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Higher Salaries and More Jobs May be Coming for U.S. Workers

By
Statepoint
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Small and mid-size business owners are feeling more optimistic than they have for a long time, suggests a new survey, and experts say this could mean positive things for the overall economy — including for workers’ salaries and job-seekers’ prospects.

According to the PNC Economic Outlook, optimism is running at historic highs in all categories that the semiannual survey of small and medium-size business owners evaluates. This is reflected by the 85 percent of respondents who selected a positive emotion to describe how they feel about the business climate during the next six months, (from the time of the survey): hope (39 percent), enthusiasm (37 percent) and joy (9 percent).

The survey also points to some good news for the American workforce: 49 percent of business leaders anticipate increasing their employee compensation in the next six months and 32 percent expect to add full-time staff. However, four out of 10 respondents say it’s harder to hire qualified employees today compared to six months ago, with the biggest challenge being lack of experience or skill.

“Small businesses are a key source of economic activity and employment, and owners’ perceptions can be a good indicator of what’s to come,” says Gus Faucher, chief economist of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. “Our overall findings confirm that U.S. economic expansion will likely continue throughout 2018.”

(Statepoint)

How to Care for Your Eyes as You Age

By
Statepoint
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0

As we age, our bodies don’t perform as well as they once did, and vision is no exception. However, early detection and treatment of eye problems and diseases through an eye exam is the best way to protect your eyes and overall health.

To help keep your eyes healthy for years to come, consider the following tips.

• Eat an eye-healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables, especially carrots and dark leafy greens, provide a hefty punch of key vitamins and a key vision protecting-substance called lutein. Find some new recipes to make filling up on these nutritious choices both delicious and fun.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Did you know that by eating healthy portions, exercising regularly and doing your best to maintain a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk of cataracts? Conditions such as obesity and diabetes can lead to vision problems like cataracts.

• Protect eyes from blue light. Most people today spend a lot of time in front of digital screens, such as smartphones, computers and televisions. These devices emit high-energy blue light, which causes digital eye strain that can lead to headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and even neck pain. Ask your eye doctor about the best options to help reduce eye strain.

• Get an eye exam. A yearly eye exam is one of the easiest and most important ways to reduce your odds of vision loss and protect your eyes. And it can also help you monitor and protect your overall health. Whether or not you wear glasses, be sure to schedule this crucial appointment. A routine eye exam can help detect signs of serious health conditions, like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure glaucoma and macular degeneration. Because more obvious symptoms of some health conditions don’t always appear until damage has already occurred, routine eye exams are a good way of keeping tabs on what’s happening in your body.

• Make sure you have vision coverage. Do you have vision coverage through Medicare? Review your plan. Many people don’t realize that Traditional Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. Check out such affordable options as VSP Individual Vision Plans, which offer comprehensive coverage with low out-of-pocket costs, savings on frames and lens enhancements such as progressives, and the ability to see the doctor you know and trust. Plans begin as low as $13 per month. For more information or to enroll, visit GetVSPDirect.com or call 877-988-4746.

With a few key daily and annual habits, you can make eye health the priority it needs to be as you age.

(Statepoint)

Lady Roadrunners Sweep Paris College for Eighth Straight Win Hornberger Drives in Seven Runs in Doubleheade

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Kiriany Hornberger steps into a long homer during Friday’s doubleheader sweep of Paris College. Hornberger drove in seven runs in the 11-3, 11-1 wins to run the AC winning streak to eight games. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

By GARY STALLARD

AC Athletics

Angelina College shortstop Nikki Whitehead makes a diving grab during Friday’s doubleheader sweep of Paris College. The Lady Roadrunners took 11-3, 11-1 wins to run the AC winning streak to eight games. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

Angelina College’s Lady Roadrunners jumped out to big leads early in each game of Friday’s doubleheader, resulting in a two-game sweep of Paris College in 11-3, 11-1 wins at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex in Lufkin.

The wins move the AC winning streak to eight straight games, with the last five occurring via the mercy rule.

Kiriany Hornberger continued her torrid hitting streak, driving in seven runs over the two games. Hornberger homered in the opener and added a three-run triple in the nightcap.

Leadoff hitter Jessica Husband pumped up her on-base percentage, reaching base six times in seven official at-bats and scoring six runs over the two games.

In the opener, Rachel Agnello and Ashley Hallmark each drove in two runs; Taylor Lenggenhager and Brette Kohring added an RBI each.

Pitcher Kacy Capps earned the complete-game win, allowing three hits while striking out three Dragons over five innings.

Hornberger drove in four runs in the late game, also turning in a diving catch in left field. Lenggenhager went 2-for-2 with two more RBI, and Agnello drove in a run. Starting pitcher Shelby Mixon allowed three hits and a run over four innings, while reliever Leigh Luker pitched a 1-2-3 fifth to close out the win.

