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Ready for a New Phone? How to Tell if it’s Time to Switch Your Wireless Provider

By
Statepoint
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When you’re buying a new phone, it’s only natural to wonder if it’s time to break up with your current wireless provider and move on. Doing so might save you money and offer you more convenience and better service.

But changing providers is a big decision and there are several things to consider when deciding to change your mobile network along with your phone.

Know Your Priorities

It’s important to make sure your mobile plan works for you. Look over your bills from the past few months and make a list of what features are important to you — calling, texting, unlimited data, international calling benefits, travel fees, etc.

Right now, there is no reason to ever run out of data each month. Almost all the major wireless networks are offering unlimited data plans and many will give a lot of free extras to get you to switch. But not all plans are created equal. Do your homework to get the best deal. For instance, some wireless providers include taxes and fees in the quoted rate, while others charge taxes and fees on top of the bill. And if you are getting more than one line, ask about family plan rates. If you are over 55, find out if there are any discounted plan rates for your age bracket and make sure the plan meets your needs.

Look for Discounts and Perks

Americans are now spending over half their screen time on smartphones and digital devices, versus watching traditional television. And the trend is only accelerating — mobile viewing is expected to more than double by 2020.

Seek out a wireless provider that understands how you really use your phone. For example, T-Mobile ONE family plans now come with a standard Netflix subscription included, so customers can binge all their favorite programs on their favorite devices, without spending a penny over the cost of their mobile plans.

Review Trade-in Options

If staying current is important to you, check out a network’s trade-in options. These days, many providers will either pay off what you owe on your devices when you switch or give you a sweet trade-in deal. For example, T-Mobile allows customers to trade in their current iPhone for the newest iPhone after just 50 percent is paid off, and customers will have their remaining payments wiped out. Such perks can make a particular network an attractive choice. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com.

Make the Switch

Do some research to decide if you need a new smartphone and what kind of smartphone works for you. When you go in to make the switch, have the customer service rep help you to back up your contacts and transfer everything correctly to your new device. Also consider the best way to protect your new phone — using a case or adding a device protection to guard it against loss, theft and damage.

Breaking up with a wireless provider can feel like a big deal. Before doing so, do your research to make the best decision for you.

-Statepoint

Night Closure Planned on Lufkin Flyover

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Night work is planned in Lufkin beginning Sunday that will require the closure of the US 59 southbound direct connector near SL 287/South First Street.

Crews will close southbound the flyover beginning Sunday, the 18th, from 8 pm through 6 am. Work is expected to be completed by Thursday, the 22nd. Work will include water blasting concrete pavement of any asphalt residue. Travel lanes will remain open during daytime hours.

Motorists needing to access US 59 South during the night closure will be required to take the South First Street exit. Motorists are asked to reduce speed near the work area and be alert for workers and moving equipment.

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 should be reduced by 20 miles below the posted speed limit.

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

Update From Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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Spring Break has come and gone. It’s my sincere hope that you and your family were able to enjoy some quality time during this break from school, and that you were able to enjoy the long awaited sunshine and warmer temperatures that have peaked through recently.With that, here’s what’s happening at your Capitol. . .

House Interim Charge: Economic & Small Business Development

As will be the theme with all interim committees, and the driving force behind most of what will be done in the next session, this committee will examine the impact of natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. Particularly as to whether the state is adequately prepared to assist in the recovery efforts of our state’s workforce. In a time of crisis, arguably nothing is more important than getting communities back on their feet by training a workforce that meets the needs of that specific region, and can help small businesses begin to thrive like before. Similarly, the committee is doing a deep-dive into how the state has adapted to a changing workforce in previous years. With Texas continuing to grow at such a rapid pace, we should be prepared for further diversity in the workforce, and make sure that the states resources are sufficient enough to address shortages both now and in the future. The Legislature must take seriously its duty to prepare our state’s professionals in anticipation for new jobs and changing industries.

