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AC Basketball’s Towery Signs with University of Missouri-St. Louis

By
Leah Listenbee
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Jason Towery had just one year at Angelina College to show what he can do on a basketball court.
He showed more than enough to garner attention from other collegiate scouts.
Towery, the Lincoln, Nebraska product, parlayed his stellar sophomore year with the Roadrunners into a recent signing with the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Angelina College’s Jason Towery recently signed to continue his basketball career with the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The Nebraska native’s role as a sixth man helped boost the Roadrunners to a 22-win season in 2016-2017. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
The 6’5” Towery proved invaluable in his role as a sixth man, specifically on the boards. Against Jacksonville College in the opening round of the 2017 Region XIV Conference Tournament, Towery grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 10 points to lead the Roadrunners to the win. Over the course of the year, Towery scored in double figures in eight games as the ‘Runners compiled a 22-win season under first-year head coach Kyle Manary.
More importantly, Towery understood that in a lineup filled with explosive offense, his biggest contributions would come without the ball touching his hands. His post defense allowed the Roadrunners to face down much larger lineups, in large part because of Towery’s tenacity.
“We had a lot of scorers on this team, so I was comfortable in my role as far as doing what I can do without the pressure of putting up big points every night,” Towery said. “If I could get a bucket, I did, but ultimately I just wanted to contribute whatever I could to keep us winning. Sometimes that meant playing defense, and sometimes that meant crashing the boards.”
Towery, a Communications major, said his decision to sign with UMSL came down to what the Division II university could offer both on and off the floor.
“It felt just felt like the right decision to commit there,” Towery said. “I felt like was home when I visited the campus. I feel it’s going to benefit me both academically and as a basketball player. I want to finish my degree, and everything I was looking for in a college is right there.”
Towery arrived at AC having already qualified academically, meaning the possibility existed of extending his stay another season. However, the thought of moving on with his career gave just too strong a pull.
“Deciding to leave here was tough,” Towery said. “It’s hard to walk away after seeing what we’re building here. I was looking forward to help build on that, but it was a great experience. I’m glad I chose to come here.”
Towery credited the AC coaching staff with pushing him harder than he thought he could go.
“I learned here that sometimes you think you’re going hard and you don’t really have another gear, but these coaches taught me how to come in every day and keep working harder until you find one,” Towery said. “Whether it’s practice, or lifting weights, or whatever, you’ve got to go hard at every part of it. It’s going to take you a lot farther in life if you do.”
Towery’s mother is Sharon Anderson-Towery.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Pratt, Graham honored by Angelina College radiography faculty and students

By
Leah Listenbee
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LUFKIN, TEXAS, May 23, 2017 –
Caitlyn Pratt and Robert Graham were recently honored by Angelina College radiography program students and faculty.
Caitlyn Pratt, Angelina College radiography student, and Robert Graham, Timberland Healthcare radiographer, were recently honored by Angelina College radiography program students and faculty as Student Radiographer of the Year and Technologist of the Year, respectively.
Pratt was selected by the radiography program faculty as the Student Radiographer of the Year. “She has a great attitude, mentors her classmates, strives to achieve excellence in the field, and is a team leader. She will be an excellent employee,” said Angie Wilcox, radiography program director.
Graham was selected by the second-year students as Technologist of the Year based on his ability to work with them and his generosity in sharing professional insights. Graham is employed by Timberlands Healthcare in Crockett.
For more information about the radiography program at Angelina College, call 936-633-6207 or visit www.angelina.edu.
Registration for Summer II ends June 28. Fall semester registration ends August 24.

