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Main Street Accreditation

By
Megan Whitworth
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The Texas Main Street Program of the Texas Historical Commission has recommended Nacogdoches for National Accreditation to the National Main Street Center. The recommendation is based upon Nacogdoches’ Report of Progress submitted to the state office as part of its annual reporting requirement for Fiscal Year 2016.

In 1999, the National Main Street Center implemented this process to recognize local Main Street revitalization programs for their individual annual progress and improvement through the Main Street Four Point Approac. Through the Approach, local programs focus on a myriad of activities within four strategic areas. This includes creating Economic Vitality through making the most of a community’s unique sense of place and existing historic assets, harnessing local economic opportunity and creating a supportive business environment for small businesses. Design supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical elements of downtown while capitalizing on unique assets that set the commercial district apart. Through Promotion, downtown is positioned as the center of the community and hub of economic activity. The Organization strategy area mobilizes the resources and partners needed to effectively show measurable outcomes from a Main Street revitalization effort.  National Accreditation will be formally announced in May at the National Main Street Now conference in Pittsburg, Pa.

Texas currently has 89 designated Main Street programs, making it one of the largest in the country. the Texas program was one of the first state coordinating programs to be established in 1981, and since that time it has been a part of the Texas Historical Commission, the state agency for historic preservation. Year-end reinvestment statistics show cumulative reinvestment over this time from all programs that have participated at $3.38 billion, with the creation of more than 35,000 jobs and almost 5,000 small businesses. Specifically, an estimated total of $12,614,751 has been reinvested in Downtown Nacogdoches since 2007. In 2016, a total of $89,200 was invested in Downtown Nacogdoches by private and public entities.
Volunteers are a very important aspect of the Main Street model because they help leverage the impact a small staff can have and also provide an avenue for the whole community to be a part of the success of downtown.  Volunteer leadership works with staff to carry out the local program. Over the past year, 123,885 volunteer hours were contributed to Texas Main Street programs. Since 1999, more than 1.4 million volunteer hours have been contributed. The economic value of this to local public budgets is more than $35.6 million. Nearly 10,000 volunteer hours were logged for Nacogdoches in the past year.
More information on the National Main Street Center/Main Street America: mainstreet.org.
More information about the Texas Main Street Program and the Texas Historical Commission: thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/texas-main-street and thc.texas.gov.

5 Top Tips for Heart Health Month

By
Megan Whitworth
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Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. While there are many risk factors involved that are beyond one’s control, a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference.

February is American Heart Month and a great opportunity to adopt healthy habits that can reduce your risk for illness. Here are five to consider.

• Move about: Exercise doesn’t have to be daunting! Aim for 10-minute sessions, three times daily. Movement sets your metabolism in motion, so make sure it’s a consistent part of your life.

• Get sleep: Sleeping fewer than seven hours a night can make you gain weight and have more trouble taking it off, according to Columbia University research. Another study found that people who get enough sleep have a five percent higher metabolism than people who don’t. That means more calories burned while you’re sleeping! Doesn’t get much easier than that.

• Eat small and well: “Studies have found that losing five to 10 percent of your body weight can lower the risk of a heart attack,” said Dawn Zier, CEO of Nutrisystem and the 2017 Go Red for Women Campaign Chair in Philadelphia, a movement to help end heart disease and stroke in women.

Research suggests that eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day promotes greater weight loss and maintenance, and can also be good for your heart. Schedule meals every two to three hours, six times a day. Programs designed to help you eat healthy portions can mean seeing quick results. For example, Nutrisystem Lean13 is a new program designed to help you lose up to 13 pounds and seven inches in the first month. For more information visit nutrisystem.com.

• Rise, shine, drink water. You’ll burn more calories all day: A German study found that drinking 48 ounces (about six cups) of cold water increased calorie burn at rest by up to 50 calories per day. This alone could melt a pound in a little more than two months. And drinking it before meals could give you an added bonus, as a Virginia Tech study found that dieters who drank two, eight-ounce glasses of water before meals for 12 weeks lost 36 percent more weight than those who didn’t down the water.