House Interim Charge: Business & Industry

While these committees handle similar issues, this interim the House Committee on Business and Industry is taking a closer look at some of the technology and data-based issues of our ever evolving state. One example of this work is their charge to study the impact of hacking and data breaches on state entities, private businesses, and most importantly the consumer. While there is certainly an advantage, an efficiency, and usually a cost savings associated with cloud services and electronically held data, our state must be vigilant in efforts to protect consumers and employees who share this information. The committee will examine the consequences of recent data breaches and the mitigation efforts used thereafter, as well as determine if the existing rules and regulations are ample in addressing the issue in the future.

The House Committee on Business and Industry will also be teaming up with the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures to ensure that, especially within the construction and skilled trade industries, our state is not presenting any unnecessary barriers to the post-Harvey recovery efforts. While it is important to determine whether those rebuilding our state have the knowledge and appropriate prerequisites to do the job, we must remember that red-tape cannot get in the way of Texans getting back to their usual way of life.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road for the month of March and looks forward to seeing you in the following locations, on the following dates: on March 21st 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; or on March 28th 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.

Ag News

By
Cary Sims
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Samuel Forrest picked up his 25 day old chicks Friday, March 2nd to raise for the Angelina County Fair, April 17-21.

Samuel Forrest Raises Broilers for County Fair

A little over two weeks ago, Samuel Forrest picked up a cardboard box of 25 day old chicks to compete in the 2018 Angelina County Fair. Samuel is the 11 year old son of Darel and Crystal Forrest and is the brother of 8 year old Levi and 3 year old Alaura.

Carrying on a family tradition, he is competing in the fair just like his dad and uncle did years ago. Samuel is raising broilers for the county fair.

A “broiler” is a chicken bred specifically to grow muscle efficiently and be eaten. Their genetics are very different from the egg producing breeds we love to have in the back yard flock. Raising broiler chickens is an excellent youth project for beginners to livestock exhibiting. Chickens are considerably easier to handle, require less space, and are less expensive than other species.

Make no mistake, raising broilers isn’t easy. It’s an intensive 6 weeks of effort leading up to the show. Several times a day, Samuel will stir the broilers, make sure the feeders are full, keep fresh water available, and clean the bedding material (wood shavings) when needed.

This will be Samuel’s 3rd year to raise broilers. Last year, he also had market rabbits and participated in consumer science and this year he’s raising his first hog.

Chicks were delivered on Friday, March 2nd and will be ready for competition on Tuesday, April 17th. That quick time frame of only 6 weeks is very typical for market conditions. It usually takes only 6-7 weeks to raise a broiler to market weight.

The broiler show certainly provides everyone the most equal chance to win out of any competition at the fair. All chicks that students received for the show were provided by a single hatchery. The chicks were the same breed and hatched on the same day. The birds are wing banded and randomly assigned to each student.

A broiler chicken eats less than 2 pounds of feed for every pound of body weight gain. Therefore, a 6 pound broiler requires only 12 pounds of feed to complete its 6 week grow-out cycle.

Show birds can be raised in a backyard or a garage; they do not need a large amount of land. Broilers can often be raised in urban areas where larger animals would be impractical. In fact, it is recommended that broilers be raised indoors to maximize growth and prevent attack by predators.

Samuel’s dad and uncle were involved in 4-H as kids. “My cousins got me in the pee wee show when I was 4,” says Samuel. When asked what he thought of his first participation in the show, Samuel replied, “I loved it!” His uncle and aunt Brent and Tamesha Forrest along with their children are very encouraging and supportive of Samuel’s projects.

Samuel says, “The hardest part of raising chickens is finding time to check on them and making sure they’re up and eating.” His parents hope that Samuel will, “learn the value of hard work, understand the process and expense that goes into getting an animal market ready, and have an appreciation for how our food is produced.”

At the county fair, Samuel will only show the best 3 broilers in the show out of the original box of 25. Our show requires entrants to bring a pen of three broilers and the remaining birds at home will be processed and eaten.

If you know a 4-H or FFA exhibitor, such as Samuel, you can support them at the auction on Saturday, April 21st or you could place an order for their left over broilers. With only 3 making the final cut to go to the Fair, there will be many more needing to go into the freezer. I know of youth who sell off their smaller chickens as fryers as they near the county fair.