AC Basketball Coach Manary Hosting Youth Camp in June

By
Leah Listenbee
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Camp for Girls and Boys Ages 8-18
Angelina College head men’s basketball coach Kyle Manary and his staff will again conduct a basketball camp for area girls and boys ages 8-18 who are interested in honing their hoops skills.
The three-day camp, scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. from June 13-15 at AC’s Shands Gymnasium, will focus on the fundamentals of the game of basketball. Manary said he wants the camp to be a combination of learning vital skills while having fun with the game. Assistant coaches Eric Colbert and Nick Wade will assist in the instruction.
Campers will be divided into groups according to age and ability. Attendees will receive a t-shirt and a voucher good for free admission to any of the Roadrunners’ non-conference home games during the upcoming 2017-2018 men’s basketball season.
The cost of the camp is $75, and campers are asked to bring a basketball and water/sports drinks.
Manary in 2016-2017 became the college’s winningest first-year coach in program history after his Roadrunners notched a 22-win season, including an appearance in the conference tournament semifinals. A former staff member of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Manary has worked with more than 150 NBA players.
Campers are instructed to register through Angelina College’s Community Services Division by calling 936-633-5206 or visiting the web site athttp://www.angelina.edu/com-serv/.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

AC’s Barlow Signs with Howard Payne University Women’s Basketball

By
Leah Listenbee
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Tyanna Barlow’s journey from small-town high school basketball star in Leggett, Texas to becoming a key component on the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners will continue to yet another level, as the sophomore recently signed to play her final two years of collegiate basketball with Division III member Howard Payne University in Brownwood.
Angelina College’s Tyanna Barlow (seated, center) recently signed to continue her basketball career with Howard Payne University in Brownwood. Pictured with Barlow are (seated, L-R) mother Terri Barlow and sister Shavanna Barlow; and (standing) AC head women’s coach Byron Coleman. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
The versatile Barlow did a little of everything for AC head coach Byron Coleman, finishing the 2016-2017 campaign having averaged 8.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.4 assists per game. Barlow also shot nearly 72 percent from the free-throw line.
However, it was her play down the stretch that elevated her numbers considerably. With the team’s leading scorer sidelined with a season-ending injury, Barlow picked up the slack, scoring in double figures in six consecutive conference games.
Her overall tenacity was more than enough to gain the attention of the HPU staff, and Barlow said once she got to see both the program and the facilities, she knew she’d found her next destination.
“Howard Payne has a great program, and I absolutely loved the gym,” Barlow said. “The head coach (Meia Daniels-Netter) went 33-0 as a player, and I thought that was amazing. I feel like I could be a part of that and maybe help her make something happen like that again.”
Barlow said coming from a small-school program meant she would need the right guidance if she hoped to continue both athletically and academically. She said she got the guidance from both coaches and instructors at Angelina College.
“Really, what I got most from the coach is the knowledge of the game,” Barlow said. “Coach Coleman is an excellent coach, and he helped me with getting smarter with the game. He taught me how to know when to attack or when to kick out. I feel like I’ll be taking that with me as well.
Angelina College’s Tyanna Barlow (seated, center) recently signed to continue her basketball career with Howard Payne University in Brownwood. Pictured with Barlow are (seated, L-R) mother Terri Barlow and sister Shavanna Barlow; and (standing) AC head women’s coach Byron Coleman. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
“Being here at AC helped me build a lot of character. Mrs. (Diana) Throckmorton is such a great instructor. She made it easy for me to learn and she made me want to keep learning, and that helped with my other classes.”
Barlow said she feels she’ll have an advantage over some of the younger Yellow Jacket players, adding that the two years of junior-college basketball experience helped her mature at a faster rate.
“I feel I can be a person other HPU players can lean on,” Barlow said. “They can ask me how I do certain things, and I can guide them through it. Playing at the JUCO level means you grow up fast, and I know that will give me an advantage at the next level.”
As for her role with the Yellow Jackets, Barlow admitted her versatility will offer plenty more options.
“I feel I’ll play multiple positions, but I really don’t care. I just want to be on the floor.”
Barlow’s mother is Terri Barlow.

Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful Announces Board Member Search

By
Leah Listenbee
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[Nacogdoches, Texas] –
(KNB), an organization committed to recycling education, litter abatement and beautification in Nacogdoches County, recently released applications for new board membership is seeking active leaders who demonstrate an interest in the goals of Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful, including recycling, litter abatement, beautification, and education. Ideal candidates will have past board experience and legal or financial experience. Additional areas of consideration include fundraising, grant writing, public relations, and nonprofit development.

