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Roadrunners Split with Bossier Parish; Lady Roadrunners Break Records in Sweep at Northeast Texas College

By
Leah Listenbee
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When Angelina College head coach Jeff Livin made a ninth-inning stroll for a mound visit, Roadrunner pitcher Bailey Holstein’s body language said everything the coach wanted to hear.

Holstein didn’t want to leave.

Not with a one-run lead, and certainly not with two outs. And most certainly not with a chance for Holstein to earn a complete-game win.

 

Livin left, Holstein stayed, and the sophomore righty from Denham Springs, Louisiana notched the final out in AC’s 2-1 win over Bossier Parish College in the nightcap of Saturday’s doubleheader at Roadrunner Field.

Holstein’s nine-inning complete game included eight strikeouts and a single earned run to lift the Roadrunners to an afternoon split with the Cavaliers. Bossier Parish took the first game by a 6-5 score.

Angelina College pitcher Bailey Holstein delivers during Saturday’s nightcap of a doubleheader with Bossier Parish College. Holstein tossed a nine-inning, complete-game win to lead AC to a 2-1 win over the Cavaliers. Bossier Parish took the opener by a 6-5 score at Roadrunner Field. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Christian Leonard broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning, roping a solo homer over the right field wall to give Holstein all the cushion he would need.

Angelina College shortstop Nathan Miranda throws across his body for an out during Saturday’s doubleheader with Bossier Parish College at Roadrunner Field. AC took the nightcap 2-1 after dropping the opener by a 6-5 score. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Jacob Finke also drove in a run for the Roadrunners.

In the opener, the Cavaliers capitalized on several AC errors to push across four unearned runs. Roadrunner Garrett Kochakian blasted a three-run homer in the seventh inning to cut the Cavalier lead to a single run at 6-5, but Bossier Parish reliever Sam Wallace worked his way out of a jam to retire the side and preserve the win.

Angelina College’s Garrett Kochakian blasts a three-run homer during Saturday’s opener of a doubleheader with Bossier Parish College. The Roadrunners fell to the Cavaliers by a 6-5 score but bounced back for a 2-1 win in the nightcap. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Finke added a solo homer in the loss.

The Roadrunners will open a three-game series with Northeast Texas Community College on Thursday. AC will celebrate Sophomore Day before the game begins at 4 p.m. The series will wrap up Saturday in Mount Pleasant.

Angelina College catcher Roberto Malinowski stares down Bossier Parish College runner Cole Pippin before applying the tag during Saturday’s doubleheader at Roadrunner Field. AC took the nightcap 2-1 after dropping the opener by a 6-5 score. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Lady Roadrunners Sweep Northeast Texas

Jordan Kisselburg in the first game tied the individual single-season home-run record, blasting her 17th of the season to tie the mark teammate Taylor Davis set in 2016.

That was in the opener of the doubleheader.

In the nightcap, Kali Holcomb rocked two long balls, giving her 18 for the season and leaving her in sole possession of the record.

Kisselburg then went out and pitched a no-hitter in the nightcap, helping the Lady Roadrunners to a 12-4, 11-0 sweep to close out the regular season.

Kaylee Parker also homered for the Lady Roadrunners, who raised their season total to 99 homers. Saturday’s wins also eclipsed the school record for wins in a season, as AC posted their 43rd “W” of the year.

The Lady Roadrunners now await the conference tournament scheduled to begin on May 6 at Angelina College. Seedings and brackets will be released the week before the tournament opens.

PRESS RELEASE: 2017 DETCOG Regional Housing Authority Draft Annual Plan Now Available

By
Leah Listenbee
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Jasper, Texas –
A draft copy of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments Regional Housing Authority’s 2017 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.

The Regional Housing Authority’s Resident Advisory Board will meet to discuss and comment on the plan at 10:00am on Thursday, June 8, 2017, Lufkin City Hall, Room 202, located at 300 E. Shepherd Avenue, Lufkin TX.

The draft copy of the 2017 Annual Housing Plan can be reviewed at DETCOG’s main office, 210 Premier Dr., Jasper TX, Monday-Friday during the public comment period, April 24, 2017 – June 8, 2017. To request a copy of the draft 2017 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.