And when asked what he wanted most out of the project, Samuel remarked, “Of course, I wanna be in the sale ring on Saturday night!”

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Stroller

By
Lee Allen Miller
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A stroller is one of the most essential pieces of baby gear, typically needed right from the start and used for several years. However, with so many stroller varieties available and a wide range of features to consider, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for your family.

Erin Varano, brand marketing director at trusted baby and children gear manufacturer Graco, offers these five key questions to consider when buying a stroller:

Does the Stroller Meet Safety Standards? Look for a stroller that has been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure it meets current safety standards. Also, do your research beforehand to make sure it hasn’t been recalled. Avoid this question by buying from a reputable retailer.

Does the Stroller Have an Adjustable Seat? Newborns need seats that recline to a near flat position until they have head control and can sit up on their own. Even for older babies or toddlers, a reclining seat is a plus for comfort. Make sure to check that the seat’s recline mechanism is easy-to-use and firmly locks into the recline position.

How Versatile is the Stroller? Single strollers with the ability to convert to a double are useful as well as practical. Look for a stroller that can grow with your family, such as the Graco Uno2Duo Stroller and Travel System. This new stroller is out-of-the-box ready for one child, but simply extends to accommodate two children.

“We designed this stroller with a 5-inch extension so that it can easily transition from a single stroller to a double,” says Varano. “The extension adds room for a second seat and offers a platform for toddlers to ride along. A second seat or infant car seat gives parents added functionality with a total of 22 ways to ride.”

As an added benefit, the stroller features a multi-position reclining main seat that can convert to an infant bassinet or pram. This stroller is now exclusively available at Babies“R”Us.

Can the Stroller Accommodate Your Car Seat? An infant car seat and a stroller that come together are called a travel system. Buying a travel system is the simplest way to ensure stroller and infant car seat compatibility. However, if they don’t come together, you can often buy an adapter that connects them. Keep this in mind as you choose these items.

Is the Stroller Easy to Maneuver? Look for front wheels that swivel. This swivel action will make it easier to turn. Again, head to a store to test this feature out in person. You should be able to easily push the stroller in a straight line using one hand. Brakes also play a part in maneuverability. You want brakes that are easy to operate even if you are wearing open-toed shoes.

Finding the right stroller for your family requires research and testing. Investing the time beforehand and keeping key features top-of-mind during your search will make the process less overwhelming and hopefully lead you to your perfect stroller match.

Statepoint

Diet vs. Exercise: Which is Better for Weight Loss?

By
Statepoint
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What’s more important: diet or exercise? Anyone who’s tried to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle has likely asked this question.

Sixty-eight percent of people want to lose 10 pounds or more, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of Nutrisystem. March is National Nutrition Month, and a good time to get started on your goals. So, should you focus on diet, exercise or both?

When it comes to weight loss, the split should be roughly 80 percent focus on what you eat and 20 percent on exercise. The logic is simple, say experts.

“It’s all about calories in and calories out. If you’re eating less and exercising, you’re going to burn more calories,” says Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem. “However, exercise often makes us hungrier, which is why many people who only change their exercise habits don’t see the scale move.”

To achieve a healthier lifestyle and shed weight, consider these quick tips that combine both diet and exercise.

• Eat more often: A 2015 study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that on average, people who ate six times or more daily consumed fewer calories, had a lower body mass index, and ate more nutrient-rich foods than those who didn’t eat at least six times a day. Eating smaller meals every three hours keeps you feeling full, controls blood sugar and helps boost metabolism.

• Watch portions: American portions have become too big; and those used to dining out may consider restaurant portions to be correct, when they’re often four times as large as what’s recommended. Learning portion control is key to losing weight. When eating out, ask for a to-go box and save half for later. You can also turn to plans, like Nutrisystem, which deliver portion-controlled meals to your home.

