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Stroke Program at CHI St. Luke’s Health Earns Quality Award

By
Ezra McMullen
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Pictured from left to right: Tina Alexander-Sellers, Market Director of Community Outreach; Anita Gottlieb, Market Director of Quality; Stacy Garcia, Market Administrator of Service Lines; Monte Bostwick, Market President & CEO; Sunil Cherry, M.D., Neurologist and Chief of Neurology; Amanda Allen, Stroke Program Clinical Coordinator; and Eric Robinson, Market COO & Lufkin President.

LUFKIN, TEXAS … Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke. Nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Deep East Texas is situated in the middle of the “Stroke Belt,” with a stroke mortality rate up to 4 times the national average. These startling statistics emphasize the need for high quality stroke care.

Understanding the importance of that need, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin was recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association with the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

During a designated period of time, CHI St. Luke’s Health’s stroke program met specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level in order to earn the award. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients also receive education on how to manage their health, schedule a follow-up visit, as well as learn about other care transition interventions.

“CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin has been a proud member of the American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines-Stoke initiative for many years because we are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients,” said Sunil Cherry, M.D., Chief of Neurology at CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial. “The tools and resources provided through this initiative help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

CHI St. Luke’s Health additionally received the association’s Target: Stroke Elite Plus) award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States.

Chairman James White to Host a Town Hall with TCEQ in Tyler County

By
Rep. James White
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(Austin, TX) – State Representative James White will be hosting a town hall in Tyler county to address the community’s concerns regarding the proposed meat packing plant. These past few weeks, Rep. White has heard from various citizens and community stakeholders regarding the impact this new company will have on the county and the City of Woodville.

Rep. White has invited staff with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to come brief the community. TCEQ will provide information regarding the jurisdiction they have on ensuring that new businesses follow proper procedure in meet standards when setting up in Texas. Additionally, TCEQ will be glad to take questions and provide answers at the town hall. “It is important the community is informed about the proposed meat packing plant and that they are able to get correct information in regards to the processes taking place between the company, the City of Woodville, and the appropriate state and federal agencies,” said Rep. White. “I have spoken to many constituents in HD 19 who have had concerns and believe this briefing should help answer many of the questions that have been raised.”

The town hall is scheduled for June 21st, 2018 at Eagle Summit (700 Eagle Dr., Woodville, TX 75979), next to Woodville High School, from 6:30-8:30pm. We hope that anyone who has questions attends this important briefing.

Please do not hesitate to contact Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff for State Representative James White, with questions regarding this release at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700

AC’s Wade Introduced as New Head Men’s Basketball Coach

By
Gary Stallard
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With his wife Allison at his side, Angelina College's Nick Wade addresses the crowd during Tuesday's press conference at Shands Gymnasium introducing Wade as the new head men's basketball coach. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

Head Coach Nick Wade is beginning his first season as head coach at Angelina College after spending two years as the Roadrunners’ assistant coach. Before arriving at AC, Coach Wade was an assistant coach at Conroe Oakridge High School from 2014-2016. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach at McKinney Boyd High School and Lee College. During his three years at Lee College, the Runnin’ Rebels finished with the most wins in school history and won the Region XIV conference championship in 2013, eventually advancing to the national tournament’s Sweet 16.

Coach Wade played collegiate basketball at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. In his senior season, Wade led the team in three pointers made and three-point field goal percentage. In 2010, Austin College achieved its first 20-win season while winning the SCAC West Division Championship. In his coaching career, Coach Wade has coached more than 20 Division 1 athletes and three professional basketball players, two of which currently are in the NBA’s “D” League.

Georgia-Pacific’s Corrigan Plywood Facility is Home to Some of the First Robots in Wood Manufacturing Industry

By
Ezra McMullen
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Master Robotic Technician J.T. Lee stands in front of one of the world’s first robots in the wood manufacturing industry. The PolyPatch Robotic System is used to detect and repair imperfections in wood veneer products at the Georgia-Pacific Corrigan Plywood facility.

CORRIGAN, TEXAS…. J.T. Lee gets to produce plywood using some of the world’s first robots in the wood manufacturing industry. J.T. is a Master Robotic Technician at the Georgia-Pacific Plywood plant in Corrigan where robots are changing the way plywood is made.