The Lady Roadrunners (27-14, 15-7) travel to Athens on Monday to take on Trinity Valley Community College. Game time for the opener of the doubleheader is 1 p.m.

Angelina College’s Jessica Husband hits the second-base bag on her way to third during Friday’s doubleheader sweep of Paris College. Husband scored six runs in the 11-3, 11-1 wins to run the AC winning streak to eight games. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

AC’s ladies will host their final home stand of the regular season Wednesday against Bossier Parish Community College. The team will host Sophomore Night Festivities following the nightcap.

Game time for the opener on Wednesday is 3 p.m.

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

Earth Day Promotion for Brazos Transit District Monday, April 23, 2018

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Monday, April 23, 2018: In observance of Earth Day, Brazos Transit District (BTD) will offer FREE RIDES ON ALL FIXED ROUTES in the cities of Bryan/College Station, Cleveland, Dayton/Liberty/Ames, Lufkin and Nacogdoches/Diboll on Monday, April 23, 2018. To view maps and schedules visit www.btd.org or call 979-778-0607 ext. 0.

One of the best ways to celebrate and show the Earth you care is by taking public transportation – if you don’t normally take public transit, Earth Day is the perfect time to give Brazos Transit a
try!

The American Public Transportation Association notes the following benefits of public transportation to the nation:
• Taking public transportation is one of the most significant actions a household can take to reduce carbon emissions.
• Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 37 million metric tons annually.
• Saves fuel, reduces an individual’s carbon footprint, and reduces traffic congestion. Saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually – more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day.
• Provides an affordable alternative to driving. Households that use public transportation save an average of $6,251 every year.

John McBeth, CEO of Brazos Transit: “The free rides on Earth Day will be a welcomed treat for
our current customers and provides a terrific opportunity for those who are new to transit to
experience our sustainable and community-minded mode of transportation.”

Smart Tips to Keep Your Grill Clean and Safe

By
Statepoint
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Nothing beats barbecues, block parties and al fresco dining. For your family’s safety and for the sake of your grill, here are some pointers on keeping that grill well-maintained all season.

Visual Check

Ensure your grill is still in good working order after the off-season by giving it a once-over. Remember to turn off the gas and tank valves before getting started. Check whether all of its components are intact, including gas hoses. Also, determine whether the tank is full.

Keep in mind that many grills come with a warranty, and you may be able to replace worn out parts without needing to buy a brand-new grill entirely.

Quick Clean-Up

When it comes to the grates, experts recommend using tools that allow you to skip the brush and the elbow grease to save some time and energy.

“Spray a concentrated multipurpose cleanser over your grill’s grates evenly, wait a few seconds to give the grease time to break down, then gently wipe the area down with a sponge,” says TV contractor, Jeff Devlin, who uses Mean Green on his grill. The spray, which was recently named by Real Simple Magazine as the Best Multipurpose Spray, is available at Walmart and other retailers.

Other Considerations

A deep clean is important once or twice a season. However, after each use, you can keep debris and build-up from becoming a bigger problem with a quick spot clean. One important area you don’t want to neglect is the bottom of the grill, where ash and grease build-up is likely to occur. Scrape out this section regularly.

You can better protect your grill from the elements and guard against rusting by covering it after each use. If possible, use the cover provided by the manufacturer, as its designed to best fit your grill.

This season, take great care of your grill. With the right tools on hand, you can streamline your routine.

(Statepoint)

Shopping for a Wedding Gift? What to Know Now

By
Lee Allen Miller
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If your fridge is filled with save-the-dates and wedding invitations, you’re inevitably facing the daunting question: what to give?

In taking a look at the couple’s registry, you may have been surprised by some of the items listed.

While in the past, you probably only found traditional household items like linens and cookware, these days, you can expect to see the latest home technologies, too. From connected doorbells and thermostats, to smart showers, these are the items that many of today’s millennials would want, suggests a new study.

Leading faucet manufacturer, Moen, commissioned a survey conducted online by Harris Poll in March 2018, which investigated what smart products would top the list when it comes to millennial (ages 18-34 at the time of the survey) wedding registries, and how this tech-savvy generation appear to be reinventing the process of registering. The survey found that 42 percent of millennials would want to include smart home products on their registry.

Millennials are bucking several age-old gifting beliefs, and while traditionalists may find these new registry customs strange, guests should consider selecting one of the high-tech items on a millennial couple’s list if they want their gift to stand out.

(Statepoint)

Nacogdoches Junior Forum Announces Market Days

By
Ezra McMullen
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0

Holiday in the Pines 2018 “Dreaming of a White Christmas” – Located in The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center 200 N Fredonia St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, November 15-17th

Nacogdoches Junior Forum is excited to announce that Holiday in the Pines 2018, “Dreaming of a White Christmas”, will be held inside the historic Fredonia Hotel in Downtown Nacogdoches. NJF invites you to take a stroll down memory lane as we dream of a classic and pristine winter wonderland. You will enjoy exclusive shopping with more than 60 specialty stores and shops from coast-to-coast all located in the hotel convention center.

