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TxDOT Crews Work Around Clock On East Loop

By
Misty Boggs
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TxDOT has reopened one northbound lane of SL 287 and work will continue to open one southbound loop before an emergency contract will signal the beginning of a project next week.

An emergency contract is expected to be in place and work begun by mid-week that will resurface the loop from its current condition. A final surface layer will be applied and work will be completed as soon as possible, weather permitting.

Angelina County Maintenance employees have worked around the clock since Thursday morning when the sealcoat asphalt that was placed prior to Hurricane Harvey melted from the roadway and damaged vehicles. The amount of rain received caused the road surface to remain wet and gravel became loose exposing the asphalt to vehicle traffic.

“We will continue to work this weekend to open the southbound side of the loop with one lane of traffic and then we are scheduled for striping on Sunday. By midweek, we should be ready to begin removing the temporary patch placed by TxDOT crews and put a final surface down, said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We regret the inconvenience this has caused to the public, but we will do our best to complete the work in a timely manner.

“It is never easy to close a major thoroughfare such as our loop,” she said. “Once the decision was made early Thursday morning to close, it took about two hours to complete the tasks and enlist the help needed to complete the closure.”

TxDOT employees from Tyler, Nacogdoches and San Jacinto counties are assisting with the work since about 40 Lufkin District employees were deployed last week and this week to Houston and Beaumont to aid in disaster recovery and cleanup after Hurricane Harvey.

“No one could have foreseen how this event played out,” Oaks said. “The new rock and asphalt simply did not have time to set before the heavy rains began. We want the public to know that we are going to make this right and restore the east loop to an improved condition for the traveling public.”

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

Ashby: Massive Recovery Effort On Horizon

By
Misty Boggs
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Under normal circumstances, the month of September brings routine and predictability back into our lives. As we return home from family vacations, summer camps, and conferences, we welcome back a new school year, cooler temperatures, and annual fall festivities. This year, however, we find ourselves to be under anything but normal circumstances, as just a short time ago Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Coast. . .

Hurricane Harvey Response

What started as a Category 4 Hurricane, over 300 miles from House District 57, turned into the wettest tropical event that the United States of America has ever seen. After making landfall, Harvey made its way up the coast into the Greater Houston and Golden Triangle areas, then on into parts of East Texas. Along Harvey’s destructive path, homes have been wiped from the face of the earth, property and priceless memories ruined by flooding, and some lost their lives.

With such a massive recovery effort on the horizon, it can be hard to find encouragement and inspiration for what lies ahead. In the days and weeks to follow, as the debris is cleared and the water recedes, Hurricane Harvey will continue to show its ugly face. Some predict it will have a fiscal impact larger than any storm in history, perhaps in excess of $150 billion. Moreover, experts stipulate that, similar to Katrina and Rita, the recovery may take a decade or longer.

These incredible circumstances, however, have underscored the resilience and compassion of both the citizens of Texas and our neighboring states. With people forced to leave their homes to find higher ground from rising water, others from around the country fled to Texas to support us in this time of need – the now well-known Cajun Navy and the New York Police Department caravan that made its way through our district, come to mind. Meanwhile, our friends from less affected areas of our own state are rushing to send supplies, raise money, and open their homes and businesses to help the cause. In times like these, Americans make no mention of race or ethnicity, Republican or Democrat, rural or urban. No, in times like these, the quintessential spirit and determination of the American people shines through in our desire to rebuild lives, communities, and schools as quickly as possible.

In the weeks and months to come, as communities reestablish and families in the most affected areas start anew, remember the spirit and resilience shown when the storm was at its absolute worst. We cannot afford to lose momentum in the mission to rebuild a portion of our great state. If you can spare time – go help. If you can spare a dollar – please give. And if you need help of your own – don’t be afraid to ask.