“Board members should expect to commit 4 – 10 hours outside of monthly board meetings,” Katie Blevins, KNB executive director, said. “We have a very active board which leads to a valuable experience for directors.”
The KNB board of directors impacts change in the local community that also benefits the local environment. They provide litter abatement and beautification services that prevent spending by the city of Nacogdoches and offer a popular technology recycling program, estimated to collect over 7,000 lbs. of recyclables this year, that otherwise would not be available to the Nacogdoches community. The KNB board of directors formed a nominating committee to oversee the selection of new board member candidates for the organization. The search committee is comprised of three current board members, including KNB chairman, Ray Mitchum.

To learn more about KNB board membership and to find the application for KNB board membership, visit keepnacbeautiful.org/board. Specific inquiries should be directed to info@keepnacbeautiful.org  or to christie@elinvar.com.

About Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful
Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, volunteer organization that promotes beautification, waste reduction and litter prevention through individual responsibility across Nacogdoches County. Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful is a local affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful. More information about Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful and current programs can be found at www.keepnacbeautiful.org.
Additional Contact:
Ray Mitchum, KNB Board Chairman
936-554-8156
Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful
P.O. Box 633030, Nacogdoches, TX 75963
936-560-5624
Email mail to: info@keepnacbeautiful.org

Avoiding the Tax Time Bomb

By
Leah Listenbee
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When it comes to retirement – and to passing on whatever wealth you’ve accumulated to a spouse or the next generation – you may think you’ve thought of everything.
But despite your careful planning, it could be that Uncle Sam will be handing you a hefty tax bill while you’re living – or your beneficiaries one when you die.
“Even people who have been great about saving for retirement don’t always realize the tax implications of what they’ve done,” says Brett Sause, CEO of Atlantic Financial Group LLC (www.atlanticfinancialgroup.org <http://www.atlanticfinancialgroup.org>). “They may have created a significant tax problem for themselves, and they could be leaving behind a tax time bomb for their beneficiaries.”
The scenario is a fairly common one, especially for baby boomers in or near their retirement years.
“Someone told you to get an IRA,” Sause says. “Or they told you to open a 401(k) because your employer was offering it as a benefit, and it sounded like a good idea.”
And those are good ideas – to a degree, he says. An IRA, a 401(k) or a 403(b) helps slice into your income tax bill today, putting more in your pocket now and less in the government’s. But these are tax-deferred plans, not tax free.
Eventually, the tax bill comes due. When you retire, any withdrawals from those accounts are taxed. And when you turn 70½, the federal government requires you to withdraw a minimum amount, whether you want to or not.
“People often assume their tax rate is going to be less when they retire, but that’s not necessarily the case,” Sause says.
He says those who want to avoid that tax time bomb for themselves – and in some cases for their beneficiaries – could consider other ways to invest their dollars, such as:
Municipal bonds.
Municipal bonds are used to fund schools, highways or other government projects. Under the federal tax code, the interest income on municipal bonds is tax free. Usually, the interest also is exempt from state taxes. Roth IRA. Unlike a traditional IRA, you don’t get to defer taxes on the income you contribute to a Roth IRA. But the upside is that when you reach retirement age, you can generally make withdrawals income tax free. And if you die with money still in the account, your beneficiaries also won’t pay taxes when they make withdrawals (but could still be subject to estate taxes).
Life insurance.
Life insurance death benefits pass to beneficiaries income tax free, and it provides other advantages as well. “You can use permanent life insurance while you’re still breathing,” Sause says. For example, you can withdraw money from it and you can borrow from it*. People tend to see the life insurance premium they pay as another bill, he says, not unlike the cable TV or electric bills.
Instead, Sause says, it could be seen as a contribution, much like the contribution to an IRA or a 401(k), because in addition to the death benefit protection, permanent life insurance has living benefits too. “It’s always hard to do someone’s planning based on what the future holds,” Sause says. “But with our national debt what it is, it’s likely tax rates are going to be higher years from now. So with retirement planning, it often becomes a matter of whether you want to pay your taxes now or pay them later.”