• Put your phone away: Checking your email in the morning will just stress you out. Many productivity experts recommend waiting at least an hour once you get to work before checking your inbox, so you can tackle your most important priorities calmly without getting distracted.

This American Heart Month, take steps to improve your health and reduce your risk for serious illness.

(StatePoint)

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Assumes Operations of Altus Lufkin Freestanding Emergency Center

By
Megan Whitworth
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Today CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial officials assumed operations of Altus Emergency Center, the free-standing ER located next to Walmart and Sam’s Club. The facility will now be called the CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Emergency Center.

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Market CEO Monte Bostwick speaks to the crowd at today’s press conference announcing hospital officials have assumed operations of Altus Emergency Center.

“It’s a great day for healthcare in our community. It is an exciting time as we get to announce a new partnership with Altus,” said Monte Bostwick, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Market CEO. “Our overriding mission for us is to provide the very best healthcare that we can for our community. This is another resource that we are going to put in play that is going to help us to deliver on that mission. …In all facets for us, we are extremely excited about this opportunity and to provide this service for the community.”

For the past several months, the leadership of CHI St. Luke’s Health conducted due diligence to ensure a smooth transition for all involved. New CHI St. Luke’s Health signage will be going up at the facility soon, and all current Altus staff has become CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial employees.

“We are moving outside our traditional hospital walls in new, innovative ways. Assuming operations of Altus ER allows us to provide quality health care in a variety of locations to a variety of people,” said Shawn Barnett, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Market COO and Lufkin President.

The new hospital-based CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Emergency Center will be the only free-standing emergency room in East Texas that can accept all contracted commercial plans (in-network versus out-of-network), Medicare and Medicaid.

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Market COO and Lufkin President Shawn Barnett speaks at today’s press conference.

“Altus wanted to ensure that all the Lufkin community could be seen at the freestanding ER – from grandparents to grandkids,” said Kevin Herrington, President of Altus Emergency Centers. “Partnering with CHI now allows these options unlike any other freestanding ER in the community.”

Herrington also stated, “Confusing bills are a big concern to patients who use freestanding ERs. Now with CHI, there will be no more concern if the patient was billed correctly or if their insurance covered their care or not. CHI contracts allow this location to be in network with insurance companies as well as accepting Medicare and Medicaid.”

Patients who need more specialized care will be transferred to the hospital’s main campus where a team of specialists are available 24/7 providing a higher level of care for the patients, when and if needed. CHI is committed to providing the full spectrum of continuation of care to all the patients that visit the freestanding ER.

“The delivery of health care is rapidly changing, and we are evolving to meet the greater needs of our community,” said Barnett. “Today, people are looking for faster, more convenient service. We want to provide Lufkin with high quality care – inside and out of the hospital.

“We look forward to this exciting opportunity to provide a broader range of emergency services, help alleviate wait times at our main emergency department, and help build healthier communities which is our ultimate purpose in being here,” he added.

What’s Happening at the Public Library?

By
Grace Baldwin
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Free Tax Help

A.A.R.P. volunteers will provide free tax preparation at the Judy B. McDonald Public Library every Monday, beginning Feb. 6 through April 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. There are no income or age limitations to receive their assistance, however, participants are asked to bring the following items with them: photo I.D., social security cards for anyone on the tax return, birth dates for anyone on tax return, W-2s, 1099-MISC, etc., blank check for direct deposit and last year’s tax return. Participants are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“The A.A.R.P. volunteers generously provide their time and expertise to assist people in our community. We are very thankful to the A.A.R.P. volunteers because they provide a very valuable service,” said Mercedes Franks, library director.

PowerPoint Pointers

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library will hold an introductory PowerPoint computer class on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m.

Students will get tips on making interesting and attractive presentations. The class is free, but registration is requested. Please call 559-2970 to reserve your spot.

Coding with Scratch

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites children ages 9-12 years to participate in Coding with Scratch on Tuesday, February 7 th at 4:30 p.m. The ability to code computer programs is an important part of literacy in today’s society.

Learning to code teaches children how to think logically, how design process works and how to troubleshoot problems. This class will teach children the basics of coding using Scratch, a free, open-source coding program from MIT.