DETCOG Board of Directors will conduct a Public Hearing to receive comment and approve the 2017 Annual Plan at 12:00pm on June 22, 2017 at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex, 203 W. Main St, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin Celebrates National Healthcare Volunteer Week with Open House

By
Leah Listenbee
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LUFKIN, TEXAS (April 20, 2017)… It takes hundreds, even thousands, of people to make a hospital flourish – from the business and billing departments to food service and housekeeping to, of course, nurses and technologists, each role is vital to successful patient outcomes. One critical component of CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin is the dozens of volunteers who diligently give their free time and service each day to the hospital, its patients and guests.

People around the world are experiencing a renewal of the volunteer spirit. But for the Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary, who recently celebrated 42 years of service to the hospital, volunteering is a way of life. This group of dedicated men and women collectively volunteer thousands of hours each year by giving back to their community through their work at Memorial.

“What they do seems rather simple, but it truly makes a difference in how we operate,” said CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Chief Operating Officer Shawn Barnett. “Whether it’s filling the lobby with the delicious smells of popcorn, pointing someone in the right direction or holding a hand in someone’s time of need, we are grateful for the service our volunteers provide each day.”

During National Healthcare Volunteer Week, recognized April 23-29, the Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary will host an open house event at the new Volunteer Auxiliary Center, located in the hospital’s main lobby. The volunteers invite the public to the come-and-go event on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and to also consider becoming a part of this incredible organization.

“We welcome folks to come by and see us and have a free cup of coffee,” said newly elected Memorial Auxiliary President Gloria Gregory. “We know being at the hospital for tests or to visit a loved one can be stressful. We’re here to offer a welcoming smile and a chance to just sit and relax.”

Gregory said the Auxiliary is always looking for new members. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and are required to work only 4 hours per week. Volunteers raise funds through the hospital gift shop, jewelry and scrub sales. They recently surpassed the $2 million mark in contributions to the hospital. Proceeds from the popcorn sales go toward scholarships for local students wanting to pursue a degree in the medical field.

Volunteers receive numerous benefits including:
Free lunch or dinner in the cafeteria on the day you work at the hospital
Free uniform furnished by the hospital
Free flu shot
Free mammogram for females under 65 (Hospital pays what insurance does not cover)
Free T.B. test
Free valet parking

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health system based in Englewood, Colorado.

For more information about the Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary, call 639-7237.

Cutline: The CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary is made up of dozens of men and women dedicated who collectively volunteer thousands of hours each year to the hospital through answering phones, popping popcorn, greeting guests and operating the gift shop.

About CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial, part of a national nonprofit health system, provides more than a quarter of a million patient services and millions of dollars in local charity care and community support each year. With hospitals in Lufkin, Livingston, San Augustine and Memorial Specialty – the area’s only long-term acute care hospital – Memorial offers comprehensive, quality health care, including a free-standing emergency center and outpatient facilities and services. To learn more, visit CHIStLukesHealthMemorial.org. <http://www.chistlukeshealthmemorial.org/>

About Memorial Clinics

Memorial Clinics, a division of the CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial system, employs and partners with 40 primary care providers and specialists in 19 locations across East Texas. Memorial Clinics accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. Visit memorialclinics.com <http://www.memorialclinics.com> to learn more about our physicians and connect with the personalized patient portal.

About CHI St. Luke’s Health

CHI St. Luke’s Health, a member of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), is comprised of three markets―CHI St. Luke’s Health is home of the Texas Heart Institute (THI), eight hospitals, eight emergency centers, Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Radiation & CyberKnife Center, and several St. Luke’s Medical Group locations throughout Greater Houston; CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial (three hospitals and a long-term acute care facility in East Texas); and CHI St. Joseph Health (five hospitals and several St. Joseph Medical Group locations across Brazos Valley). In addition, CHI St. Luke’s is a part of a joint venture agreement with Baylor College of Medicine, which encompasses Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center. Together, CHI St. Luke’s Health, THI, and Baylor College of Medicine are transforming healthcare delivery with a mission to usher in a new era of healthcare to create healthier communities. Learn more at CHIStLukesHealth.org

About Catholic Health Initiatives

Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) is one of the nation’s largest health systems. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CHI operates in 19 states and comprises more than 100 hospitals, including four academic medical centers and teaching hospitals; 30 critical-access
facilities; community health services organizations; accredited nursing colleges; home health agencies; and other services that span the inpatient and outpatient continuum of care. Learn more at catholichealthinitiatives.com

Lone Star Farm and Home Center Spring Sale Event

By
Leah Listenbee
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NACOGDOCHES, TX – Lone Star Farm and Home Center will be hosting their Spring Garden Sale event in conjunction with Nacogdoches Main Street from 9 AM to 3 PM on Friday, May 5, 2017.