The Corrigan facility is home to three PolyPatch robots that are designed to detect and repair imperfections in wood veneer during production. Operating under the guidance of specially-trained technicians, these robots are increasing production efficiency while helping to create a better finished product. “Our robots can handle 525 plywood panels in one hour—about 1 panel every 20 seconds,” said Lee. Normally, it can take twice that amount of time to treat the same number of panels.

In most wood manufacturing plants, the PolyPatch responsibility is handled by multiple workers who are stationed on the line determining where the glue-like filler is needed and using it to repair the wood panels. While these jobs still exist within Georgia-Pacific and other manufacturing facilities throughout the world, the Corrigan Plywood plant is a unique example of how plants are being modernized to not only improve production, but to attract, retain and challenge industry employees.

According to Corrigan Plywood Plant Manager Chris Bluethman, it takes up to four employees each shift to manually run the PolyPatch system. However, the robot reduces that number to two. “Our employees, who have received specialized training on the robotic PolyPatch system, are now responsible for monitoring gauges and controls that run the technology. The robots perform the tedious and repetitious work while employees are tasked with more engaging work,” said Bluethman.

With this modernization, employees have either advanced as robotic technicians or have assumed different roles within the plant. While technology can sometimes be a threat to those on the front lines within the manufacturing sector, Georgia-Pacific is optimistic the new robots will have an opposite effect on workers. “New technology can challenge employees and give them the opportunity to grow their careers. By adding robots to our assembly lines, it is our goal to provide more meaningful work which leads to greater job satisfaction,” said Bluethman.

Starting his career with Georgia-Pacific ten years ago as an electrician, Lee admits he never dreamed he would have the opportunity to work with a robot in the wood products industry. The Lufkin High School graduate says he has always been interested in electrical work and when the job was posted – that offered him a chance to work with new technology – he applied. “I have always been a person who welcomes a challenge. The new robotic technology fascinated me and allowed me to try something new.”

SH 21 West Closure Planned for Nacogdoches on Wednesday

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Motorists traveling on SH 21 West will be detoured Wednesday because of a construction project that will be completed by the end of the work day, weather permitting.

Crews from TxDOT and the City of Nacogdoches will close the eastbound lanes of SH 21 West near the Nacogdoches Police Department for most of the day as work to mill and inlay the road is done. The closure will be from Bonita Creek to BU 59.

Motorists needing to travel eastbound on SH 21 will be detoured to Pearl Street. Motorists are advised to choose alternate routes. Delays and traffic congestion in the area are expected through the day during peak travel hours.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed in the area, respect all signage and traffic control devices and stay alert to workers and moving equipment. For more updates on closures and work statewide, visit drivetexas.org
For more information on this and other Lufkin District projects, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

Project Updates and Work Schedules for June 11-15

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Motorists can expect delays and detours as many Lufkin District projects continue with road closures or single lane travel. Motorists should reduce speed through a work zone and move to another lane of travel if one is available. Stay alert for moving equipment and workers and respect all traffic control devices in place. For more information about projects and closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org.

Work for the coming week in the nine-county Lufkin District includes:

ANGELINA COUNTY

US 69 South: Striping work is being done on this roadway that has been resurfaced with a thin overlay mixture from just north of FM 841 to 1.2 miles south of FM 1669.

US 69 South: Crews continue to clear the right of way from FM 844 to FM 1277 south of Zavalla.

US 69 South: Work to tie in adjoining roads to match elevation of the main lanes is underway as crews work on road base on this project designed to reconstruct the road from a two to four lane divided rural roadway from Huntington to FM 844.

FM 841: Crews have begun demolishing the bridge at Biloxi Creek and clearing debris from the right of way on this project designed to replace the bridge and approaches. This road remains closed to traffic.

FM 2109: Work is scheduled to continue base repair throughout the week. Daily lane closures expected.

FM 706: Crews will level up the road surface between US 69 North and SH 103 West. Lane closures expected.

SL 287 West: Mill and inlay work is scheduled through Thursday between Frank Avenue and SH 103 West. Daily lane closures expected.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY

SH 21: Work continues to improve guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects from SH 7 to the San Augustine County line. Motorists should expect daily lane closures. A pilot car is in place to guide motorists.

SH 21 West: Crews will continue to mill and inlay near the Nacogdoches Courthouse at BU 59. Daily lane closures expected.

SH 21 East: Repairs to the road base are scheduled just east of Chireno. Lane closures expected.

