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Graceful Guidance: Apartment Hunting and Hard to Like Coworkers

By
Grace Baldwin
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[tabs]
[tab title=”Lost in the Pineywoods”][dropcap]”I[/dropcap] want to move out of town, and I want to do it at a decent price. Now, I know that a lot of leases are six to 12 months, but does that mean I should start looking around for a place really soon so that I can get it at a good price? And which is better: shorter or longer leases?”[/tab]
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Hunting for an apartment can be difficult, but having a plan can significantly reduce stress.
Hunting for an apartment can be difficult, but having a plan can significantly reduce stress.

I consulted several sources from friends who have done the apartment moving many times to professional consulting websites. The consensus on when to start looking and planning is several months before move-in. However, landlords are typically not allowed to show off apartments prior to 60 days before the end of a lease, so searching may be difficult any longer than two months out.

It is important to plan your budget two or so months before moving date because the amount of money you can afford to spend each month will determine which apartments you consider.

As I well know, planning a rent budget can be tricky. This article is a good resource for establishing an apartment budget.

After establishing a budget, start scheduling apartment tours at least a month or a month and a half in advance. You can see several places and not feel rushed into a decision. Remember to get all of the details beforehand so you are not stuck paying an application fee you didn’t know about or unable to view an apartment because you forgot your ID. This is also a good time to start packing.

Opinions on shorter leases v. longer leases are slightly varied, but more people tend to prefer longer leases over shorter.

Shorter leases are better if your landlord is prone to raising rent prices and your contract allows that. Shorter leases give you more flexibility to decide if you like the neighborhood or time to decide if the apartment works with your work, school, etc., locations.

Longer leases are typically cheaper than shorter leases, and the tenant doesn’t have to deal with renewing the lease as often. Landlords prefer longer leases, so they will probably offer better deals and incentives to the longer leases.

Happy hunting!

[tabs]
[tab title=”Concerned Staff Member”][dropcap]”S[/dropcap]o say there’s this guy at work I hate. How do I get rid of him? What would be the best way?”[/tab]
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My first impression of this question is wariness, but I will continue with the hope that you are asking for advice that does not involve mob hits…

Everyone has most likely had to deal with a difficult coworker. That being said, learning to deal with difficult people is an art worth perfecting. I have compiled a few tips that should help deal with an unwanted coworker:

Fighting with coworkers you see on a regular basis is not fun. Learn to overcome the problem or deal with the annoyance to make your life so much easier.
Fighting with coworkers you see on a regular basis is not fun. Learn to overcome the problem or deal with the annoyance to make your life so much easier.

[list style=”check”]
[li]Discuss the issue with the coworker.[/li]
[/list] Now, this can be tricky business, depending on your relationship with the person. If you feel like you are in a relatively good place with this person, personally, come to them about the behavior that you are having issues with. If your relationship is more problematic, you may want to move on to the next step.

[list style=”check”]
[li]Band together with other coworkers.[/li]
[/list] Let me be clear: I am not advocating gossip. Gossip causes way more trouble than it is worth. What I am suggesting is talking about whether the issue is bothering other people in your place of work. If it is, try to get some of your coworkers together to address the issue, first with your coworker and then with your manager. If this does not work, progress to the next step.

[list style=”check”]
[li]Be a better employee than they are.[/li]
[/list] Studies and personal experience say that administration is more likely to listen to and promote those who do the job better than others, communicate better than others, and are more likeable than others. If you prove there are people out there who are really good at the job, you could convince management that they need to hire more people like you.

[list style=”check”]
[li]Be positive and stay motivated.[/li]
[/list] One of the surest ways to better deal with a coworker is to not let the coworker’s behavior bother you. Avoid being angered easy. This will make your life so much better. Avoid being around the coworker if possible. If they approach you, go shelve another row. If you have to work on a project, volunteer for a team they will not be on. Remind yourself why you are at this job, and you just might wait them out. If their behavior bothers others, they probably won’t stay around longer than you.

If you would like to ask a question, please send it to info@texasforestcountryliving.com.

Editorial: Be Like Nathan

By
Megan Whitworth
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Nothing in my life prepared me for the moment I lost my best friend to suicide.

It was a Saturday morning, 8 a.m. on May 12, 2012 to be exact, when I received a phone call from an unknown number. The person on the other end told me my best friend was gone.

nathan
A photo of us taken at a bonfire March 2012.