This event will boast sales on all plants, seeds, mulch, Lone Star fertilizer, and potting soil. Plants for this event will be provided by Bonnie plants.

In addition to these savings, local organizations will be present to share knowledge about plants and plant care with the community. Attendees may ask any gardening questions they may have and will be able to learn new techniques
with the SFA Horticulture Club.

“This event is not going to be just a sale, but a way the community can come together to learn the importance of gardening and beautifying Nacogdoches and the surrounding communities. East Texas is a special place and we want
to help make it a more fruitful place to live.”
Cliff Clark- Manager of Lone Star Farm and Home Center

Additionally, a BWI Company representative will be present to discuss different types of herbicides and pesticides. Attendees of the event may also learn about ground nutrients from a SFA Soils Lab spokesperson.

This event will teach community members to grow happy and healthy plants. Although representatives will be present, the atmosphere is going to be laid back. Attendees may come and go at their own pace.

Hot dogs will be served from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM during the event. Shirts will also be sold by the SFA Rodeo Team to raise awareness of their programs and activities.

Angelina College Men’s Soccer Hosting Tryouts in May

By
Leah Listenbee
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Player Julio Islas during a game in the 2016 season.

The Angelina College Men’s soccer team will be hosting tryouts on Saturday May 6th and Sunday May 7th between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Try-outs will be held at Jase Magers Soccer Field at Lufkin High School, 309 S. Medford Drive, Lufkin, Tx 75901. The cost to try-out is $20.00 per player. Participants need to bring a completed registration/release form (attached), soccer cleats, shinguards, soccer ball, water, and white or grey t-shirt.

NOTE: Participants will NOT receive a t-shirt as this is a try-out and not a camp.

Player Luis Garcia during a game during the 2016 season.

Prospects do not need to attend both dates. Registering prior to try-out date is highly encouraged to guarantee a spot in the try-out. Feel free to extend the invite to anyone else interested in playing collegiate soccer.

Any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at: josmith@angelina.edu, skhan@angelina.edu or fdrago@angelina.edu

Parks Master Plan Meeting

By
Leah Listenbee
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NACOGDOCHES, TX -The City of Nacogdoches will be hosting a meeting held on May 1, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM to discuss the latest status and direction
of the City’s upcoming Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan as a part of the #CityofNac Discussion Series.

The new master plan is still in the drafting and review phase, and public input and feedback is needed to determine what ideas should be of highest priority in the near term once the plan is adopted.

This event will have an informal format so visitors may come and go at any time during that period. “We have had great participation from a wide array of people in Nacogdoches, but I know we have not heard from everyone
in the community. This open house is set up to catch people who might not come to a public meeting or into a designated room, but are willing to stop by for just a few minutes.” Brian Bray, Director of Community Services, explained.

Panel displays will be set up in the lobby of the Recreation Center/Library where people can leave comments or visit informally with the consultant or staff. Those wishing to hear a brief formal presentation should plan
to be there at 6:00 PM to go into more detail about the information provided.

Displays of the current plan will be presented and city representatives will be present to interact with the community members and answer any questions that citizens may have. This meeting will precede a more formal public hearing at City Council.
The date for this event is not yet specified.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

By
Leah Listenbee
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I sat at my desk the other day reviewing a higher-than-normal stack of fatality reports. The accident reports are sent each month by the attending law enforcement agencies throughout the nine-county Lufkin District. TxDOT officials study the reports in hopes of determining if anything can be done to enhance the safety of the roadway at the crash sites. It’s not a fun part of my job, but a necessary one.

