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Updates TxDOT Updates

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Here are a few updates from TXDot.

Nacogdoches County Approved For New Project

The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved more than $171.7 million in new construction projects throughout the state, with one located in Nacogdoches County totaling more than $4.7 million.

Construction was approved for FM 343 in Nacogdoches County from the Cherokee County line to FM 225. The work will include reconstructing and widening the pavement. The project length will be approximately 6.8 miles.

A start date for the project has not yet been determined, but the work will include reconstructing and widening the pavement to 24-feet on FM 343. Crews will also be safety treating fixed objects, which includes extending and safety treating cross drainage structures and driveway culverts. Profiling shoulders and adding profile edge line markings is also included in the planned work.

As work begins and progresses, motorists are urged to be alert to workers and equipment throughout the area. Obey all signage and prepare for intermittent lane closures and/or delays during the construction project.

Work To Begin On New Entrance at Mission Tejas State Park

A pre-construction meeting was held at the TxDOT Lufkin Area Office Thursday for contractors and TxDOT officials to set start dates for work to begin on a project in Houston County that will benefit Mission Tejas State Park.

Pinto Construction, of Nacogdoches, contractor for the $750,000 construction project, is planning to begin work the first week in January, weather permitting. Completion should be late summer 2017.

The construction project includes constructing a new entrance and parking lots near the new visitor’s center, also under construction at Mission Tejas State Park, located outside Weches in Houston County. The historical site is a 660-acre park, situated about 22 miles northeast of Crockett.

Motorists traveling to the area are urged to be aware and alert to workers and moving equipment as the project begins and progresses. Obey all signage and reduce speed in the park area.

TxDOT Restores Intersection To Previous Traffic Pattern

TxDOT officials have decided to remove three recently placed stop signs at US 59/SL 224 at NW Stallings Drive in Nacogdoches which will restore the intersection to its previous traffic pattern.

Three additional stop signs were placed about a month ago, creating an all-way stop at the intersection of US 59, Stallings Drive and Westward Drive in Nacogdoches. After officials conducted a second traffic study at the location, the decision was made Thursday to remove the additional stop signs, returning the intersection to its previous traffic pattern.

“The traffic congestion created by the additional stop signs at this location was not anticipated in the first traffic study,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “After going back and taking a second look, hearing the public’s concern and visiting with Nacogdoches city officials, the decision was made to return the intersection to the original condition.”

Workers are expected to remove the signs on Monday, weather permitting. Message boards will be in place to alert traffic of the change. Motorists are advised to stay alert through the area as these changes occur.

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

How To Style Work Holiday Party Attire

By
Maddie Adams
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It can be hard to find the perfect outfit for work Christmas parties, but I’m here to help!


If the party calls for casual attire: Throw on a pair of your most well fitted jeans and a shirt with some sparkle. I chose a cream colored blouse from Forever 21 paired with high waisted, dark, skinny jeans, and studded spiked heels.


For a formal party: A black dress is always perfect. I chose a long dress with studded gems at the top. If it is a little chilly, like it was for me, add a cream or red flowy cardigan.


For a semi formal party: You can wear a midi or knee length dress or skirt with fun heels. If you want to make a statement, go with a dress that has a super fun pattern. I went with zebra print and glittered flats.

Tip: You can do nice ballet flats or heels with any of these outfits.

Add some festivity by including something with sparkles to your outfit and a bold red lip!

Have fun and happy Fashion Friday!

Harmony Hill Baptist Church Throws Coston Elementary Christmas Party

By
Grace Baldwin
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Students at Coston Elementary School.

Students, teachers, and volunteers gathered together Friday morning and made holiday crafts and ate snacks as members of Harmony Hill Baptist Church threw a Christmas party at Coston Elementary School, an annual tradition that began four years ago.

Students participate in a Christmas party thrown by Harmony Hill Baptist Church at Coston Elementary this morning.

“We tutor and mentor on a weekly basis,” Beth Johnson, a member of the Harmony Hill Baptist Church Mission Team, said. “We do their Christmas parties and provide their snacks. We just have a presence here.”