His name was Nathan Duncan.

He was more than my best friend, almost a brother. He was my should to cry on after a bad day, the boy I ran to when I had a good news to share, the person I spent endless hours with riding in his car talking about the girl he adored and the boy who broke my heart. We laughed, we joked, we made memories at four in the morning, and he is now someone I miss greatly on a daily basis.

Nathan dealt with depression, unknown to me until a few days after his death. He never talked about it; he mostly just laughed and smiled with our friends. He never seemed sad, he was tired often, but mostly we stayed up late watching Netflix, playing games at our local arcade, and making plans for future road trips. I never expected anything was wrong. I never thought he was dealing with sadness on a daily basis.  However, the truth was he was dealing with something so personal, so dangerous, and I wish more than anything he had just talked to me.

I didn’t know much about depression or suicide until I lost someone close. I never met anyone who had been vocal about their battle with depression. So I did research, and I discovered American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, an organization that raises awareness of suicide and prevention. Through AFSP I found others who had lost family members and friends to suicide. I also discovered stories of those who were battling depression. I soon attended group therapy, which was a healing moment for me. I discovered those I could relate to and who shared my same pain.

I walked away from therapy knowing I wanted to fight suicide. I never wanted anyone to experience the pain Nathan went through and the pain I went through after losing him. Through out the next few years I became a Field Advocate fighting for laws in support of mental health to get through Congress, and I also participated in multiple community walks in Salt Lake City, UT and Dallas to bring awareness to suicide prevention and raise money for the cause. Because of being involved, I know there are thousands of others fighting the same cause.

Together we can make the the difference in those who struggle on a daily basis.

According to AFSP, suicide warning signs include:

josh
My brother Josh Ault, left, Donnie Tolbert, and I take a photo after completing the 16th mile during Out of the Darkness Walk held in Dallas April 2015, which raised over $1 million for AFSP.

If a person talks about: Being a burden to others, feeling trapped, experiencing unbearable pain, having no reason to live, or killing themselves.

If a person’s behavior includes: Increased use of alcohol or drugs, looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means, acting recklessly, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away prized possessions, or aggression.

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: Depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability, humiliation, or anxiety.

When you see signs and risk factors in friends or family members, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Sometimes preventing suicide is reaching out to others and having uncomfortable conversations.

Here are a few tips on when talking to a suicidal person from Helpguide.org:

Be yourself. Let the person know you care, that he/she is not alone. The right words are often unimportant. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it.

Listen. Let the suicidal person unload despair, ventilate anger. No matter how negative the conversation seems, the fact that it exists is a positive sign.

Be sympathetic, non-judgmental, patient, calm, accepting. Your friend or family member is doing the right thing by talking about his/her feelings.

Offer hope. Reassure the person that help is available and that the suicidal feelings are temporary. Let the person know that his or her life is important to you.

Take the person seriously. If the person says things like, “I’m so depressed, I can’t go on,” ask the question: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” You are not putting ideas in their head, you are showing that you are concerned, that you take them seriously, and that it’s OK for them to share their pain with you.

Don’t argue with the suicidal person, don’t acted shocked, don’t promise confidentially, don’t offer ways to fix their problems, and don’t blame yourself. You can’t fix someone’s depression, or your loved one’s happiness, or lack thereof, is not your responsibility.

friends2
Late night Netflix watching, playing at our local arcade, and making banana splits were some of the highlights of our memories made in 2012. From left to right, Stewart Van Valkenburg, Matt Hill, Megan Whitworth, Rachel Murphy, Kacie Dean, and Nathan Duncan.

Most of all, respond quickly in a crisis. Talk to a parent, police officer, teacher, church leader, or an authoritative leader who can help your friend or family member to receive the help that is needed.

If you are reading this right now, and you are having depression or suicidal thoughts, go talk to someone right now. You are not alone. People care about you. You are loved and there are people who understand. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. If you are in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

More than anything I wish I had that conversation with Nathan.

I made a promise to Nathan a week after he died that I would never let the world forget who he was. He was the person who we should all strive to be – understanding, kind, loving, funny, patient, and just terrific. And that is what I will strive to be: more understanding, kinder, more loving, more patient, and I’ll make more jokes. I’ll make sure I am the friend Nathan was to me, because that way every person I meet will know him and his legacy will continue on.