Classes will be offered on a monthly basis. Please call the library at (936) 559-2970 to register. Spaces are limited.

Permaculture 101

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites the community to an interactive workshop, Permaculture 101, on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2:30 p.m. Join local expert Theron Beaudreau of Integrated Acres as he shares an introductory look into permaculture principles and holistic design strategies for east Texas.  Permaculture is an ethics-based design science that aims to foster harmonious relationships between humans and natural systems.

“Permaculture is a way to better design our homes, gardens and communities based on nature’s own design,” Beaudreau said. “This short workshop will give you a whole new way of thinking about gardening.”

Family Day Out will be held simultaneously, so the whole family can have something to do.

“We are so pleased to have Mr. Beaudreau, and his workshop aligns well with our program series on gardening, sustainability and wellness.” Assistant Library Director Crystal Hicks said.

“We’re also trying to offer events for different age groups at the same time to give families more options.”

The event is free, but registration is requested. Please call 559-2970 to reserve a spot.

The Friends of the Library are on Facebook (as Judy B. McDonald Public Library) and Twitter & Instagram (as @friendsofnacpl).

IHOP Restaurants Extend All You Can Eat Pancakes Promotion

By
Megan Whitworth
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For a Limited Time, Breakfast Lovers Can Enjoy as Many of the World’s Most Delicious, Fluffiest Buttermilk Pancakes They Want at an Incredible Value at IHOP® Restaurants Nationwide 

WHAT: Breakfastarians everywhere have spoken and, due to high demand, IHOP has extended its wildly popular ‘All You Can Eat Pancakes’ promotion through February 12.
As the all-day breakfast leader’s most highly-anticipated promotion of the year, dine-in guests can dig into unlimited orders of freshly made, world-famous IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes for a great price a little while longer. Guests who enjoy a full stack of five Buttermilk Pancakes – or a short stack of two pancakes with a combo plate of eggs, golden hash browns and choice of sausage, ham or hickory-smoked bacon – can request additional short stacks of two Buttermilk Pancakes to fulfill their cravings. ‘All You Can Eat Pancakes’ is available at participating IHOP restaurants nationwide for a limited time only.
WHERE: Participating IHOP Restaurants in the United States
WHY: For almost six decades, IHOP has been the leader in bringing guests a freshly made breakfast served all day, every day and continues to bring people together to share moments together over delicious, made-to-order Original Buttermilk Pancakes through its highly anticipated annual ‘All You Can Eat Pancakes’ promotion. This offer provides the opportunity for guests to enjoy the fluffy, golden pancakes that set the breakfast standard almost six decades ago, for a great value*.
WHEN: From now through February 12
*Dine-in only. All You Can Eat offer valid per person, per order. For a limited time. Price and participation varies.

Texas House Prioritizes Border Security & School Finance

By
Rep. James White
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Continuing on the work from last week, I joined my fellow Texas House members in calling on the federal government to reimburse Texas taxpayers for $2.8 billion in costs resulting from Washington’s failure to secure the border.

Texas has stepped up in protecting our borders, a task that is a federal responsibility. However, due to Washington’s failure, Texas has taken the initiative in recent years. As a result, Texas taxpayers are carrying a tremendous financial burden that should be shared equally by all Americans. My colleagues and I ask Washington to own up to its responsibility of securing the border and to reimburse Texas for the $2.8 billion cost the citizens of Texas have spent in cleaning up the federal government’s mess.

Since January 2013, the state of Texas and local governments have been forced to spend a tremendous amount of money as a result of Washington’s failure to secure the border. This financial burden on Texans is unacceptable and I hope the Trump administration’s commitment to border security is upheld.

In addition, during the legislative interim the Texas Supreme Court ruled on the school finance and the equitable distribution of money to school districts. The ruling held that the way school districts are currently financed is constitutional, however, it noted the problems and inefficiencies that could be improved upon. House leadership has made it a priority to improve the school funding mechanism this legislative session.