Johnson was worried she would only have 17 volunteers, but 30 volunteers showed up.

Volunteer Christina Carver volunteers weekly to mentor students at Coston.

“I just love to serve,” Carver said. “To me it’s just joyful. To me it’s an honor and a privilege to serve our Lord, and this is just an extension of his love.”

The volunteers brought snacks and crafts to the classes and worked with the teachers to help students create. Parents were also invited to attend and make crafts with their children.

Students at Coston Elementary School.

“We have a real good relationship with the staff here,” Johnson said. “It’s a wonderful school.”

My Experience

It was special to me to photograph this event and write this story because I used to accompany my mother to Coston elementary while she taught the weekly Circle Club, a Christian club where kids learn about the Bible and sing, craft, and play games. I barely remember going to Circle Club, but what I do remember is that the kids around me were so excited to learn new verses and the 10 Commandments.

For the kids to be able to have a safe place to sing, laugh, and play while their parents could finish up what they needed to do that day was wonderful, and seeing that legacy continued through Harmony Hill Baptist Church was amazing.

Downtown Lufkin Shopping Guide

By
Megan Whitworth
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Items available at The Candle Shoppe.

Grab your purse and your wallet; the holiday shopping season isn’t over yet.

From dresses to candles to antique items, there is a one stop place for you to find the perfect holiday gift – downtown Lufkin.

Here is a look at only a few of the downtown shops to help you find your last minute holiday gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

A blouse available at Pink Leopard Boutique.

Pink Leopard Boutique

Our first stop will bring you to the always trendy Pink Leopard Boutique, owned by Kaylee Sullivan and her mother, Brenda Sullivan.

Dresses, shirts, beanies, and even Christmas socks line the shelves and hangers for an easy find for a sister, mother, and even your wife. Not only are fashion accessories available at the downtown boutique, the shop also offers home decor for every Southern bell.

“We have the hottest, latest, newest items,” Brenda said. “It’s just a fun place to shop.”

To view Pink Leopard’s latest arrivals, visit thepinkleopardboutique.org.

Sweet Ethel Mae

Just a few steps away from Pink Leopard is one of the latest editions to downtown – Sweet Ethel Mae.

“We pride ourselves in finding exclusive lines,” Co-owner Jeannie Lowery said.

Mixed with furniture, antiques, clothing, and specialty food – this downtown shop has a little bit of everything for everyone on your shopping list.

Lowery made sure to point out the delicious Cherith Valley Gardens’ jelly the boutique offers. Sweet Ethel Mae also showcases the stunning Waxing Poetic jewelry line near its front desk – everything from pendants to necklaces to earrings are available for the special lady in your life.

For information on Sweet Ethel Mae, visit sweetethelmae.com.

Twisted Sisters Boutique

Items available in Twisted Sisters Boutique.

Cross the street to find Twisted Sisters Boutique – a shop filled with home décor, candles, and everything from A to Z.

Offering a lot of discounts, the store showcases a little of everything for people on your shopping list. Stop by to browse the shop for their latest holiday items.

For more information on the downtown boutique, search Twisted Sisters on Facebook.

A Furniture Fetish

Furniture lovers should checkout the one place that you can always find a deal – A Furniture Fetish.

“We have everything from antique to new furniture,” Owner Andrew Harbuck said, “and if we don’t have what you need this week, we will next week.”

With new consignments arriving daily, the shop offers a range of furniture and décor for any home buyer. Take a quick tour of the store to find the perfect table or couch to fit your living room or dining room.

Store associates will be giving away gift cards at the Downtown Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Visit afurniturefetish.com for more information on the furniture store.

Candles available at The Candle Shoppe.

The Candle Shoppe

For a sweet scented candle, visit The Candle Shoppe downtown Lufkin.

“This is the greatest candle shop with the best candles you can buy at the lowest price,” Owner Charles Picha said.

Not only selling candles, the shop is known for its quality bargains offering a variety of Christmas decorations, knick knacks, and home décor.

For more information on the shop, search “The Candle & Gift Shop” on Facebook.

To take a step back in time, visit Heritage Antiques for a look at the unique items available in the store.