How To Style Boho For Fall

By
Maddie Adams
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The fun thing about styling boho looks for this fall season is you really get to put your own spin on all of your outfits.

Find an essential that can turn any look instantly into a boho chic fashion statement. Personally, my essential is a white lace vest that I absolutely adore. It is so fun to pair with loose boyfriend tees or my favorite fall skirt. The boho style is really about channeling your inner free spirit and letting it shine.

Style flowy tops with jeans or leggings paired with cute combat booties for a fabulous fall look. Fun patterned joggers, with a nice shirt, a long, thin, statement necklace, and your favorite vest make the perfect combination. A few other boho styles include: a uniquely pattern skirt and a fun colored top with your favorite headband; an oversized sweater over a lace dress and your favorite riding boots paired with boot socks that complement the lace dress. Plus, wear oversized cardigans with punk graphic tees for a fun flare; ripped jeans are making a strong entrance into the fashion world this fall.

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If you love the oversized cardigan but want to be a little more girly and flirty, add it to your favorite dress. You can even add a fun pair of tights to the ensemble. Maxi skirts with a tied tee are also great options for fall. Flared jeans are coming back with a bang along with front button skirts. If you’re in a hurry, add fun sunglasses and a floppy hat; that will do the trick!

Whatever your statement boho item is going to be this fall, embrace it, be confident, and show the world who you are with that award winning smile that I know you have. There are so many things you can do this fall to turn your wardrobe into ultimate boho chic fashion, so have fun with it, and check back every Friday for more fashion tips for this fall season!

An Insider Look Into The Life Of A 911 Operator

By
Grace Baldwin
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Ashley Jowell is the Communications Supervisor for the Lufkin Police Department, but for five years, she worked as a 911 operator answering the emergency calls of thousands of people in East Texas.

“You never know what you’re going to get on the other line,” Ashley said as she explained why she loved what she did. “Your adrenaline levels can go from none to high in just a second. I fell in love with it: being able to help people and never knowing what you were going to hear.”

The life of a 911 operator is a stressful one. Working 12 hour shifts either from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., an operator cannot often take breaks. If it is busy, bathroom breaks are impossible. Lunch breaks often do not happen, so operators typically eat at their desks or get food delivered. Ashley explained that operators are at work more than they are at home, and they can not take their work home with them. So, the only people an operator can vent to are his or her coworkers.

“My coworkers are my brothers and sisters,” Ashley said.

Additionally, no day is the same in the life of an operator, but the calls do usually follow a trend depending on the time of day. Ashley explained that mornings are normally calmer. More reports are called in the mornings than any other time because it is easier to see that a crime has happened in the light of day. Afternoons are a madhouse of calls, and night shift calls are typically in-progress calls that require immediate response.

dispatch2016-webInside the Call Center

Ashley gave a tour of the inside of the call center where 911 operators respond to emergencies. There are desks for four people to answer calls. There are stations dedicated to dispatching police and fire responders specifically, and some phones are color coded according to purpose.

Each desk has 10 monitors surrounding it. The room looks like a TV CIA operations headquarters. One screen is devoted to tracking police cars in Lufkin; one screen is a touchscreen that allows the operator to change the radio frequency being used.

The operators handle emergency, non-emergency, and after hours calls about gas and electricity in the city throughout the day. They also have to dispatch police, EMS, and fire via radio.

What Does It Take to Be a 911 Operator?

Operators need to be supreme multitaskers to keep everything in line during a stressful, possibly life or death situation.

[pullquote]”Training did prepare me,” Ashley said. “But you can’t say ‘Oh! There will be a plane crash tomorrow!'”[/pullquote]

Ashley explained how operators have to go through a state mandated basic dispatcher’s course. Then they participate in 17 weeks of on the job training, and every two years, operators have to take 20 hours of training. Ashley said operators need to be able to multitask and operate calmly under stress to best respond to specific circumstances.

New operators are told to treat callers as if they are family and to give them as much respect as they would a family member.

Operators must keep their composure on the job constantly. Learning to manage emotions is a critical skill operators have to learn that may not come easily. Ashley said it took her a while to get used to the job when she first started. However, even though it is important to avoid taking too much of the job home, an operator sometimes can not help but be changed by the job.