Sales Tax Holiday for Water-Efficient, ENERGY STAR® Products Set for May 27-29

By
Leah Listenbee
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(AUSTIN) —
Texas families can save on the purchase of certain water- and energy-efficient products during the state’s Water-Efficient Products and ENERGY STAR sales tax holidays. Both take place on Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates shoppers will save an estimated $10.2 million in state and local sales tax during the Memorial Day weekend sales tax holidays.
“Outdated water systems and inefficient appliances can put a tremendous strain on our water supplies and power grids,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “By taking advantage of these sales tax holidays, Texans can make upgrades that will help alleviate those pressures and lower their utility bills — all while saving money on state and local sales taxes.”
This is the second year for the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday. Products that display a WaterSense label or logo can be purchased tax-free for personal or business use. These include showerheads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.
The sales tax holiday also applies to water-conserving products used or planted for conserving or retaining groundwater, recharging water tables or decreasing ambient air temperature to limit water evaporation. Items qualifying for the exemption include soaker or drip-irrigation hoses; moisture controls for a sprinkler or irrigation system; mulch; and plants, trees and grasses. These items can only be purchased tax-free for residential use.
There is no limit to the number of water-efficient or water-conserving products you can purchase. Go to the Comptroller’s website for more information on the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday
During the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday, the following energy-efficient products that display the ENERGY STAR logo can be purchased tax-free: programmable thermostats; air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less; refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less; ceiling fans; fluorescent light bulbs; dishwashers; dehumidifiers; and clothes washing machines (but not dryers). Go to the Comptroller’s website for more ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday details.
Estimated annual energy and water savings for eligible products are listed below.
ENERGY STAR Appliance vs. Conventional
Appliance Type
Energy Savings
Water Savings
Central Air Conditioners
8%
Room/Window Air Conditioners
9%
Refrigerators
9%
Ceiling Fans
60%
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
80%
Clothes Washers
25%
45%
Dish Washers
12%
30%
Dehumidifiers
30%
Programmable Thermostats
7%
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

City of Nacogdoches Starr Avenue Construction and Lanana Creek Trail Rerouting

By
Leah Listenbee
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NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – Work will being this week on Starr Avenue to replace the Lanana Creek Bridge. This construction will cause Starr Avenue to be closed to through traffic from North Street to University Drive. The project should take approximately 8 months to complete, finishing up in early 2018.
The Lanana Creek Trail’s usual route runs under this bridge. The trail will not be closed because of this construction; however, beginning Wednesday, May 24th the section of the trail running through Pecan Park and under the Lanana Creek Bridge will be rerouted across Starr and along Wilson Drive. The new route will meet up with the existing trail past the Stephen F. Austin State University Intramural Fields. This change is illustrated in the map below.
This reroute will require pedestrians to cross over Starr Avenue to access the rest of the trail. Drivers are urged to take extra precautions and be aware of all workers, pedestrians, and warning signage in this area.