SH 103: Work continues to upgrade metal beam guard fence to design standards from Angelina County to the San Augustine County line. Daily lane closures expected.

FM 95: Crews are working to drill shafts at the bridge replacement project at Terrapin Creek.

FM 1087: Barricades have been removed and crews are monitoring vegetative establishment on this project to safety treat fixed objects from US 259 to FM 95.

FM 1878: Crews are monitoring vegetative establishment and doing final cleanup on this project designed to replace the bridge at LaNana Creek.

POLK COUNTY

FM 356: Crews are installing hand rail on this project where the pavement has been reconstructed and widened with a continuous two-way left turn lane and 10-foot shoulders from 1.1 miles north of US 190 to US 190.

Wells Landing: Crews are monitoring vegetative establishment on this bridge replacement project.

HOUSTON COUNTY

SH 21: Crews are scheduled to pour concrete for bridge columns and bent caps on the Trinity River Bridge foundation repair project. The work remains off the roadway, but motorists should use caution and stay alert to moving equipment.

SH 21 West: Crews are treating the subgrade and temporary signals remain in place on one bridge that allows for one-way traffic on this project designed to reconstruct the pavement and add passing lanes from 2.3 miles east of FM 2967 to SH 7. Daily lane closures are scheduled.

FM 227: Crews have completed the bridge rail at Bracken Creek and have begun work on San Pedro Creek. Traffic is confined to one lane at the bridge with a mobile traffic signal directing the traffic flow on this project designed to reconstruct and widen pavement.

FM 227: Work to place riprap and backfill cross-structures is underway on this project to safety treat fixed objects from SH 21 to SH 7. Daily lane closures are expected.

FM 357: Concrete is being placed on this project to safety treat fixed objects from SH 7 to the Trinity County line. Daily lane closures expected.

FM 3187: Crews will continue to repair road base, level and spot seal from SH 21 East to the end of pavement.

FM 2022: Crews will work to repair roadway edges from SL 304 to FM 227.

Various locations: Crews will work to patch potholes and repair signs.

SAN JACINTO COUNTY

US 59: Crews are monitoring vegetation through this project from just south of the Union Pacific Railroad in Shepherd to just north of FM 2914. This project has added a southbound frontage road and reconstructed main lanes of travel.

FM 1127: Crews will continue to safety treat fixed objects and upgrade metal beam guard fence to design standards from US 59 to the end of pavement.

City of Coldspring: Crews have completed curb ramps and are working toward installing grates in various locations.

Various locations: Crews will work to repair pavement edges. Lane closures expected.

Various locations: Work is scheduled to repair drainage issues, washout and ditch repair in close proximity to US 59.

Various locations: Crews will work to level up the pavement in various locations. Lane closures expected.

SHELBY COUNTY

US 96: Crews are working to plane and level up the roadway and apply a permeable friction course from Center to Tenaha. Daily lane closures expected.

US 84: This project to safety treat fixed objects from the Rusk County Line to US 59 is completing with clean up and vegetative establishment.

SH 7: Crews will continue to place a permeable friction course overlay from the San Augustine County line to Mount Hermon. Daily lane closures expected.

SH 87: Work continues as crews install driveway culverts and extensions through the project designed to improve guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects from SH 7 to SH 147.

CR 4059: Crews are placing riprap at Poor Joe Creek in this bridge replacement project.

CR 4620: Work continues on the detour bridge along with right of way work at this bridge replacement project at Risinger Creek.

SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY

SH 21: Work continues to replace the bridge at Perkins Creek. Daily lane closures expected.

SH 21: The flex base is being cement treated at this bridge replacement project over Niciper Creek.

FM 705: Crews are monitoring vegetative establishment on this project designed to safety treat fixed objects from SH 147 to 2.4 miles south of FM 83.

FM 711: Work continues to place flexible base material and mix cement on this project designed to reconstruct and widen pavement from the Shelby County line to US 96. Daily lane closures expected

SABINE COUNTY

FM 2024: Spot sealing and edge repair in various locations.

TRINITY COUNTY

FM 230: Crews will continue working to place an overlay on the roadway from Lovelady to Weldon in various locations. Alternate lane closures are expected.

FM 2262: Crews will continue to work to reconstruct and widen pavement to 24-feet from FM 357 to SH 94. Lane closures expected.