[pullquote]“It’s changed my outlook on life,” Ashley said. “Before I came into the job I had no idea what these men and women did. Life is more precious to me now than it was.”[/pullquote]

I Am 911

Ashley explained that 911 operators are considered secretaries, on a clerical level. Many operators are not happy about this job description, and from their discontent has risen a new movement: #IAm911.

[pullquote]”I heard your last breath as you hanged yourself,” Ashley said.[/pullquote]

Those in the movement want to change the title of a 911 operator from clerical to protective. They wish to be considered part of the emergency responders, Ashley said.

“I might be the last person to talk to someone,” Ashley shared. “I am not a secretary. Secretaries don’t hear that.”

To be a 911 operator requires a certain kind of mettle and determination. Not just anyone is willing to spend 12 hours of their day answering calls of distress and emergency when that time could be spent doing just about anything else.

In the near future, there will be more development on the #IAm911 movement, even around East Texas. Search through Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube with #IAm911 to hear even more about the heroic things 911 operators calmly handle and about the lives they save doing it.

Your Freshwater Fishing Report

By
Megan Whitworth
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ALAN HENRY
Water clear main lake to muddy up river; 78 degrees; 2.58’ low. Black bass are slow on 7” Power Worms. Crappie are fair. Catfish are fair on juglines.

AMISTAD
Water murky; 88–92 degrees; 19.12’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon topwaters, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on cheesebait, stinkbait, and nightcrawlers over baited holes. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live perch. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.

ARROWHEAD
Water fairly clear; 85–89 degrees; 1.44’ low. Black bass are fair to good on buzzbaits early, midday switching to squarebill crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are good on worms and stinkbait.

ATHENS
Water lightly stained; 82–84 degrees; 0.80’ low. Black bass are good on topwaters, spinnerbaits and Texas rig worms. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are slow on trotlines and prepared bait.

BASTROP
Water stained; 86–90 degrees. Black bass are good on topwaters, and on watermelon crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.

BELTON
Water stained; 84–88 degrees; 0.01’ high. Black bass are good on pumpkinseed crankbaits and Rat–L–Traps over grass. Hybrid striper are fair on white striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on hot dogs, stinkbait, and liver. Yellow catfish are fair on live shad.

BOB SANDLIN
Water lightly stained; 80–84 degrees; 0.69’ low. Black bass are fair on topwaters, shallow crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on rod and reel.

BONHAM
Water lightly stained; 80–84 degrees; 2.03’ low. Black bass are good on topwaters, frogs, and buzzbaits. Jigs, shakyheads and Texas rig worms are effective under boat docks. Crappie are good on boat docks. Catfish are good on cut bait.

BRAUNIG
Water murky. Black bass are fair on watermelon topwaters and soft plastics. Striped bass are fair down rigging silver and gold spoons near the dam. Redfish are fair on perch and shad. Channel catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait. Blue catfish are good on cut bait.

BRIDGEPORT
Water lightly stained, 81–84 degrees: 0.18’ high. Black bass are good on shallow crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and white jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait.

BROWNWOOD
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 1.08’ low. Black bass are very good on redbug and watermelon red Shaky Heads with Grande Bass Baby Rattlesnakes, and on topwaters late. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are good on Li’l Fishies and Rat–L–Traps under lights at night. Crappie are fair on white Li’l Fishies and black/chartreuse tube jigs in 10–15 feet. Channel catfish are good on cut bait over baited holes. Yellow catfish are fair on droplines baited with perch in 5–15 feet.

BUCHANAN
Water stained; 84–88 degrees; 0.27’ low. Black bass are fair on tequila sunrise JDC Skip–N–Pop topwaters, chartreuse Rat–L–Traps, and blue shad flukes on flats early. Striped bass are good on plastic swim baits and drifting live bait at first light. White bass are fair jigging Tiny Traps in the river channel. Crappie are good on chartreuse tube jigs and live minnows. Channel catfish are good on minnows and dipbait. Yellow and blue catfish are very good on goldfish and perch upriver.

CADDO
Water stained to muddy; 81–85 degrees; 0.45’ high. Black bass are slow on Texas rigged creature baits, black buzzbaits and hollow body frogs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and prepared bait.