For any information you may need regarding insurance claims, FEMA forms, problems with electricity, etc., please do not hesitate to contact my office where we will assist you in finding a solution. Further, should you have lost track of friends or family who evacuated the because of the storm, please check www.safeandwell.org – a website from the Red Cross and the Texas Division of Emergency Management who are registering evacuees at shelters across Texas.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road in September and looks forward to seeing you around the district. Here’s this month’s schedule: September 6th from 9:00am-11:00am at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville and from 1:30pm-3:30pm at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville; September 20th from 9:00am-11:00am at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett and from 1:30pm-3:30pm at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton; and September 27th from 9:00am-11:00am at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine.

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.

Angelina College Announces New Hires

By
Nancy Reynolds
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LUFKIN – Angelina College has hired eight new employees for the 2017-2018 academic year.
The Health Careers division added four new nursing instructors.
Antonia Fleming holds a master of science degree in nursing education from Chamberlain University, a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Stephen F. Austin State University, and an associate degree in science from Blinn College.
Teri McClung has an associate degree in nursing from Angelina College.
Peggy Mortenson holds a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Misericordia University. She also holds an M.B.A. from James Madison University and is a fellow at the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Henrietta Sells earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from the Univeristy of Phoenix her associate degree in nursing from Angelina College.
Dr. Paula Nellessen will serve as a biology instructor. She holds a Ph.D. and master of science degrees from the University of Idaho, as well as a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Jeff Parish will serve as an English instructor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree in English from Wayland Baptist University. Previously, he taught high school English at Livingston and North Lamar high schools and developmental English at Lee College.
Howard Krohn is the new athletic trainer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Grand Canyon University and a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.
Stephen Hammonds will serve as HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) instructor. He earned his bachelor’s degree from SFASU and has 20 years of field experience.
Registration for fall semester at Angelina College continues through Aug. 30.

TxDOT To Reschedule Sealcoat Application To Lufkin Loop

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Clark Construction of Texas, Inc. is working with TxDOT to perform repair work to the sealcoat that was applied to SL 287 East in Lufkin late last week.

TxDOT has an annual sealcoat program for preventative maintenance to our roadways across the State.

Sealcoats are used to preserve the pavement structure and extend the service life of the roadway.

The torrential rainfall East Texas has been receiving the past several days has caused much of the rock to become loose.

Repair work is being scheduled as soon as the weather clears and the work can be performed safely.

Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area or take alternate routes. Alternate routes include the west side of SL 287 or BU 59/Timberland Drive.

Work schedules are subject to change in inclement weather. Reduce speed and obey all signage in the area.

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

Free Family Event From Angelina Arts Alliance

By
Ginger Bowie
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LUFKIN, TX. The Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to announce its first Family Funday during its 2017-2018 Season will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2017. The Arts Alliance will present Moon Mouse – A Space Odyssey, performed live by Lightwire Theater at the Temple Theater on the Angelina College Campus.

Lightwire Theater’s Moon Mouse – A Space Odyssey is a cosmic adventure about celebrating differences and stars Marvin the Mouse. Marvin wants to be popular, but is constantly bullied and picked on by the “cool” rats.

He is labeled as a loser and a geek. As respite from the continuous badgering, Marvin retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy. He longs to have adventures and to be the hero. Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime: a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures, learns of infinite peril, and views awesome beauty. Will Marvin make his dreams come true and experience the glory and acceptance he craves?

Based in New Orleans, Lightwire Theater has been featured as semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent, winners of TruTv’s Fake Off, and is internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry and
poignant storytelling.

This performance is FREE to all community members with the donation of one canned food or nonperishable food item per person. One can = one ticket. Tickets are limited and must be picked up at the Temple Theater Box Office. All food collected will be donated to Lufkin’s CISC, Christian Information & Service Center.

The Temple Theater will open at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, for a variety of family-friendly activities, including balloon animals and complimentary refreshments. The performance will begin at 2 p.m. sharp and is expected to last one hour. For more information, about Moon Mouse – A Space Odyssey, please call (936) 633-5454 or visit the Temple Theater box office on the Angelina College Lufkin campus, Monday through Friday 11 am – 5 pm. Please visit our website at www.angelinaarts.org for details, video clips for this performance and view the entire season.

The Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to present a wide array of diverse, quality performing arts, along with educational and family performances which collectively enrich, engage and educate the community.

Angelina College hosting faculty art show Sept. 5

By
Nancy Reynolds
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Angelina College will host a faculty art exhibition Sept. 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. Pictured are some of the works that will be featured in the show.

Lufkin, Texas, Aug. 29, 2017 — Angelina College Fine Arts Division invites the public to attend their annual AC faculty exhibition for the month of September. The opening reception is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. in the Angelina Center for the Arts gallery. Admission is free.

This year’s exhibition will feature our Art instructors’ artworks in various media. Photography instructor Jan Anderson-Paxson will show her award-winning photography. Anderson-Paxson has exhibited her works throughout the U.S. and in several shows abroad. Her black and white photographs are distinguished by her spare compositions and beautiful nuances of light and dark.

Reg Reynolds is coordinator and instructor of Graphic Arts at AC, and his contributions to the annual faculty exhibition have always been a welcome revelation. Reynolds works in many media, including film, video, collage, sculpture and installation, often interactive. This year’s work will be a trailer for the film “Gravitational Waves.”

Robbie Lacomb Roach is instructor of Art History, Printmaking and Basic Design. Her primary medium is photography, with an emphasis on nature. This year she will be exhibiting photographs documenting her travels in Iceland.

Adjunct Instructors will also be included in the exhibition. Ann Phifer Reyes has taught at AC for several years, and is an accomplished portrait and landscape painter. Her

medium is oil paint. She will be showing recent works.

Steve Paul is an adjunct instructor in Graphic Arts and is also an accomplished painter. He will be showing his recent water color paintings.

Le’Anne Alexander will be teaching Basic Drawing and Painting I for AC in the Fall. Alexander is an accomplished painter, having recently won the award for Best of Show in the prestigious Texas National Exhibition. This competitive juried exhibition draws entrants from across the U. S. and abroad, and is sponsored by Stephen F. Austin State University’s art department. Alexander studied at the Art Students League of New York and received her MFA from SFA. Aside from teaching drawing and painting at AC, she is also the director of Alexander Art Space, a nonprofit mobile art gallery. She will be showing recent works.

Sean Dupre is a new adjunct faculty member who also teaches photography at Lufkin High School. He will be showing recent color photographs.

Denise Stringer Davis is also new adjunct faculty teaching Art Appreciation. An accomplished printmaker and installation artist, Davis will exhibit prints and drawings in the faculty exhibition. She will also be the featured artist in a one-person-exhibition at AC for the month of October. This will be an installation.

The AC Gallery is open for viewing during regular classroom hours during the week. The public is invited to attend the opening reception at the AC Gallery on Tuesday, Sept. 5, starting at 6 p.m. until 7:30. There is no admission charge. Light refreshments will be served. Families are welcome.

DETCOG Cancelling Open House and Board Meeting

By
Ezra McMullen
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The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) is cancelling its Open House and Board Meeting that was set for this Thursday, August 31, 2017 in Trinity.

“Many of our board members are currently responding to emergency situations in their jurisdictions and travel conditions are questionable for everyone,” said DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt.

DETCOG’s Executive Committee will instead be meeting by conference call to take care of essential business items. That meeting will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017. The public can listen to the conference call at the DETCOG office at 210 Premier Drive in Jasper, Texas.

The next “50 Years of Service” Open House and DETCOG Board meeting is scheduled to be held at First Baptist church in Woodville on Friday, September 29, 2017. The open house will be held from 11:30 a.m. till Noon with a luncheon and board meeting to immediately follow.

Anyone needing information may contact the Deep East Texas Council of Governments Office in Jasper at (409) 384-5704.

Texas Comptroller Details Agency Response to Hurricane Disaster, Offers Prayers for Victims

By
Ezra McMullen
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(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today offered prayers of support for those affected by Hurricane Harvey, while detailing his office’s role in disaster response.

“We are praying for those who’ve been devastated by this disaster, and we’re doing all we can to support those who are working tirelessly to rescue fellow Texans still in harm’s way,” Hegar said. “As part of the overall state response, our agency is focusing primarily on ensuring resources are available to rescue and recovery efforts. We’ve been shepherding emergency purchase orders, executing emergency contracts and working with agencies to marshal state resources.”