The reports are high priority in monthly safety meetings. The pictures and descriptions sometimes weigh heavy on our minds as we intently search for answers as to what caused some of the crashes.

I was disturbed more than usual this month. Of the nearly two dozen fatality reports, about half of them had no reason listed as to why the driver veered off the roadway or into oncoming traffic. In many of the reports I see each month, the only thing we can determine is the driver was somehow distracted.

As I write this, I am preparing to speak to local driver’s education students at several local high schools about how to drive safely through a TxDOT work zone, but you can bet I will not leave those schools without talking about distracted driving. I hope to leave the impression with these teens that being distracted behind the wheel of a moving vehicle – even once – can cost you your life.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and TxDOT annually launches the “Talk, Text, Crash” safety campaign to remind drivers to stay focused on driving. The current statistics have been released and they don’t look good.

One in every five crashes in Texas is caused by distracted driving and the problem is growing. In 2016, the numbers increased 3 percent from 2015 – to a staggering 108,962 distracted driving crashes in Texas. Those crashes took the lives of 452 people and seriously injured another 3,068. What’s equally disturbing is that those crashes are highest with drivers between the ages of 16 to 34.

Among Texas drivers, 38 percent admit to regularly using their cell phones while driving – either talking or texting. Keep in mind, that percentage represents only those who admit to it.

We want you to remember that when you look away from the road for five seconds, it is the same as driving the length of a football field blindfolded. If you want to increase yours or someone else’s odds of living as you drive from point A to point B, please put down the phone.

Parents, preach it to your teens. While you are preaching, make sure they know that state law prohibits teens under 18 from using mobile phones, including hands-free devices while driving.

So far, 90 cities in Texas have banned the use of cell phones by drivers, including the City of Nacogdoches. I applaud officials and law enforcement for trying to enforce these laws, but the bottom line is this: Only the driver can make the choice.

Only we can choose whether to text while driving, or talk on the phone, eat, put on makeup, turn to look at the baby, or any other thing we do when we drive. Your choice could change these new statistics – we hope for the better.

One thing is for sure. That choice will likely determine whether I see a file on my desk with your name or the name of a loved one with the letter K beside it. The K stands for ‘killed’. Please, when you are behind the wheel, just drive.

 

 

 

AC chorale and wind ensemble present “It’s a GRAND Night” concert

By
Leah Listenbee
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LUFKIN, TEXAS, April 18, 2017 –Angelina College Chorale is teaming up with the AC Wind Ensemble to present a concert, “It’s a Grand Night” April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Temple Theater. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors, students and children.

The chorale will present a grand night of singing featuring such favorites as “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “From a Distance” and “Oye la Musica.”

The AC Chorale is made up of students, faculty, staff and alumni from all around East Texas. Sopranos are Erin Wise, Marina Zinck, Mattie Fortenberry, Shelby Brown, Paytin Pogue, Kari Naumann, Tammy Oliver and Sarah Jackson. Altos are Sarah Shaffer, LaQuisha Davis, Patty Donaldson, Justice Irvine, Ailyn Torres, Felicia Adams, Kendall Hargraves, Emily Due and Dana Forrest. Tenors are Jad O’Connor, Joe Jones, Matthew Oliver and Colin Wise. Basses are Bryan Compton, Herb Blackmon, Stacy Perkins and Joshua Robinson. Beckie Compton is the director and Anna Harbuck is the accompanist.

The AC Wind Ensemble includes Marina Zinck on flute, Anthony Hackney on alto saxophone, Jimmy Battle (director) on trumpet, Max Vallejo on tenor saxophone, Bethe Girardi on baritone saxophone, and Olajuwon Taylor and Nick Whistler on percussion. Their set list includes “Acclamations,” “Korean Folk Rhapsody,” and “Canticum.”

In addition, Dr. Karen McBee, associate dean of instruction in Fine Arts, will perform a piano duet with Kendall Hargraves, AC music student.

For more information about this event or the music program at Angelina College, call 936-633-5233.