CALAVERAS
Water murky. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on silver spoons and striper jigs near the dam. Redfish are good on crawfish and tilapia along the shoreline. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp, stinkbait, and shad near the discharge. Yellow catfish are slow.

CANYON LAKE
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 0.18’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon Rat–L–Traps, JDC Skip–N–Pops, and Pop R’s over grass along ledges. Striped bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and crankbaits over humps early. White bass are slow. Smallmouth bass are good on watermelon red JDC grubs, topwaters, and craws at daylight. Crappie are fair on chartreuse crappie jigs and live minnows over brush upriver. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on trotlines and juglines baited with goldfish and perch.

CEDAR CREEK
Water lightly stained; 80–84 degrees; 1.12’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, topwater poppers and shakyheads near docks and shallow cover. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.

CHOKE CANYON
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 19.01’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon/red flake soft plastics and spinnerbaits in 10–18 feet. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on live bait. Yellow catfish are fair on live perch and goldfish.

COLEMAN
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 1.32’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon topwaters, soft plastics, and Rat–L–Traps. Hybrid striper are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.

COLETO CREEK
Water stained; 100 degrees at the hot water discharge, 89 degrees in main lake; 1.31’ low. Black bass to 5.5 pounds are good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in 8–10 feet. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on live minnows and tube jigs near Coletoville Bridge in 8–12 feet. Tilapia are slow. Channel and blue catfish to 7 pounds are good on live perch and cut bait in 8–12 feet. Yellow catfish are slow.COLORADO CITY22.13’ low. No report available.

CONROE
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 0.14’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon/blue flake soft plastics and small spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Catfish are slow.

COOPER
Water stained to muddy; 1.95’ low. No report available.

FAIRFIELD
Black bass fishing reported as significantly improved. TPWD discontinued stocking the lake after the fish kill in September 2011. Redfish survived the kill in limited numbers.FALCONWater murky; 88–92 degrees; 31.85’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse/black crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Striped bass are slow. Channel and blue catfish are excellent on frozen shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.

FAYETTE
Water murky. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Channel and blue catfish are good on cut shad, nightcrawlers, and shrimp over baited holes.

FORK
Water stained; 81–85 degrees; 1.58’ low. Black bass are good on white buzzbaits, hollow body frogs and football jigs. White and yellow bass are good on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and prepared bait.

FT. PHANTOM HILL
Water murky; 84–88 degrees; 0.73’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and chatterbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on cut bait.

GIBBONS CREEK
Water stained. Black bass are fair on watermelon red Carolina rigged soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp.

GRANBURY
Water stained; 88–92 degrees; 0.14’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are fair on stinkbait, shrimp, and minnows.

GRANGER
Water stained; 87–91 degrees; 0.83’ high. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastic worms and crankbaits. White bass are fair on spoons along the roadbed near the dam early and late. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs over brush piles in 4–12 feet. Blue catfish are good drifting shad near the dam. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live perch.

GRAPEVINE
Water lightly stained; 80–84 degrees; 0.14’ high. Black bass are slow on topwaters, shad pattern shallow crankbaits and shakyheads. White bass and hybrid bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on trotlines.

GREENBELT
30.59’ low. No report available.

HOUSTON COUNTY
Water stained; 84–88 degrees; 0.03’ low. Black bass to 6 pounds are good on topwaters, shad colored shallow diving crankbaits, and blue flake worms at drop offs. Crappie are very good on live minnows near brush. Bream are very good on live worms around stumps near the islands. Channel and blue catfish are good on juglines baited with perch.

HUBBARD CREEK
Water off color; 85–90 degrees; 1.47’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Yellow Magics early and late, midday switching to Texas rigs, drop shot rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and live shad.

JOE POOL
Water lightly stained; 82–85 degrees; 0.92’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigged worms, shallow crankbaits and wake baits. White bass are fair on slabs and minnows. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait

.LAKE O’ THE PINES
Water lightly stained; 80–84 degrees: 2.03’ high. Black bass are good on buzz frogs, buzzbaits and Texas rigged craws. White bass are good on slabs and topwaters. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.

LAVON
Water stained; 81–84 degrees: 2.60’ low. Black bass are fair on black buzzbaits, green pumpkin flipping jigs and Texas rigged craws. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines.