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

An Update From Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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For centuries the American Flag has served as a beacon of freedom and liberty the world over. From the cobblestone streets at Yorktown to the deserts of the Middle East, countless American patriots have fought valiantly under the stars and stripes that symbolize the unified strength and resolve of our great nation. As Flag Day approaches, and in a time when some choose to protest our flag, it may never be more appropriate to show reverence by taking a moment to reflect and appreciate the American flag for what it represents. With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol. . .

House Interim Charge: Appropriations

The next committee we’ll explore on our series of interim charges is the House Appropriations Committee. This 27-member committee has been tasked with a staggering 18 interim charges that range from examining financial assistance to areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, to studying the allocation of municipal waste disposal fees. As a member of this committee for all three sessions that I’ve served as your State Representative, I have a sincere appreciation for the work that goes into creating our state budget, as well as how each biennial budget reflects the unique priorities and challenges of that particular legislative session.

During the interim, much of the work is driven by the needs of committee members who work with the Legislative Budget Board, along with the Comptroller of Public Accounts, to formulate a base budget for the upcoming legislative session. While in previous years Comptroller Hegar has informed Appropriators that our revenues are stagnant, we were delighted to hear recently that the state economy is strong with revenues soaring above previous levels. In fact, the Comptroller indicated that if revenues continue to increase at the current rate, he will have to issue a new Revenue Estimate later this summer.

Higher revenues from local and state sales taxes, the state franchise tax, motor vehicle sales taxes and oil and gas production taxes means that Texans are enjoying the fruits of a healthy economy. That said, no time is better to have a healthy influx of money in the state treasury, as we have a number of obligations to cover when we reconvene in January of 2019. The Legislature is estimating about $1 billion in recovery expenses from Hurricane Harvey, $1 billion in expenses to shore up TRS-Care for our retired teachers, and about $1.5 billion in state highway fund dollars to cover expenditures we used last session to improve public education and border security. While we certainly have our work cut out for us, rest assured that the Appropriations Committee will continue working with our federal counterparts, as well as other interested parties, to ensure that we are addressing these obligations with thoughtful, fiscally prudent solutions that taxpayers demand and deserve.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road for the month of June and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: June 20th in Crockett at the Houston County Courthouse Annex from 9:00-11:00am, or in Groveton at the Trinity County Courthouse from 1:30-3:30pm. Finally, we will be in San Augustine on June 27th at the San Augustine County Courthouse 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

Growing Plums

By
Cary Sims
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In the last few days, I’ve been asked about two kinds of native wild plums and have had others brag about their successful crop of improved varieties. My friend Kermit said his plums this year are some of the sweetest he’s had in a long time.

Plums are a stone fruit and related to apricots, peaches, cherries, nectarines and even almonds. Some of the hybrid varieties, I’ll list below, are well adapted to our area and can resist disease, varmints, and won’t lose their blooms with our typical frosts.

There are two broad types of introduced plums: the European and the Japanese plums. European varieties like a lot more cold weather than you’ll find in Angelina County and typically perform poorly here. If you have ever heard about the Stanley plum, it is a good one for our northern neighbors.

The plums sold in nurseries that produce well are a Japanese hybrid. With an exception or two, most plum varieties are not self-fruitful. You will need to plant two varieties with similar blooming periods for pollination and for fruit to set.

If you are thinking, “I thought they were native,” indeed some are. According to the excellent book, “Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines of East Texas” by Elray S. Nixon, you can find four native plums. Included in the list are the Mexican, Flatwood, Oklahoma, and Chickasaw. Other books also mention the Americana variety as able to be found in our area.

Mr. and Mrs. Butler brought by the office a smaller plum that was identified as the Oklahoma variety. This plum’s specific trait was that it is more of a shrub, growing no more than 5 feet tall. Mr. Butler determined that the plum “bush” had never really grew tall like a true tree.

As expected with most fruit production, the soil type, site preparation, planting and cultivation of plums must be attended to for best production.

Plums also need a pollinator. Yes, you’ll need two varieties for adequate cross pollination. True, you can plant just one and get some plums. But kudos to the gardener with two! He’ll be supplying all his friends and neighbors with fresh plums!

Plums must have well drained soil and a full day of sunshine to perform at their best. I’ve beat the soil drainage topic many times over, but it still holds true.