On Friday, Aug. 25, the Comptroller’s office announced extensions available to businesses and taxpayers in declared disaster areas and worked with Governor Greg Abbott to exempt evacuees and relief workers from hotel occupancy tax through Sept. 6.

For more information on these efforts, please visit our website for answers to frequently asked questions. The agency continues to explore additional measures that may be available in response to the unfolding disaster and relief efforts.

During natural disasters, the Comptroller’s office contributes to the state’s response by streamlining the state procurement process so emergency responders get the tools they need to conduct rescue and relief operations quickly and efficiently. In the last few days, Comptroller employees have been deployed to the State Operations Center to help acquire more than 650 buses for evacuations; heavy equipment needed for the Texas Department of Transportation; hundreds of toilets and sanitation facilities for shelters and disaster response facilities; and countless gallons of water, bottles of sunscreen, bags of ice and other emergency supplies.

While the economic impact of this event remains undetermined, Texas has constitutional, statutory and discretionary authority to manage the state’s finances during natural disasters. These management tools provide the state with the flexibility it needs to be responsive while managing the state’s financial position.

“In the coming weeks and months, the focus of relief efforts will shift from heroic rescues and extensive evacuations to the long process of rebuilding our communities and neighborhoods,” Hegar said. “My office will continue to monitor the state’s economy to ensure Texas is in the best possible financial position to meet those challenges and emerge stronger on the other side of this disaster. Until that time, we will continue to pray for the safety and security of our fellow Texans and assist in any way we can.”

Salvation Army Expands Service as Teams Deploy to Accessible Areas in Texas

By
Misty Boggs
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Dallas, Texas (August 29, 2017) – The Salvation Army continues to provide practical assistance and emotional and spiritual care in cities throughout South Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Monday saw a number of areas become accessible for the first time as local law enforcement and city management continue the clean-up process.

As rain continues to fall and flood waters rise in Houston, The Salvation Army is providing emergency assistance throughout the city. Four Salvation Army shelters have opened their doors to those evacuating their homes – Harbor Light Center, Sally’s House, Family Residence and Conroe Red Shield lodge. More than 70 people rescued are currently staying at the Pasadena Salvation Army. As additional areas of the city become accessible Salvation Army units are ready to move in and serve those in need. Other locations remain on standby to serve.

Captain Jay Ward, Commanding Officer of the Houston Northwest Corps, along with his son helped evacuate 32 people by boat in his community. “It’s devastating out here. I’ve been working disaster all my life but this is the worst I’ve seen,” said Captain Ward. “People are coming out in their boats and helping to save people.”

In the Southwest Texas region, an Incident Command Team from Oklahoma and Arkansas began service on Monday based in Corpus Christi. Seven mobile kitchens from that team, in addition to units from Laredo, McAllen, Corpus Christi, Dallas Fort Worth and Austin continue to serve in the region.

Displaced residents from the barrier island of Port Aransas were allowed by law enforcement to return to inspect their homes on Monday afternoon. The Salvation Army McAllen, TX mobile kitchen served meals, snacks and hydration to residents and first responders while a team from Muskogee, OK drove through the devastated streets serving sandwiches and drinks to people working to salvage what they could from their damaged homes. Several people requested prayer from team members.

The cities of Rockport and Aransas Pass found themselves directly in the path of Hurricane Harvey and sustained significant damage. A Salvation Army team from Oklahoma will establish service in Rockport at lunch time today while a second unit will continue to provide support in Aransas Pass.