I have been listening to many of my local education leaders, educators, students, parents, and taxpayers about how the legislature can help them and have made it a priority to support legislation that fixes the school finance system and prioritizes the education of our Texas school children. I cannot return from Austin from a session where we do not address this critical need for our public school system. As a former educator, I believe that a strong foundation can only be built if we provide our schools with the adequate tools and support they deserve. Moreover, I do not have a lot of intellectual energy for plans that attempt to divert large sums of taxpayer monies to other efforts and away from my rural East Texas districts.

The House also met for Tuesday and Wednesday to continue preparing for committee assignments and beginning to push legislative priorities. We will be reconvening this week on will hear from both Governor Greg Abbott and Chief Justice Nathan Hecht in regards to the state of their respective branches of the Texas government.

Lastly, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has notified my office of the completion of a project in House District 19. The project located in Jasper County on FM 1007 from US 96 to RE 255 was completed on December 27, 2016. This project originally began back on March 1st and consisted of the construction of a safety project providing additional paved surface width and centerline texturing. I thank Southeast Texans for their support in building and improving roads and bridges. These bridges and roads are tied to our ability to increase economic freedom and grow our local prosperity.

The Capitol of Texas belongs to you and visiting the Capitol during the biennial legislative session is a great experience. To assist in arranging your visit please call Saul Mendoza, my Chief of Staff, at (512) 463-0490. Or, you can email him at saul.mendoza@house.texas.gov.

Editor’s Letter: Hello February

By
Megan Whitworth
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Hello, readers!

I’m so happy it’s February.

January brought a New Year, birthdays galore, and warm temperatures with a few cool days in between. But February brings something a little bit different, not only does it give us Groundhog Day, but it gives us my second favorite day of the year, behind New Year’s Eve – Valentine’s Day!

Managing Editor Megan Whitworth, left, with her husband, Ryan Whitworth.

Love, love, love, and more love. I can never get enough of it. My home will be filled with flowers, heart shaped chocolates, and romance movies this entire month.

My favorite Valentine memory is when I came home from a long day at work about three years ago; I walked into my bedroom and the room was filled with red, pink, and white balloons, and there sat on the bed was a red stuffed bear and chocolates. My heart was so happy that my husband would do something so sweet and cute. I sure am a lucky girl!

I love Valentine’s Day, and we are bringing that love to TFCL this month. We have daily articles coming with date night ideas, what to wear on first dates, dating advice, and love stories galore! Plus, we will be sharing bachelor and bachelorettes of East Texas every Saturday this month. To nominate someone, please send us a small bio and contact information to info@texasforestcountryliving.com. We can’t wait to share our local singles with you!

Also coming up this month is this year’s Nacogdoches Film Festival. We are looking forward to taking a behind the scenes look at this year’s films and stories of how it all came to be. We are also going to feature Childrenz Haven Gala 2017 “Casino Royale” happening alter this month They are an amazing organization that brings light to child abuse and serves those who have been effected. You can learn about Childrenz Haven at childrenzhaven.org.

Plus, we are featuring Pianist Anna Harbuck in our monthly series “East Texas Talent” on Friday, Feb. 10. I sat down with Anna last week and was just blown away by her talent and the person she is. I can’t wait to share her story with you!

I don’t want to spoil every story that we have coming out in the month of February. Of course, we’ll have our weekly authors: Neena Mitchell, Kevin & Renee Wilson, Ginger Bowie of Ginger Snap Crafts, Cary Sims, and many others sharing recipes, health tips, the latest styles, and much more. We also have new authors coming on board, so you won’t want to miss out on the big changes happening at TFCL. So make sure to check daily for the latest on TFCL!

If you have a story idea or two, send it to info@texasforestcountryliving.com. We would love to hear your thoughts on stories, ideas for stories, and how you think we’re doing. We sure do love East Texas and the people, places, and things to do in this area.

Until next time, keep reading and keep sharing!

Love,
Megan Whitworth

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Your State Parks

By
Megan Whitworth
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State parks have a wide variety of events for you to enjoy with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. Find a listing of all planned events online, and keep reading for six ways to enjoy the outdoors this month!

Dance the Night Away

CCC Sweetheart Dance at Meridian (Feb. 11) – Join us for a blast from the past sweetheart dance under the stars!