Heritage Antiques

Multiple vendors have set up shop at Heritage Antiques, filling it with classic china, home décor, old records, and many more collectibles.

“I think we have a real good variety. We’re not just one kind of antiques,” Owner Laura Koch said. “I also think that people love to come to an old building like this one.”

The antique mall also hosts several artists with their work on display and a working studio upstairs.

For more information on the antique shop, visit Facebook.com/HeritageAntiquesAndArtstudio.

A Quick Break

If you need to take a break on your shopping day, there are multiple places to stop by for a quick bite and a cup of coffee to give you more energy to complete your shopping extravaganza.

A Snowman Sugar Cookie available at Confections.

First, stop by Confections to take a bite of their famous decorated sugar cookies. They also have delicious soups and sandwiches available for a tasty lunch.

For every holiday lover, try a delicious cup of Apple Cider or at Standpipe Coffee House, available for a limited time, or add a pump of Peppermint flavoring to almost any drink available. They also have lattes and other drinks to choose from.

Or for a party of three, stop by Restoration Wine Bar for a sip of your favorite wine and take a look on their menu to discover your favorite new lunch spot.

Gamer’s Hallow

There’s just one more place to stop, and it’s just a couple of minutes from downtown Lufkin – Gamer’s Hollow. It’s the perfect place to find gifts for the gamers of all kinds in your life.

“We have a very wide selection of things from generic things like Magic: the Gathering and Yugioh! to niche items like board games and accessories,” General Manager Isaac Barney said.

There’s more to do at Gamer’s Hollow than marking items off your list; you can also bring your family down to play games and make memories during the holiday break and grab a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Check out Texas Forest Country Living’s Facebook page for more photos of items available at shops in downtown Lufkin.

Getting Back to Basics: The Lost Art of Writing Things Down

By
Megan Whitworth
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In this digital age, you may go days without using a pen and paper, but there are many reasons to skip the devices and stick to writing things down. From staying organized to planning your week to tracking career growth, here are a few things to take note of when it comes to taking notes.

• Taking notes in longhand can help you retain more information, suggests a study from Princeton and UCLA, as taking notes makes you more likely to process the information and reframe it in your own words. Not only that, your notepad is likely to contain fewer distractions than your laptop, tablet or phone.

• Look professional and stay organized at your next interview or meeting. Taking notes will make you look engaged and interested in what is happening, and a professional planner and/or notebook are must-have workplace accessories. Brands like AT-A-GLANCE offer professional, yet stylish planners, matching desk pads, notepads and wall calendars in a variety of styles and formats. Visit MyAtAGlanceStory.com for organizational inspiration.

Seeing everything on paper will help you plan and prioritize.

• Making comments in your notebook or planner helps you become the publisher of your story, capturing your life’s moments along the way. These are tools that help you look back on events in a tangible way.

• Rid yourself of the ever-present stress that comes with a busy life. Seeing everything written down will give you a sense of control. You will feel confident in knowing you have it all set, and keeping a record of your tasks in one location gives you an easy, organized way to get a grasp on your days.

• Using a planner to track your schedule can actually help you find missing time. You will have a better grasp on what is coming up and may even see a break that leaves you time to schedule dinner with a friend, try that new recipe you’ve been craving, or time to search for that special birthday present you need for the party this weekend.

• Increase productivity by maximizing the 24 hours that you have. Seeing everything on paper will help you plan and prioritize. Having “scheduled downtime” can help you to know when to go full steam ahead and when to take a break and unwind for a bit.

• Tracking in one place can also help prevent committing to things you can’t do. Wall calendars for the house are a great tracking tool for multiple schedules, helping day-to-day tasks run smoothly.

• Whether you’re planning a wedding or a work conference, a planner is among the most important assets you can use to aid your efforts, helping you keep track of all the details, large and small.

Find a favorite pen and a favorite planner, and get back to basics. It may have been a little while since you relied on paper, but you may find that writing things down helps you keep better track of all of life’s little details and makes you the publisher of your own story.