Houston area service summary:

  • Shelters open at multiple Salvation Army locations, others on standby to provide emergency shelter
  • Mobile kitchens serving at NorthWest Corps, Pasadena and Conroe in addition to Texas City and Galveston.
  • Additional mobile kitchens staged and ready to deploy as areas become accessible
  • Incident Command Team from Florida arriving on Tuesday

Southwest Texas/Corpus Christi area:

  • Six mobile feeding units serving in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Portland, Tuloso-Midway High School Shelter, FEMA Dome – Del Mar College
  • Incident Command Team and seven additional feeding units from Oklahoma and Arkansas began service on Monday
  • Roving mobile kitchen service into damaged communities taking place

Other Salvation Army operations:

  • City of Dallas opening shelter at Convention Center on Tuesday. Salvation Army will be responsible to feeding operations
  • San Antonio Mission Corps staging location for Division
  • The Salvation Army laundry unit has been delivered the AT & T Center in San Antonio in support of the first responders.
  • Disaster Assistance Center currently supporting Evacuees in Waco with relief supplies
  • Kerrville team serving meals at two local evacuation shelters
  • Temple – emergency shelter open supported by mobile feeding unit
  • Two mobile kitchens from Austin serving at a shelter in Seadrift, Texas
  • Lubbock mobile kitchen served 10 buses of evacuees in Belton

As of Monday evening, August 28, 6,288 meals, 7,162 snacks, and 5,664 drinks have been provided.

To make a financial donation to support the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts please go to www.helpsalvationarmy.org, call 1-800- SAL-ARMY, text STORM to 51555.

For the latest information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx. To access photo and video resources related to The Salvation Army Hurricane Harvey relief efforts please go to www.salvationarmysouth.org/harvey.

AC Soccer Teams Drop Season Openers to Richland College

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Jade Dewbre’s hair flies after her twisting header for an equalizing goal during Friday’s season opener against Richland College. The Lady Roadrunners fell 2-1 in double overtime at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
Angelina College’s Jerissa Grimes (18) fights for possession near the goal during Friday’s season opener against Richland College. The Lady Roadrunners fell 2-1 in double overtime at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Both Angelina College soccer teams opened their respective regular seasons against Richland College on Friday, and both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners suffered heartbreaking losses at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin.

The Lady Roadrunners fell 2-1 in double overtime, and the Roadrunners dropped a 2-0 decision in the nightcap.
Both AC teams will travel to Mountain View College (Dallas) on Tuesday, with the ladies kicking off at 2 p.m. and the men following at 4 p.m.
Richland 2, Lady Roadrunners 1 (2 OT)
In 2016, the Lady Roadrunners played the program’s first-ever game at Richland College. AC suffered a 2-1 loss in double overtime.
Fast forward one year, and simply copy and paste the headline.
This time hosting the Thunderducks, the Lady ‘Runners once again fell on a golden goal in the second extra period. Richland’s Courtney Weir banged home the game winner seven minutes into the second overtime for the ‘Ducks’ win.
Richland’s Asia Revely gave the ‘Ducks a 1-0 lead just six minutes into the match, driving a ball high into the right corner of the net. AC’s Jade Dewbre scored the equalizer in the 55th minute on an impossible, twisting header.
AC would miss two penalty kicks in the match, including a chance with just 13 minutes remaining in regulation.
The Lady Roadrunners (0-1) will play at Mountain View College Tuesday at 2 p.m.
Richland 2, Roadrunners 0
Despite missing several key players on opening night, the Roadrunners managed to put forth a battle against a strong Richland team before eventually falling 2-0.
The ‘Ducks’ Gustavo Lopez scored two goals in 74 seconds in the second half: One off a deflection and the other on a penalty kick. Those scores were just enough to hold off a young Roadrunner team absent several sophomore starters.

Angelina College goalkeeper Julian Ramirez dives for a save during Friday’s season opener against Richland College. The Roadrunners fell 2-0 at Jase Magers Field in Lufkin. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
The ‘Runners didn’t get many scoring looks against a tough Richland defense, and when they did press the attack, ‘Duck keeper Rene Chavez kept the ball out of the net.
Richland, on the other hand, appeared to solve AC’s defense after a scoreless draw in the first half. The ‘Ducks fired off five shots in the first five minutes of the second half, and only a superb effort from Roadrunner goalie Julian Ramirez kept the damage to a minimum.
The Roadrunners (0-1) travel to Mountain View College on Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
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