LBJ
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 0.75’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon red Whacky Sticks, chartreuse Curb’s jigs, and pumpkinseed tubes in 8–15 feet early. Striped bass are fair on Li’l Fishies and Spoiler Shads at night. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies at night. Crappie are good on chartreuse tube jigs and live minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on shrimp, liver, and stinkbait. Yellow and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with goldfish and perch.

LEWISVILLE
Water lightly stained; 81–84 degrees; 0.45’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigged craws, shallow crankbaits and topwaters. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines and prepared bait.

LIVINGSTON
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.10 high. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are very good on silver striper jigs and Rat–L–Traps. White bass are fair on troll tubes, slabs, and pet spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows. Blue catfish are good on shad and minnows. Yellow catfish are slow.

MACKENZIE
72.62’ low. No report available.

MARTIN CREEK
Water lightly stained; 85–89 degrees; 1.20’ low. Black bass are fair on hollow body frogs, swim jigs and Texas rigged craws. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.

MEREDITH
59.93’ low. No report available.

MONTICELLO
Water stained; 84–89 degrees; 0.01’ high. Black bass are fair on deep crankbaits, squarebill crankbaits and drop shot worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines and cut shad.

NASWORTHY
84–89 degrees; 1.3’ low. Black bass are fair to good on shallow running crankbaits, Texas rigs and jigs. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.

NAVARRO MILLS

Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.02’ high. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and Rat–L–Traps in Liberty Hill Park. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.

O.H. IVIE
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 36.11’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Zara Spooks early, midday switching to Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, drop shot rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on live bait.

OAK CREEK
Water stained; 84–88 degrees; 11.03’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, drop shot rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on chartreuse (use Worn–Glo) nightcrawlers.

PALESTINE
Water lightly stained; 80–84 degrees; 1.27’ low. Black bass are good on topwaters and Texas rigged creature baits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and prepared bait.

PALO DURO
55.01’ low. No report available.

POSSUM KINGDOM
Water off color; 84–90 degrees; 0.05’ low. Black bass are fair to good on DD22s, drop shot rigs, Texas rigs and Carolina rigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair to good on Little Georges. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cur bait.

PROCTOR
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 0.93’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on minnows and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.

RAY HUBBARD
Water lightly stained; 80–85 degrees; 1.17’ low. Black bass are fair on shallow crankbaits and small plastic swimbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on trotlines and cut shad.

RAY ROBERTS
Water stained; 80–84 degrees; 0.25’ low. Black bass are fair on Carolina rigged Flukes, topwaters and buzz frogs. White bass are fair on slabs and minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and rod and reel.

RICHLAND CHAMBERS
Water lightly stained; 80–85 degrees; 0.15’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged craws, buzzbaits and topwaters. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.

SAM RAYBURN
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 1.32’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms with chartreuse tails, and on white/chartreuse spinnerbaits. White bass are good on silver spoons and chartreuse spinnerbaits off points. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Bream are good on nightcrawlers. Catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.

SOMERVILLE
Water murky; 87–91 degrees; 2.90’ high. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.

SPENCE
55.44’ low. No report available.

STAMFORD
0.73’ low. No report available.

STEINHAGEN
1.73’ high. No report available.

STILLHOUSE
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 0.20’ high. Black bass are fair on white Rat–L–Traps and spinnerbaits. White bass are fair on minnows and slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on minnows, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.

SWEETWATER
Water off color; 83–89 degrees; 23.34’ low. No report available.

TAWAKONI
Water stained; 81–85 degrees; 1.61’ low. Black bass are good on hollow body frogs, bladed jigs and Texas rigged RI beavers. White bass are good on slabs and minnows. Hybrid bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines and punch bait.

TEXOMA
Water stained; 80–84 degrees; 1.29’ low. Black bass are good on topwaters, medium diving crankbaits and soft plastic jerkbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and white jigs. Striped bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.

TOLEDO BEND
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 3.20’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon craw worms and crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on minnows and spoons. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Bream are fair on crickets and nightcrawlers. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with shrimp and live bait. Yellow catfish are slow.

TRAVIS
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.44’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse topwaters, soft plastic worms and lizards, and smoke grubs in 10–20 feet. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on chrome spoons and Charlie slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.

WALTER E. LONG
Water murky. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and minnows. Yellow catfish are slow.

