, it is important to keep in mind that finding the perfect match goes both ways, and the right job needs to work for you, too – especially in today’s economy where employers need to work hard to make their job offers stand out.

For greater job satisfaction, be sure to evaluate the full offer, including salary and bonus structure, paid time off, relocation assistance, voluntary benefits like those offered by Aflac and health care benefits. Plus, don’t forget to get the following questions answered before accepting any job offer.

1. Does this company offer opportunities for professional growth? Some positions are designated as a path for growth, and others are not. Find out if yours has a clear pathway for promotion or if it is a dead-end. You may also wish to inquire about the availability of development opportunities, like webinars and off-site training sessions, as well as get a sense about whether or not your supervisor is able and willing to take on a mentorship role.

2. How will this employer support my long-term financial success? Your financial wellness is determined by more than just your salary. Benefits matter a great deal, too, and these days, they may go far beyond the standard offerings.

Insurers like Aflac now provide many employers with offerings called value-added services, which can range from assisting employees and their families with college planning and financing to making sure employees are taking care of their financial and legal wellness. Easy-to-use online resources, tutorials and digital tools can help employees reach financial and legal goals.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company. To learn more, visit aflac.com.

All that said, you might not want to limit your decision to the prospect of generous take home pay alone.

3. What is in it for my family? Does your potential employer offer any services or benefits that can improve the lives of your family members? For example, do health benefits include round-the-clock access to telemedicine? Are there health advocacy services offered to help employees and their families reduce stress over navigating the heath care environment? These are the items that can make or break that job offer. These are also services that you could suggest to your current employer as an option to help keep talent happy, productive and at the company.

-Statepoint

An Update from Trent Ashby…

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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The month of September is one of my favorite months. Though the summer heat still lingers, crowded football stadiums, evening dove hunts, and Friday morning pep rallies signal the coming of a new season. While we eagerly await cooler temperatures, I hope you and your family will take part in some of the many activities that make September in Texas so special.

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

House Interim Charge: Higher Education

The focus of this week’s column on interim charges is the House Committee on Higher Education This nine-member committee has purview over all colleges, universities, and any other post-secondary education. The committee also oversees a number of state agencies, such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the AgriLife Extension Service.

While the committee will cover a number of topics this interim, perhaps the most important item will be covered in conjunction with the Public Education Subcommittee on Teacher Quality. That is, how can our state best attract, train, and retain qualified teachers in high-demand areas. As our state continues to add students in both the rural and urban areas, it becomes increasingly important that the educators who foster a student’s development are well-trained and experienced. The committees will review relevant data and examine current programs before making recommendations on how to keep boards of regents well-informed at our four-year institutions, how to scale programs and meet regional workforce needs, and how to keep the public informed on progress.

Additionally, the committee will be delving into the effects of increased participation in dual credit programs across Texas. While dual credit can certainly have a positive effect on college affordability, we must ensure that the courses being offered are meeting the rigor and quality standards that are necessary to reduce time-to-degree, while also enhancing college readiness for those taking the courses. Another topic the committees will look into relates to the impact of federal action on Title IX, and how that might apply to state law. In a similar vein, the committee will further examine how sexual misconduct is handled at institutions of higher education. There has been a lot of discussion surrounding outdated policies in this area, and I applaud this committee for focusing on this topic before any further wrongdoing takes place.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: September 5th at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville from 9:00-

11:00am, or at the Madison County Courthouse in Madisonville from 1:30-3:30pm; September 19th 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.

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.

Georgia-Pacific Donates $18,000 to Lufkin and Diboll Fire Departments

By
Ezra McMullen
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Diboll Volunteer Firefighters (l to ) Grady Courtney, Ruth Oates, Larry Lucas, and Chief Gary Jones along with Diboll Mayor John McClain, recently accepted a $10,000 contribution from Georgia-Pacific’s Particleboard Plant Manager David Thelen. The local wood manufacturer is helping the department replace aging equipment and access life-saving training opportunities.
Georgia-Pacific Chemical Plant Manager Rick Robbins presents Lufkin Fire Chief Ted Lovett and members of his staff with an $8,000 contribution to help purchase additional firefighting equipment for the City of Lufkin

Georgia-Pacific is hoping to make local firefighters’ jobs safer and more efficient by helping them gain access to new equipment and life-saving training. Recently the local building products manufacturer donated $18,000 to the fire departments in Lufkin and Diboll.

According to Diboll Volunteer Fire Chief Gary Jones, the funding is critical to its organization. “Each year the Diboll Volunteer Fire Department responds to more than 100 fires within the area—and that doesn’t include the number of times the volunteer firefighters assist local law enforcement officials with motor vehicle accidents,” said Jones. “With the large amount of calls—whether they are fire-related or assisting fellow emergency responders in other areas—we are challenged each year to fund our operations. Two-thirds of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers; therefore, organizations like the Diboll Volunteer Department don’t have access to government funding.”

Georgia-Pacific is a continuous supporter of the Diboll Volunteer Fire Department. This year the company donated $10,000 to the organization. “The local fire department is tasked with a tremendous job. The volunteer firefighters’ efforts are critical in keeping our community safe,” said David Thelen, Georgia-Pacific Particleboard Plant Manager. “As a company with three major facilities and close to 300 employees in Diboll, we appreciate the firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect people, property and pets.”

Operating from five emergency stations throughout the city, The Lufkin Fire Department answers approximately 13,000 calls each year. It is a full-service operation offering fire suppression rescue, emergency medical services with paramedics and ambulances, a hazardous materials team and fire inspections. This year Georgia-Pacific is donating $8,000 to the Lufkin Fire Department which will fund new equipment and protective gear.