• Veg out: Vegetables are low in calories, high in filling fiber and loaded with nutrients. For breakfast, add spinach to an omelet; at lunch, pile your sandwich high with fixings like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, or use lettuce as a wrap instead of bread. During snack time, munch on carrots dipped in hummus or blend kale into a fruit smoothie.

• Drink more water: A study found that when people drank six cups (48 ounces) of cold water, they increased their resting calorie burn by up to 50 calories each day. Another study found that dieters who drank two eight-ounce glasses of water before meals lost 36 percent more weight over three months than those who didn’t sip before sitting down to eat. So, fill up that water bottle!

• Get moving: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, but research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you exercise for two-and-a-half hours straight or break it up into 10-minute chunks. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day then build up to 60 minutes when you’re ready.

More diet and exercise tips can be found at leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Remember the key to meeting your weight loss and health goals is to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Focus on eating better and moving more and you’ll be on the right track.

Statepoint

Roadrunners Cap Three-Game Sweep of Bossier Parish CC AC Takes Both Games of Monday Doubleheader

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Lance Lusk delivers to a Bossier Parish College hitter during Monday’s game. The Roadrunners took both games of the doubleheader, winning 6-3 and 5-1 to complete the three-game sweep of the Cavaliers. (Nikki Gonzales/AC Press photo)

By GARY STALLARD

AC Athletics

Angelina College’s Sean Bergeron delivers to a Bossier Parish College hitter during Monday’s game. The Roadrunners took both games of the doubleheader, winning 6-3 and 5-1 to complete the three-game sweep of the Cavaliers. (Leigh Luker/AC Press photo)

Angelina College head baseball coach Jeff Livin needed just three pitchers in Monday’s doubleheader against Bossier Parish College at Roadrunner Field.

Lance Lusk dominated the opener in AC’s 6-3 win, and Sean Bergeron followed with an equally impressive performance in a 5-1 win in the nightcap. Kyle Allen came on in relief for Bergeron and tossed three scoreless innings, helping the Roadrunners cap a three-game series sweep of the Cavaliers.

Lusk went the full seven innings in the opener, striking out 12 and allowing just three hits. The Cavs scored their only runs off Lusk with a three-run homer from Willie Ward in the seventh inning. Prior to that, Lusk had retired 12 of 13 batters.

The Roadrunners staked Lusk to a 6-0 lead over six innings, with Brett Mugavero driving in two runs as part of a four-run second inning. Nic Garza and Dylan Murphy also collected RBI in the win.

Bergeron took the mound in the nightcap, and his six innings of work were nearly carbon copies of Lusk’s performance. Bergeron struck out 10 while allowing just three hits and no walks to earn the win. Allen struck out four in his three scoreless innings of relief.

Sam Haley rocked a three-run homer in the bottom of the second inning, and the ‘Runners tacked on two more runs in the frame thanks to a Cavs error and a wild pitch. Hayden Baker also knocked in a run for AC.

The Roadrunners moved to 4-2 in conference play with the sweep. They’ll open a three-game series with Panola College on Thursday with a single, nine-inning game scheduled for a 3 p.m. start in Carthage. The series wraps up with a Saturday doubleheader at Angelina College. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.

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

Lufkin Alert

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Crews will continue to waterblast the NB lanes today on SL 287 East in Lufkin from SH 103 East/Moffett Drive overpass area to FM 2021. Expect single lane closures throughout the day. Drive with caution and expect delays during peak travel hours. This is a TxDOT work zone. Move over. Slow down.