WEATHERFORD
Water lightly stained; 0.20’ low. No report available.

WHITE RIVER
Water stained; 84–89 degrees; 18.85’ low. No report available.

WHITNEY
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 4.10’ low. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on minnows and nightcrawlers.

WRIGHT PATMAN
Water stained; 5.21’ high. No report available.

Ginger Snap Crafts: DIY Pom Poms

By
Ginger Bowie
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Are you ready for some football? I am! This time of year is my favorite. It’s fall, the weather is cooling off, and every Friday night you can find my entire family at the high school football game. Our whole town is pumped for football season. Last year we made it to the state semi-finals, and we are hoping to go all the way this year. My 13-year-old son plays on the eigth and ninth grade junior varsity team, and my daughter is in the high school marching band. Football season is a family affair around our house. I have my bag packed with my camera, snacks, and of course, pom poms to help cheer on the team. Today I am excited to share how I made these DIY Pom Poms that are perfect for the sideline, at a football themed party, or at home when you are cheering on your favorite team.

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Before we start, let me brag on my boy, Rylan! This is his third year playing football. The first year he literally would not get any playtime. It was so frustrating to him (and me). He has worked so hard and improved a bunch. This year he is the starting corner on our eigth/ninth grade team. He also plays running back. We are finally seeing some playtime!

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Alright, let’s get to that pom pom tutorial!

For this project you will need:
3 cheap plastic table cloths (54 in. x 108 in., rectangle) (I found these at Walmart in the party section.)
scissors
black duct tape
ruler or tape measure

You will have enough to make two pom poms.

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First, cut your table cloths into 12 inch x 24 inch rectangles. Divide into two equal stacks.

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Use a ruler to make 1 inch slits on the long end of one of your stacks.

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Continue cutting the slits up. Leave about 3 1/2 inches uncut.

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Gather the uncut end and secure with duct tape.

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Add more duct tape until you have a handle.

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Fluff your pom pom. To get them super fluffy, stuff them inside a cup, and leave them there for an hour or two.

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Repeat the steps with the other stack, and now you have two pom poms to cheer with! Go, fight, win!

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The Coalition Hosts Recovery Day In The Park, Saturday

By
Grace Baldwin
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The Coalition, Inc. is hosting a Recovery Day in the Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Grace Dunn Richardson Park in Lufkin. Recovery Day in the Park is a free, platinum-level Family Friendly Festival designed to celebrate recovery.

The event will be filled with activities for the whole family and several different speakers.

September is Recovery Month, and research has shown that the most effective way of reducing the use of alcohol and drugs in teens is to reduce the availability of both, according to The Coalition, Inc. Recovery Day was given platinum-level status because it will be 100 percent drug and alcohol free.

For more information on Recovery Day or the Family Friendly Festival Partnership, contact The Coalition, Inc. at 936-634-9308.

Home Cooked Cuisine: Brussels Sprouts With Maple Syrup

By
Kevin Wilson
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Kevin Wilson shops for Brussels sprouts.

Kevin says, “Get your K today!”

Why is Vitamin K so important to your body?

This vitamin works in several areas of your body and its cells so that you will be oKay. Vitamin K reduces bone loss, prevents calcification of arteries, and helps the blood to clot properly. Furthermore, it works as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent and is essential for proper brain and nerve function.

One of the best ways to get Vitamin K is by incorporating Brussels sprouts into your weekly diet. Today, Kevin showcases a recipe that is healthy and delicious, and by eating just one serving, you will fulfill your body’s RDA for the day.

Blessings for a delicious, healthy, and wonderful week,
Kevin & Mom at Home Cooked Cuisine

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Kevin Wilson measures a pound of Brussels sprouts.

Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus one teaspoon
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved lengthwise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/8 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons dried cilantro leaves or dried parsley
½ teaspoon onion powder with chives
1 teaspoon ground sage

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook Brussels sprouts, cut side down, in a single layer in skillet until deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Toss. Cook about 5 additional minutes or until tender. Transfer to a bowl. Remove skillet from heat. Add maple syrup, butter, and seasonings to pan. Once butter has melted, add Brussels sprouts to skillet and toss to coat. Transfer Brussels sprouts mixture to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining teaspoon of oil.