From the local nurseries, there are a few improved varieties that you’ll want to consider for a quality plum tree in your landscape.

If you are can only plant one, plant a Methley or an Ozark Premiere as they are self-fruitful, not needing a cross pollinator. Ozark Premiere is a large plum with yellow flesh and reddish skin. It is self-fruitful and ripens in late June.

Methley ripens from late May to early June. The fruit is small to medium size with a mottled purple peel and juicy red flesh that is sweet and flavorful. It is adapted across Texas but is soft and does not store well. If you decide to plant another plum, Methley readily pollinates other plums.

Santa Rosa is a large purplish plum with amber colored flesh. It ripens in late June and is a popular home and market variety.

Bruce is a large red plum that must be pollinated to bear fruit. It ripens about the first of June.

Morris will only work in our milder winters where we get at least 800 chilling hours. It needs a pollinator and ripens in early June and is a large plum with firm red to purple flesh.

Angelina College Announces 2018-2019 Visual and Performing Arts Season

By
Nancy Reynolds
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LUFKIN, TEXAS – Angelina College has released its visual and performing arts schedule for the upcoming 2018-2019 season, packing a full list of events catering to every taste.

Season subscriptions are available at the following levels: Corporate Donor, $750 (18 tickets per show); Scholarship Donor, $500 (12 tickets per show); Benefactor, $200 (6 tickets per show); Patron, $150 (4 tickets per show); Friend, $75 (2 tickets per show); and Regular, $40 (1 ticket per show). Music-only and theatre-only packages are also available. Season subscribers help fund Fine Arts scholarships.

The first theatre offering of the season, “Bell, Book and Candle,” will run Oct. 11- 13. This play is an enchanting tale about a spellbinding romantic triangle that is as magical as it is entertaining. A 50th anniversary musical showcase and reception beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ACA lobby will precede the Oct. 13 matinee performance.

The next production is the classic musical “Guys and Dolls,” which will run Nov. 15-17. This production features such memorable songs as: “I’ll Know,” “If I Were a Bell,” “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” will run Feb. 28 through March 2. This classic tale of suspense from the 1950s is one of the most performed mysteries in the world.

The final production of the season is “The Glass Menagerie” which will run April 25- 27. This play first premiered on Broadway in 1945 and is Tennessee Williams’ most personal work. “The Glass Menagerie” is a memory play set in St. Louis where Williams moved when he was eight. This beautiful, haunting family drama shows what happens when reality shatters one’s illusions.

Art exhibitions include the AC Art Faculty Exhibition, Sept. 4-26; Robbie Lacomb: A Retrospective, Oct. 2-30; Black History Month Exhibition and Live Poets Society Poetry Recital, Feb. 12-27; Crnogorska: Works by Montenegrine Artists, March 5-27; Graphic Arts Student Exhibitions, Nov. 6-21 and April 23- May 7; Visual Arts Student Exhibitions, Nov. 27- Dec. 11 and April 2- 16.

Musical offerings this season include AC Chamber Winds & AC Swingin’ Roadrunner Jazz Combo, Oct. 2; the AC Swingin’ Roadrunner Jazz Combo and AC Community Big Band Fall Concert, Nov. 13; the 5th Annual “Holiday, Hope & Honor” featuring the AC Chorale & Friends, Nov. 29; “America Remembers” featuring the Lufkin Community Band and AC Chamber Winds, Dec. 2; the AC Swingin’ Roadrunner Jazz Combo and AC Big Band in Concert and High School/Middle School Jazz Festival, March 7; EXTRAVAGANZA! featuring the AC Singers & Guests, March 30; “The Band and Our Soloists” featuring the Lufkin Community Band, April 14; “This is AC!” featuring the AC Chorale & Friends, April 16; and the AC Swingin’ Roadrunner Jazz Combo and AC Big Band in Concert, April 30.

For a full listing of event times and subscription and/or ticket information, visit www.angelina.edu or contact the Temple Theater Box Office at (936) 633-5454, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Dance Party Kids Program at the Library

By
Ezra McMullen
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(Nacogdoches, TX) – The summer programs for children will begin on June 12th at the Nacogdoches Public Library at 10:00 am. The library will host all-ages children’s programs on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. The first program will be a Libraries Rock: Dance Party. The event is free and no registration is required. Other programs are available for children, teens, and adults. To see the full schedule of programs, visit www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/library.

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