Two New Construction Projects Begin

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Two pre-construction meetings were held recently, signaling new construction projects beginning in San Augustine and Nacogdoches counties.
Work has begun on FM 711 in San Augustine County that will include the reconstruction and widening of pavement to 24-foot from the Shelby County line to US 96. Crews are preparing right of ways and extending culverts.
Drewery Construction, Nacogdoches, will serve as contractor for the $5.2 million project that will restore about 11.3 miles of FM 711. Funding for this project is designated as Category 1- Preventative Maintenance and Rehabilitation. No timeline for completion has been set.
Work is also scheduled to begin next week on FM 95 in Nacogdoches County for replacing the bridge and approaches at Terrapin Creek.
Longview Bridge and Road, Longview, will serve as contractor for the $1.1 million project. No timeline for completion has been set.
As these construction projects begin, motorists are urged to reduce speed in work areas and stay alert to workers and moving equipment. Texas law requires that motorists must vacate the lane closest to the road work, if another lane is available for traveling in the same direction, or reduce speed 20 mph below the posted speed limit when another lane is not available. Traffic fines double when workers are present.
For more information regarding projects and closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org. For more information about projects in the Lufkin District, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

Managing a St Augustine Lawn

By
Cary Sims
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This spring the questions have started pouring in, “What can I do to take care of my St. Augustine lawn?”

St. Augustine grass is a perennial, warm-season turfgrass found in the southern continental United States, the Hawaiian Islands, Southern Mexico, South America, South Africa, western Africa, the Caribbean, Australia, and in parts of the South Pacific.

It is undoubtedly our most popular turfgrass for homeowners in this area. It’s broad leaves with dark green color are the ideal turfgrass for lawns in our area. St. Augustine is known and appreciated for it shade tolerance, the most shade tolerant turfgrass option we have.

St. Augustine will tolerate nearly all types of soil, heat, salt, some drought, and, again, it tolerates shade. It won’t put up with water-logged soils and extended periods of cold weather. And extended cold weather isn’t referring to our unusually cold week this past winter, but to a really cold month or two as our neighbors a few hundred miles to the north have.

You may have noticed that I have tried to emphasize “tolerates shade” twice already. For some reason, it is a commonly assumed that St. Augustine grass likes shade. And that couldn’t be further from the truth.

St. Augustine tolerates some shade but will do wonders in full sun. If you try to plant St. Augustine in a truly, shady location, it simply won’t perform.

Just like one tolerates some foods but really enjoys others, so it is with shade and St. Augustine.

Yes, there are some older lawns covered by oaks and other trees where the St. Augustine is surviving and thriving. Indeed, we can find those sites, and I don’t really know why but to guess those old lawns were started some time ago then the trees canopy and subsequent shadiness was less than it is in the current mature state.

Nevertheless, if started a new landscape or working to reclaim bare ground in a particular shady site, try a shade loving ground cover.

St. Augustine is not one of the tougher turfgrasses for heavy traffic. I’ve never seen an athletic field sodded with St. Augustine grass. If your yard has a path worn in thru it, no amount of patching with new sod squares will cure the problem unless you alleviate the traffic there. If that’s not an option, I heartily recommend installing a permanent walkway in the affected area..

There are a number of varieties. The old stand-by was simply called Texas Common. Newer varieties include Raleigh, Seville, Palmetto and Floratam. Each of these have their own nuances and traits that vary from one to another.

All varieties are started from sod. It is true that you may see St. Augustine seed for sale from time to time. If you’ve let your St. Augustine lawn go too long, you’ll see it make a seed head. The kicker is that those seeds are not viable seeds. If you insist on buying them to try them, I’ve got some porcupine seeds I gather each fall from under my sweet gum tree.

If we treat our lawns poorly, it is from over watering and over fertilizing. While our lawns do need supplemental water and nutrients to be their best, more pest problems are caused by pampering our lawns way too much!

Visiting with a fellow, high school tennis dad, Tom told me that at the back of his property where he doesn’t pamper his lawn, it does better than the pampered area closer to the back porch. That bears true for many that call me later in the year with fungal diseases running rampant.

Water it only when the grass needs it. When you do water, wet the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Then don’t water again until the grass shows symptoms of drought stress—a dull, bluish color, and rolled or folded leaves. This usually occurs in 5 to 10 days, depending on the weather.

IF you are curious about when to put out fertilizer, the general recommendation from university research is to wait three weeks after your St. Augustine lawn greens up. Then add only put out one pound of soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn every 8 weeks, or one and a half pounds of slow-release nitrogen every 10 weeks.

Best of luck in your landscaping efforts.

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