Woodland Heights Welcomes New Emergency Services Director

By
Jennifer Stevens
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Woodland Heights Medical Center is happy to announce that Stephen Bennett, RN, has been named as the new Director of Emergency Services for the hospital.

Previously, Bennett, who is a native of East Texas, served as the Trauma Program Coordinator since coming to the facility earlier this year. “I am honored to be part of the Emergency Services team at Woodland Heights,” says Bennett. “We have a great group and I am excited about the future.”

Bennett has worked in healthcare for more than 16 years and is experienced in a wide range of patient care including EMS, surgery, emergency services and trauma. He is also an Angelina County Representative for Deep East Texas Regional Advisory Council and an active member of the Texas Trauma Coordinators Forum.

“We are happy to welcome Stephen and are confident in his ability to lead the Emergency Services department in the right direction,” states Cathy Busbee, Chief Nursing Officer.

Bennett graduated in 1999 from the EMS program at Angelina College and in 2010 with his Registered Nursing Degree. Stephen and his wife, Lori, an educator at Lufkin ISD, have two young children.

Stay Fit When You’re Sick

By
Susan Domingue Bell
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I recently made the mistake of telling some friends that I never get sick. I can’t remember the last time I got really sick. I’ve gotten a cold here and there, but nothing that has really slowed me down. That is, until a few weeks ago. I got the flu and I got it good. I was sick for two weeks with fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and coughing. The fever was the worst part because it would not go away. It loved me and decided to stay with me for 12 straight days. It might not have lingered so long, but after Day Five, I assumed I was on the mend and decided to go back to teaching my fitness classes. Big mistake. After two days of teaching, I was toast. The low-grade fever I was beginning to get used to started running higher and I became so exhausted I could barely function. The doctor ordered me to stay in bed for five days to let my body recover and heal. Normally, the thought of five days of bed rest would’ve sent me into orbit, but I was so tired that it was a welcomed relief.
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People often ask me if they should workout when they are sick. After this recent illness, I’ve been doing more research on the topic (I’ve had the time, trust me) and have changed my thinking. In the past when I’ve gotten sick, I’ve just kept on plugging away at my workouts, but I’m realizing that may not be the best thing. Those of us who love exercise don’t want to stop doing our thing. Exercise makes us happy and we don’t want to take a break for some lousy illness. Flu schmu! Just leave me alone and let me workout already! Some may fear that taking a break will cause them to lose all the gains they’ve made. Some may fear gaining weight during a break. Whatever the concern may be, there are some general guidelines to consider when you get sick.

A few excellent articles on WebMD state that most medical experts agree that working out with a cold may not be a big deal, but when fever is involved, exercise should be off limits. Dr. Lewis G. Maharam, a New York City-based sports medicine expert said, “The danger is exercising and raising your body temperature internally if you already have a fever, because that can make you even sicker.” Um, yes, I can attest to that.

Another way to assess if you should workout is to do a “neck check.” Dr. Neil Schachter, medical director of respiratory care at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York said, “If your symptoms are above the neck, including a sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and tearing eyes, then it’s OK to exercise. If your symptoms are below the neck, such as coughing, body aches, fever and fatigue, then it’s time to hang up the running shoes until these symptoms subside.” Agreed, Doc.

So, how do you stay fit when you’re sick? Basically, you don’t worry about it. If you’re really sick, you should focus on getting healthy again. If you’ve been working out regularly, relax. Muscle memory is your friend. Your body has created a physiological blueprint of how to do what you’ve been doing.

dsc_3362-233“Muscle memory stems from your body’s learning not just how to perform a task, but also how to break down muscle tissue and then repair and rebuild it,” explained William Kraemer, Ph.D., a professor in the department of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. “That physiological knowledge lets you come back from injury, surgery, and even pregnancy faster, easier, and often better than before,” he said.

You’re going to be just fine.

The only thing I would suggest besides not worrying about your fitness level is to not go crazy with your food. The good thing is that when you’re ill, you usually don’t feel like pigging out. If you do have your normal appetite, be mindful of what you’re eating since you aren’t exercising. Try to stick with healthy foods and drink plenty of liquids such as water or other low calorie drinks.

Being sick is THE PITS. Not getting to workout is THE PITS, but it happens. Take care of yourself and rest. The workouts will be there when you get well and your body will bounce back in no time.

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