(StatePoint)

Animal Shelter Waives Fees for Adoption for December

By
Grace Baldwin
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Kurth Animal Shelter has waived all adoption fees for its animals through Dec. 23, and they are calling the initiative “Home for the Holidays.”

Normally the adoption fees at the shelter are $60. They pay for the spaying and neutering, the first round of shots and a free wellness exam at the vet.

“We’re just asking for a donation of any amount to our vetting fund,” said Aaron Ramsey, the director of animal services at Kurth Animal Shelter. “What that fund allows us to do is to treat any sick or injured animals that come in.”

Kurth Animal Shelter is an open admission shelter. An open admission shelter means no pet is turned away. The volume is very high. They get a lot of animals with medical issues, and the vetting fund allows them to treat the animals instead of putting them down.

“I would just encourage people to come out,” Ramsey said. “This is a really good opportunity if you are looking for a pet.”

However, Ramsey said they don’t want the waived fee to be the motivating factor in the adoption process. They want people to really take on the responsibility of owning a pet.

“It’s a big decision to take on that responsibility,” Ramsey said. “With a donation, I can’t stress enough how much that helps. Not only are you saving a life by adopting, but you are also saving a life with the donation.”

For more information, contact the Kurth Animal Shelter at (936)-633-0218 or go by the facility is 1901 Hill St in Lufkin. To see some animals up for adoption, check out the shelter’s Facebook profile here.

How to Protect Yourself Against Viruses and Scams

By
Grace Baldwin
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Viruses and scams affect many people each year. In fact, over 16 million people have experienced a serious virus problem in the past two years, according to the Statistic Brain Institute, and WJLA out of Washington, D.C., reported that phone scams cost Americans $8.6 billion in 2013.

The problem is, the average person does not think about scams and viruses until it is too late. The need is not for a spread fear of the internet and anyone who asks for people’s money. The need is to get word out about how to effectively prevent viruses, protect personal information online, and avoid scammers.

Jesse Juarez, a computer repair technician working for a major electronic retailer, says the most common type of virus is the Trojan virus. A Trojan is a type of malware that acts like something it is not.

“We see a lot of Trojans that come up as popups, warning the computer is infected or that the FBI is tracking due to numerous reasons with a number to call,” Juarez said. “Do not call this number. These guys are very convincing and will say just about anything to get money from you.”

One of the staff members at Texas Forest Country Living recently got a ransom virus, a computer virus that demands the user call a number and pay an amount of money or the virus’ creators will steal all of the user’s passwords and credit card numbers. She got this virus simply by surfing the internet, and her mother got the same virus a week before by clicking a video to watch on Facebook.

“As far as how to avoid getting a virus, stay away from the internet. Don’t look at it, think about it, or speak about it,” Juarez said, referring to the “running joke” in the computer repairs industry. “But really, the best way is to invest in an anti-virus and internet security software. Avoid ‘free’ software, and read the fine print when installing anything. They generally hide adware and malware as a tag along on the instillation process.”

For protecting private information, Juarez recommends giving away as little information as possible online.

“Most banks actually do an amazing job at protecting their clients, but first and foremost is having a great password and changing it often,” Juarez said.

As for phone scams, be aware of what is affecting your area. For example, people in East Texas have been victim to a phone scam in which the caller says the IRS is suing them. The caller proceeds to demand the person pay a settlement.

Another phone affecting East Texas is one claiming a person’s relative is incarcerated in Mexico and needs to be bailed out. This scam has cost citizens upwards of $3,000.

One way to avoid phone scams, decide not to give money or any personal information like social security numbers or credit card numbers over the phone. Do all philanthropic giving in person, through verified mailing addresses, and very trusted internet sites. If the nonprofit organization is not well known, do some digging to find out if it is real or not.

Another way to stay informed on phone scams in your area is to check your local police department social media pages. They will often post information on the latest scams and illegal activity.

The best first step anyone can take is to be careful in all transactions, password creations, and internet surfing. The unexpected can happen at anytime, especially if one is not being vigilant.

The Buzz on the Bees

By
Shannon Poe
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You know those little, fuzzy bumble bees that are always by flowers? They’re going extinct and quite fast. Many people do not know this due to the fact that there is not a lot of information on it in the media.