Under the Stars Valentine’s Dance at Daingerfield (Feb. 11) – We’re bringing back an old tradition. Join us under the historic pavilion for a great night full of fun and memories.

Get Artsy

Martin Dies Jr. State Park artists

Painting with a Ranger at Dinosaur Valley (Feb. 11) – Capture the beauty of the park with watercolors!

Be my Wild Valentine at Cooper Lake – Doctors Creek Unit  (Feb. 11) – Make some nature inspired valentines.

Snake Arts & Crafts at Martin Dies, Jr. (Feb. 12, 19) – Join Ranger Amy for hands on, kid-friendly arts and crafts!

Take a Hike

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Take a Hike With a Homeless Dog! at Davis Mountains (Feb. 9, 16) – Help a shelter dog get some exercise with a walk on a park trail.

Full Moon Hike at Galveston Island (Feb 10) – Let the full moon light your way and explore the night!

Sweetheart Hike at Garner (Feb. 11) – Come along on a guided hike with your partner, best friend, or family to explore the many natural and historical features which make this park a true Texas gem.

Valentine’s Nature Walk at Dinosaur Valley (Feb. 18) – Take a nature walk with a ranger. Bring your valentine and enjoy the beautiful scenery the park has to offer.

Dig in to Campfire Food

Dutch oven food

Dutch Oven Cooking Class *Valentine’s Special* at Inks Lake (Feb. 11) – Bring your sweetheart to this program full of sweet treats and learn the basics of cooking in a Dutch oven at our amphitheater.

Dutch Oven Cooking at Lake Bob Sandlin (Feb. 11) – Come enjoy some great Dutch oven cooking by our Fort Sherman Cookers!

All Around the Campfire at Lake Colorado City (Feb. 18) – Join us around the campfire with your sweethearts for some sweet treats.

Explore Nature

Zebra Longwing

Plant Hike at Estero Llano Grande (Feb 9, 16) – Take part in a ranger-led hike to identify interesting native and non-native plants in the park.

Butterfly and Dragonfly Walks at Estero Llano Grande (Feb 10, 17) – Join us on a ranger-led hike through the park noting these beautiful insects, some found only in South Texas.

Hearts in Nature Walk at Mother Neff (Feb. 11) – Come with us as we walk the trails and hunt for heart shapes in nature.

Journey at the Gulf’s Edge at Mustang Island (Feb. 11) – Join the park naturalist for a two-hour walk to discover beach treasures, learn about beach inhabitants, and explore the park’s many diverse resources!

Nature Program at Goliad (Feb. 11, 12, 18) – Come learn about the plants and animals that call our park home.

Be a Time Traveler

Seminole Canyon

Presa Canyon Guided Hike at Seminole Canyon (Feb. 11, 18) – This guided hike will take you into several of the park’s secluded areas of the canyon to view a variety of rock art styles and sites.

On the Trail with the Buffalo Soldiers at Cedar Hill (Feb. 11) – Come and experience a day in the life of a frontier soldier as the Buffalo Soldiers share their story.

Wood Carving and Scroll Saw Demonstration at Pedernales Falls (Feb. 11) – Take a look at how woodworkers made fancy designs in the late 1800s, around the same time that the first settlers were coming to the Pedernales Falls area from Germany.

Buffalo Soldiers and the Battleship Texas WWII Program at Battleship Texas (Feb. 11) – Come and hear the story of Pvt. Cale Carter, 25th Infantry Buffalo Soldier.

East Texas on Display Art Exhibit and Silent Auction Fundraiser Entertainment, Performers, and Artisans Announced

By
Megan Whitworth
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Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce presents East Texas on Display featuring original creations by local artisans from across East Texas. The fundraising event for Salvation Animal Rescue, Salvation Army Food Bank, and Timpson First Responders will take place on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2 – 8 p.m. in downtown Timpson, beginning at the Volunteer Fire Department. This exhibit delivers fun, excitement and a unique opportunity to support local heroes by participating in this event.