AC’s Nealey Signs with Prairie View A&M University

By
Leah Listenbee
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Angelina College’s La’Neique Nealey was well on her way to an All-American caliber year when she went down with a season-ending injury back in January.
That didn’t stop the collegiate scouts from campaigning for her services.
A virtual double-double machine throughout most of her two years with the Lady Roadrunners, Nealey recently signed to play the remainder of her collegiate career at Prairie View A&M University beginning in the fall of 2017.
Nealey said she didn’t just drop in for a campus visit. She also watched the Tigers – and their coaching staff – in action on game night. What she saw convinced her the campus nestled just outside Houston was the perfect location for her new basketball home.
“I felt I fit into the environment there, and when I went to watch them play and saw how (head coach Ravon Justice) coaches, I felt I fit in with the style of play,” Nealey said. “I felt the players stick together like a family. I love basketball, and this decision came down to the game, but being on the campus and the environment it creates was more than basketball.”
The Madisonville product leaves AC as one of the program’s all-time greats after averaging double figures in both scoring and rebounds while she was on the floor. Nealey played in 17 games before her season ended, scoring in double figures in 16 of those. She notched 12 double-doubles in that span, including a streak of eight straight games with 10 or more points and rebounds. Nealey’s numbers at the end of the 2016-2017 campaign would have had her near the top of every All-American list – she earned Honorable Mention honors for her freshman season – had she been able to compete in enough games. Nealey nevertheless averaged 16.7 points. 12.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 2.1 steals and 2.4 assists for the past year.
Angelina College’s La’Neique Nealey (seated, center) signed recently to continue her basketball career with Prairie View A&M University. Pictured with Nealey are (seated, L-R) mother Susan Nealey and sister Lamara Nealey; and (back row) Lady Roadrunner head coach Byron Coleman. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
Her all-around skill set is a big reason she believes she’ll make an immediate impact with the Panthers.
“I feel I’ll definitely be able to add to the scoring and rebounding,” Nealey said. “I feel I can bring a lot to the table. I’m just ready to get back on the court. I’ve been out almost six months, and that’s way too long.”
Nealey credits her head coach at AC, Byron Coleman, with helping her mature into a Division I-level athlete.
“I’d have to say the way Coach Coleman’s coaching style made me push myself further, and it made me become more independent,” Nealey said. “I feel I grew as a leader. His style is all about teammates helping teammates and pushing each other. He treats us like adults, and I think he helped me to grow up faster and stop depending on someone else.”
Nealey in 2015-2016 earned 1st Team All-Conference honors and was a JUCO All-Star Game selection.
Her parents are Susan and Lamar Nealey.

AC’s McHenry Signs with East Texas Baptist University

By
Leah Listenbee
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Karley McHenry’s relationship with the East Texas Baptist University women’s basketball program goes back at least a couple of years, when the Tigers first began wooing the former Pollok Central standout while she still wore Lady Bulldog green.
Angelina College’s Karley McHenry (seated, center), a former Central High School standout, recently signed to continue her basketball career at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall beginning in the fall of 2017. Pictured with McHenry are (seated, L-R) mother Rique and father Billy; and (standing) Lady Roadrunner head coach Byron Coleman. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
McHenry would put off her eventual signing with the Tigers for at least one year, spending the 2016-2017 as part of the Angelina College Lady Roadrunner squad. ETBU’s interest never waned, however, leading to McHenry’s recent signing to move from Lufkin to moving in the fall of 2017.
“ETBU has been looking at me for about two years now, and the first time I visited, I loved the environment,” McHenry said. “The people, the instructors, the coaches – they all made really good points as to why I should be there. Not just with basketball. They made me feel like they will help me become the woman I want to be in life.”
In Lady ‘Runner head coach Byron Coleman’s system, McHenry was used primarily as a shooting guard, posting her career high with 25 points – including six three pointers – in a Dec. 7, 2016 game against Bossier Parish Community College.
With the Tigers, however, McHenry will be expected to fill a different role.
“Here at AC this year, I was more of a shooter, but the coaches at ETBU have told me they want me to be a more versatile player, maybe playing from the four spot with both an inside and outside game,” McHenry said. “I think I fit in there very well. The girls who are there acted like they loved me the very first visit, and they’ve stuck with me ever since. They’ve been asking me when I was going to come.”
McHenry credited AC coaches Coleman and assistant Randy McKelvey with elevating her game to a level at which she’ll feel comfortable in making the jump to the NCAA’s Division III level.
“The coaches at AC definitely helped me with my off-the-dribble work, and my shooting got better,” McHenry said. “The way I see the floor and respond to the game are 100 percent better.”
McHenry’s parents are Rique and Billy McHenry.
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