Roadrunners Take Wild One from Panola on Wednesday AC Walks it Off on Ponies Error in 9th

By
Gary Stallard
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0
Angelina College pitcher Jacob Mead delivers during Thursday’s game against Panola College. The Roadrunners won a wild one in the opener of the three-game series, scoring a ninth-inning run for a 10-9 win over the Ponies at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex in Lufkin. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

By GARY STALLARD

AC Athletics

Angelina College catcher Sam Gotlieb chases down a foul ball near the screen during Thursday’s game against Panola College. The Roadrunners won a wild one in the opener of the three-game series, scoring a ninth-inning run for a 10-9 win over the Ponies at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex in Lufkin. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo

Angelina College’s Roadrunners and the Panola College Ponies opened a three-game series with Thursday’s game at AC.

Indications are this will be a wild series indeed.

With the score knotted at 9-9 in the bottom of the ninth inning, AC’s Taylor Meaux dropped a sacrifice bunt the Ponies threw into left field, allowing Hayden Baker to score the game winner in a 10-9 win at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex in Lufkin.

The finish marked the second time in two innings the Roadrunners had to battle back from a deficit – this after giving up a 6-1 lead in the fifth. Trailing 7-6 in the eighth, the Roadrunners got a perfectly executed squeeze bunt from Alec Paz to score Dylan Murphy with the tying run. Alex Ashby then smoked a two-run single to right, giving the ‘Runners a 9-7 lead heading into the ninth.

Panola battled back for two runs in the top of the ninth to tie the score at 9-9. Baker led off the AC half of the inning with a walk, and Murphy beat out an infield single. Meaux followed with a bunt along the third-base side, and the attempt to nail Baker at third sailed wide, setting off the infield celebration.

Murphy, Paz and Ashby each drove in two runs for the Roadrunners. Pitcher Hagan Hartman pitched an inning of relief to earn the win.

The win allowed the Roadrunners to jump the Ponies in the Region XIV standings; AC (25-17, 13-9) is now in third place in the East Zone.

The teams will resume the series Sunday in Carthage. The doubleheader is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start.

Shortstop Hayden Baker of Angelina College throws across to first during Thursday’s game against Panola College. The Roadrunners won a wild one in the opener of the three-game series, scoring a ninth-inning run for a 10-9 win over the Ponies at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex in Lufkin. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

Gary Stallard’s e-mail address is garylstallard@angelina.edu.

Lufkin Flyover Scheduled for Inspection Closure

By
Rhonda Oaks
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0

LUFKIN – The southbound US 59/SL 287 direct connector is scheduled for closure Wednesday afternoon, April 25, as TxDOT engineers inspect the bridge.

The bridge will be closed to southbound traffic beginning at noon and will continue throughout the afternoon or until the inspections are completed. Motorists needing to access US 59 South from the Lufkin loop will be required to take the South First Street exit during the closure.

“The flyover was closed in March for a brief inspection and will be closed next Wednesday for another one,” said Rhonda Oaks, public spokesperson for the Lufkin District. “These semi-annual inspections are routine and motorists should prepare ahead of time for possible congestion near SL 287 and US 59 South.”

Motorists are asked to reduce speed near the work area and be alert for workers, equipment and slowing traffic near the exit ramp.

This will be an active TxDOT work zone. When workers are present, drivers are required to move over if another lane of travel is available. If it is not, speed must be reduced by 20 miles below the posted speed limit.

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

2018 DETCOG Regional Housing Authority Draft Annual Plan Now Available

By
Ezra McMullen
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0

Jasper, Texas – A draft copy of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments Regional Housing Authority’s 2018 Annual Housing Plan for its U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Section 8 Rental Assistance Program is now available for review and comment. This plan contains goals and strategies to promote adequate and affordable housing for low income families in the Deep East Texas region. Input and support is solicited from all communities.

A public meeting on the plan will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 14, 2018. It will be held in the Youth Center of the Central Church of Christ, 711 N. 2nd St. in Lufkin, Texas. Public comment period on the plan will close on June 14, 2018.

The Board of Directors for the Deep East Texas Council of Governments will meet on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex, 203 W. Main St, Nacogdoches, TX to consider approval of the Deep East Texas Regional Housing Authority (DETRHA) PHA Annual Plan submission for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The draft copy of the 2018 Annual Housing Plan can be reviewed at DETCOG’s main office, 210 Premier Dr., Jasper TX, Monday-Friday from April 30, 2018 – June 14, 2018. To request a copy of the draft 2018 Annual Housing Plan, contact Freda Gilbert, DETCOG, 210 Premier Dr., Jasper TX 75951, by phone at (409) 384-5704, Ext 5310 or by email at fgilbert@detcog.org

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