Bees are the root of our lives. They pollinate all of the fruits and vegetables that we eat, as well as the plants that produce oxygen. Without bees, the world would not have these things necessary to survive.

Without bees, the world would not have these things necessary to survive.

One of the main reason the bees are disappearing is the use of pesticides to kill unwanted weeds, insects, rodents, and etc. People spray pesticides on their lawn and all over their flowers without thinking what it is doing to other parts of the ecosystem. Bees will land on pesticide covered flowers or plants and take in the toxic repellent and on the way back to the hive, they will suddenly fall and die.

Mites are also causing bees to go extinct. Mites, scientifically known as Varroa mites, will sit in a small puddle of water and latch onto the bee when they approach. The mite then detached when the bee gets to the hive and reattach themselves to the larvae, killing them before they hatch. The mites take out an entire generation of bees in the hives, causing the entire hive to lose productivity.

There are a few things that people can do to help put a stop to the decline of bees.

First, stop the use of pesticides that are extremely toxic. There are a number of non-harmful, natural pesticides that can be used as a replacement, some are baking soda and vegetable oil, garlic and onions, and many more that can be found here.

For the mite problem, there is a product called the Varroa Gate that prevents the Varroa mite from entering the hive. This solution to the mite problem is mainly for beekeepers, but it can still be helpful to get the information out to the public.

Even though bees are small insects, they play a major role in the well-being of the world. By just taking small steps, like changing the pesticide that you use or telling your neighbor about the decline of bees, you could help save the bee population as a whole.

Scrap Block Christmas Tree Tutorial

By
Ginger Bowie
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 Let’s get started on this fun Scrap Block Christmas Tree tutorial!

Scrap Block Christmas Tree at GingerSnapCrafts.com

I’m not joking when I call this a scrap block tree. I literally went into my garage and came up with enough wood to make this cute little tree. So yep, it was free!
You could also use a one piece of 2x2x8 that you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes for under $5. That would be enough to make two trees by the way. Pretty inexpensive!

With a table saw you will cut your wood into the following lengths:

1 = 2 inches
2 = 3 inches
3 = 4 inches
4 = 6 inches
5 = 7 inches
6 = 9 inches
7 = 10 inches

After you cut your wood be sure to sand them. Then I painted my blocks with one coat of chalk paint. You could also use acrylic paint. After the paint dried I sanded the edges with a hand sander. Then I applied my vinyl lettering.
I combined two images (this one and this one) that I found in the Silhouette online store to cut my vinyl out in or just use your favorite fonts. If you don’t own a Silhouette you could use paint pens or a stencils to decorate your blocks.
It would be super cute to paint these using chalkboard paint. Then let the kiddos take turns “decorating” the tree with chalk!
These would also make great gift ideas for neighbors and friends!

Woodland Heights Now Offering Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screenings

By
Megan Whitworth
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Woodland Heights Medical Center is now offering low dose CT scan lung cancer screening, the first and only cost-effective test proven to significantly reduce lung cancer deaths. More than 220,000 people in the U.S. alone will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year and nearly 160,000 people will die from the disease – more than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. This proven test, and the access to it that Medicare coverage allows, is a game changer in the battle against lung cancer.

“Roughly 90 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer will die from the disease, typically because their cancer has progressed to an advanced stage by the time it’s discovered,” states Rebecca Morgan, Director of Radiology Services at Woodland Heights. “However, it doesn’t have to be that way because Low Radiation Dose CT lung cancer screening has the potential to change that outcome for smokers, who are at higher risk for developing lung cancer.”

Medicare (and most insurances) will now cover lung cancer screening with LDCT once per year for Medicare beneficiaries who meet all of the following criteria:

* they are age 55-77, and are either current smokers or have quit smoking within the last 15 years

* they have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (an average of one pack a day for 30 years)

* they receive a written order from a physician that meets certain requirements

“Woodland Heights is the first in this area to utilize CAD (Computer Aided Detection) for CT Lung screenings” states Morgan. “We are happy to bring this crucial diagnostic screening to Lufkin.”

Story by Jennifer Stevens

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