Bring the whole family for a day of culture, delicious food, musical entertainment and good, old-fashioned fun! Entertainment and live performances include: The Old Town Gospel Project, Makayla Baker, Sounds of India, Rhythm Rocker Cloggers, Motley-White, Anna Stockdale, David Pate & Mt Olive Baptist Church Choir, and Jeremy Bowley of Legal Limit. Music begins at 2 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m.  Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment.

East Texas on Display is an experience like no other, with a chance to get up close and personal with the many talented artists that bring local culture to the greater East Texas area. Some of the exhibitors registered so far include: Custom Made Knives by Terry Hall, local photography by Chad Pate and Dee Ann Breaux, blown glass, Western Art by Gary & Anne Aiken, graphic design by Ernest Parker, Chandler Custom Made Hatchets and Axes, custom wood work by Trained Termite, paintings by Rick Kirkley, Natalie Head, and Caley Castillo, sketch work by Paul Carroll and Todd Jenkins. New artisans are registering daily. If you are an artist, photographer, sculptor, wood-worker, iron-worker, quilter, musician or other creative talent, and would like to donate some of your work to the silent auction, contact the Selection Committee. All donors are encouraged to set up a FREE booth to display their other works. This is an excellent opportunity to promote your creative arts business and to show off your unique skills! Registration for exhibit booths and donations are being accepted up until February 15, 2017.

Register in advance to bring a group of friends and attend an instructor-led “painting party”! There will be three 2-hour sessions, each led by a different local artist. Canvasses and materials will all be provided. There are limited spots available so register now to secure your spots. Sessions being offered include: Debbie Leggett painting an arrangement of flowers, Color Me Happy painting a unique cross and wings on a real wood pallet, and Lara Bounds painting a beach scene.

Plan a little extra time to enjoy the creative exhibits in the fire hall designed to bring awareness of East Texas culture. A silent auction will be held throughout the day, beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. 100 percent of auction proceeds will go to benefit each purchaser’s choice from the groups listed above.

Bring your children to have their little faces painted, and enjoy refreshments, and more! Food includes: Fried catfish by Frontier Café, boiled crawfish, funnel cakes, and southern comfort food by Sandra Richardson of Kowgirls Kitchen.

For more information on East Texas on Display, contact the Selection Committee:

East Texas on Display
ATTN: Selection Committee
P.O. Box 740
Timpson, Texas 75975

Call or Text (936) 254-5050, email info@timpsonareachamberofcommerce.com, or visit the Facebook Event Page by searching “East Texas on Display.”

 

Anytime Ranchero Casserole

By
Kevin Wilson
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Are you looking for a casserole that would be perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and even dinner? Look no further! Kevin’s “Anytime Ranchero Casserole” fits the bill. Serve it with a side of fruit, and you have an ideal meal. It’s a first-rate breakfast to serve to company; a supreme casserole to carry to a Sunday brunch; and a great dinner for the working mom to make for her family; hence, the name “Anytime Ranchero Casserole.” For breakfast and brunch, prepare it the night before, let it set overnight in the refrigerator, and bake it in the morning. For an evening meal, cook the sausage mixture the night before, assemble it in the morning, let it set in the refrigerator all day, and then bake it when you get home from work. Voila, the perfect casserole! This recipe is Kevin’s version of “Spicy Huevos Rancheros Casserole” from Deen Bros Family Holidays, 2011 ed. 

Happy Cooking,
Kevin Wilson & Mom

Anytime Ranchero Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound Owen sausage
1 cup chopped onion
2 cans salt-free black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10 ounces) can enchilada sauce
1 (4 ounces) can chopped green chiles, drained
1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
1 (24 ounces) pkg corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 (8 ounces) pkgs shredded Mexican four-cheese blend
12 large eggs
1 cup milk

Directions:

Butter a 13×9 inch baking dish. In a large skillet, combine the sausage and onion. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until sausage is browned and crumbly; drain well. Add beans, enchilada sauce, chiles, and taco seasoning mix, stirring to combine. Arrange one-third of tortilla pieces in prepared baking dish  Top with one-third of sausage mixture and one-third of cheese. Repeat layers twice. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Add milk, whisking until combined. Slowly pour mixture over casserole. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours. Remove from refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover casserole, and bake for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

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