The Case for Rural Job Creation in Texas

By
Misty Boggs
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I was not surprised the other day to read that Texas was the number one growth state in the United States for 2016, according to a migration trends report from U-Haul.
The company ranks “growth states” by the net gain of one-way U-Haul rentals entering a state during a calendar year.
This, of course, is good news for Texas as a whole. But is it good news for all of Texas?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. That’s because the significant growth in Texas continues to occur in a relatively few urban and suburban counties.
Meanwhile the population is stagnant or declining in the majority of our 254 counties.
A brief by the Texas Demographic Center says it best: “Texans are very mobile and Texas is growing from migration.
But, within the state, the shifting and sorting of these population movements is uneven.
These trends underlie a reshaping of the state’s geography with some counties losing population while others gain population, some counties growing older while others are attracting young people, and some counties becoming more heterogeneous while others fail to thrive.”
The brief concludes that if these trends continue, “Texas could see a future where migration sharpens the state’s geographical differences in opportunities and challenges.”
Translation: Unless we make some changes, Rural Texas will be the big loser.
And that won’t be good for Texas, period.
It’s no secret why all the growth is occurring in our major metropolitan areas.
It’s a simple four-letter word, j-o-b-s. People are moving to Texas for jobs.
At the peak a few years ago we were told 10,000 newcomers were moving here every day.
The growth has slowed but is still substantial. And it will continue.
So, is Texas going to continue to pile all these newcomers on top of one another in the big cities and suburbs?
And if so, at what cost? Yes, there is a cost, and we all pay it.
When more freeways have to be built in the cities, we all pay.
When transit systems have to be expanded to move more people around in the cities, we all pay.
When more people and more cars increase air pollution, we all pay.
The cost of addressing these issues is funded in large part by the state and federal governments, so we all share the cost of dealing with urban congestion.
It’s time to let the rest of the state in on a well-kept secret.
Rural Texas is a great place to do business — and a cheap one at that.
The cost of doing business in Rural Texas is less for everyone. There is tremendous capacity for growth without building or expanding freeways.
The air is clean and, especially in East Texas, water is plentiful.
Texas is now home to 28 million residents. Projections indicate we could add 25 million more by 2050.
This great State will be even greater and stronger if some significant portion of the future population growth occurs in a more rural setting.
So how can we make that happen? Once again it’s a simple four-letter word, j-o-b-s.

Angelina College Recognizes Students at Annual Awards Ceremony

By
Nancy Reynolds
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Gary White, Angelina College diesel technology instructor and Thomas Hurst, Diesel Technology Program Student
Angelina College hosted its annual Honors & Awards program April 18 in Temple Theater.
Students earning honors include those named the the fall semester President’s List and Dean’s List, new inductees to the Upsilon Rho chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and members of Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. Thomas Hurst named Diesel Technology Program Student and Jessia O’Neall was named Texas All-State Academic Student.
Spring semester inductees to Phi Theta Kapp include Samuel Albrecht, Hayden Baker, John Bassett, Zachary Bridges, Rickson Campos, Joseph Clark, Maria Felipe, Mistie Gattis, Alex Guerrero, Paul Hart, Laura Lockhart, Klarizza Lopez, Ashleigh McDowell, Patricia Mercado Karina Miranda, Joanna Nelson, Abigail Patterson, Tydaisha Powell, Sadie Price, Jada Robins, Jeremy Rodriguez, Shanelle Santiago, Claudia Silva, Manuel Arellano Sosa, Crystal Swearingen, Morgan Utley, Chakari Walker, Domonique Ward, Justin Warren and Anna Wolfford.
Students named Who’s Who include Adriana S. Alegria, Kaitlyn E. Avery, Wanda M. Connor, Emily L. Cook, Christopher Galloway, Monica M. Gonzalez, Amy L. Hanks, Lexi B. Hodges, Haley M. Hollingsworth, Hannah B. Hopson, Megan E. Kimes, Joice M. Koshy, Scott T. Magee, Eric A. Manis, Gary S. Modisette, Jasmine N. Noble, Dawson L. Rapsilver, Joshua T. Robinson, Yamilex Robles, Briana N. Rucobo, Stephen C. Samuel, Gilbert R. Soto, Mikayla F. Sudduth, Stephanie G. Thompson, Ailyn Torres Cabrera, Morgan L. Vann, Alfredo J. Villarreal, Kayla Walters, Tyler J. Williams, Hailey D. Wilson and Brayli H. Yarbrough.
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