“Georgia-Pacific has long supported our efforts and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” said Ted Lovett, Lufkin Fire Chief. “Although we are an entity of the city, we are a comprehensive fire department that is continually looking for ways to enhance our services, whether it’s through expansion or ongoing training for our employees. Area businesses, like Georgia-Pacific, are helping to make some of these initiatives possible through additional funding.”

“The Lufkin Fire Department has a long-standing history for providing the highest level of professional service,” said Georgia-Pacific Chemical Plant Manager Rick Robbins. “We are privileged to have such an innovative and aggressive group of men and women on the front lines protecting our homes and businesses. We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the city and its firefighters.”

Since 2006, Georgia-Pacific has contributed more than $2 million to fire departments across the nation to purchase protective clothing and replace damaged safety gear and aging equipment.

My Five Cents… Cen. Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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We will soon celebrate Labor Day, and while that is usually a sign we should soon welcome Fall the temperatures outside are not reflecting that. I hope you have a safe, and cool, Labor Day weekend with friends and family.

Here are five things happening around your state this month:

1. Sunset Advisory Commission

This month, the Sunset Advisory Commission met to vote on several recommendations for agencies including the Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Texas Military Department and the Finance Commission of Texas. We also heard testimony on new agencies including the School Land Board and The Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

One of the most debated issues we voted on was a recommendation to close inefficient DPS offices across the state. I have heard from many individuals in not only Senate District 3, but also across the state who were concerned their local DPS office would close. I am pleased to share the Sunset Commission unanimously voted to not close those offices. These offices provide an essential service to not only rural areas, but the entire state. The Legislature will continue to study this issue and ensure the people of Texas are provided the services they need.

2. School Visits and Accountability

As a Texas State Senator, education has always been a top priority of mine. I represent a predominantly rural area, where the concerns and needs of its school districts vary from those of a more urban district. Before each Legislative session, I make a special tour to meet with the 101 Superintendents from each school district in Senate District 3, and whoever they would like to bring with them. This provides me with the opportunity to learn how we can best ensure our students have the educational tools they need to be successful. I appreciate the Superintendents for taking the time to meet with me, as my staff and I begin this tour.

As the newest school accountability scores have been released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), I look forward to discussing with the superintendents their views on these scores and how they can be used to benefit our school districts. TEA has recently launched www.txschools.org which can be utilized to look up your school district to find their performance score, funding for the district, enrollment, and information about each individual campus.

3. Protecting Our Schools

The Senate Select Committee on Violence in Schools and School Security, which was created after the school shooting in Santa Fe, recently released their interim report with policy recommendations to be considered during the upcoming Legislative session. The report included recommendations to increase security by adding funding for metal detectors, alarm systems, cameras and the school marshal program. School infrastructure and facility design was also discussed to ensure best practices are being utilized. They also made recommendations to expand mental health first aid training for school staff, and to consider methods to increase the number of counselors and school psychologists in schools. To read the entire report from the Select Committee, you can visit https://senate.texas.gov/cmte.php?c=565.

4. Busy Week at Capitol

The end of August reminded me of session in some ways as we had multiple committee hearings in one week. The Senate Transportation Committee, of which I am Chair, met to discuss funding and project selection for future projects in the statewide transportation plan utilized by the Texas Department of Transportation. We also discussed toll road penalties and how toll authorities can improve customer service and eliminate those penalties were are not justified.

The Senate Business and Commerce Committee, on which I serve, also met to discuss legislation passed in previous legislative sessions which deregulated certain occupational licenses, as well as reviewing licensing requirements and fees which entities must meet. We heard testimony on social media privacy laws, and any access issues that may exist regarding digital access for descendants.

5. National Hunting and Fishing Day

A great pastime of many Texans is hunting and fishing, and this is especially true in East Texas where we are blessed with numerous lakes and vast hunting opportunities. I would encourage you to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day which is set for September 22nd, 2018. This day is an annual celebration of the contribution hunters and fishermen make in conserving and protecting the wild resources of the state. Through license sales hunters and anglers help pay for most fish and wildlife conservation program in the state, ensuring opportunities and preservation for generations to come.

New Classroom Technologies Can Make Learning Easier and More Fun

By
Ezra McMullen
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Technology is changing the face of education. Check out the newest ways teachers are modernizing their lesson plans in order to make learning easier and more fun.

1. Virtual Reality. Whether it’s a tour through an ancient Roman archaeological site or a deep-sea look at ocean creatures, VR can enhance educational experiences and create new immersive opportunities, allowing students to see the world without leaving the classroom.

2. Math Anywhere, Anytime. Technology advancements are enabling students of all learning styles to absorb mathematical concepts at their own pace without buying expensive calculators. Check out ClassPad.net, digital scratch paper with a range of functions that’s web accessible and free for students and teachers.

3. Modernized Music. Learning music is now easier than ever with new apps and next generation digital keyboards that have such features as lighted keys to help students learn notes intuitively. One such keyboard, Casio’s LK-265, connects to iOS and Android devices via a free app, so students can learn to play their favorite songs. Access to an endless library of music will give students constant motivation to keep at it.

4. Language Learning in the Palm of Your Hand. Today, you don’t need a stack of books or tapes to learn a new language. A variety of apps can introduce language learners to correct pronunciations, proper grammar and vocabulary, giving students opportunities to hone their reading, writing and speaking skills at their own pace in the classroom and on-the-go.

5. Classroom Updates. There’s less downtime for teachers and students these days, thanks to certain projectors today that reach maximum brightness in seconds, and are safer and more energy efficient to boot. For example, Casio’s LampFree technology provides high brightness and connectivity, so lesson plans stay in sharp focus.

-Statepoint

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