Home Blog Page 630

How to Use Your Smartphone to Save Time and Money this Back-to-School Season

By
Misty Boggs
-
0

Back-to-school season means more errands, more chores and more scheduled activities. It also means a dent in your wallet.

But you can recapture some of your free time and save some money along the way by turning your smartphone or tablet into command central. Here are some smart smartphone strategies for families as they head back to school.

• Say cheese: Be sure to capture all those toothy grins on camera! It doesn’t take much effort to go beyond posting your first day of school favorites to social media.

You can order prints, photo cards, canvas prints and other personalized items from your phone, Facebook, or Instagram using the Walgreens mobile app, even turning your photos into personalized school supplies to send your kids to class in style. Prints will be ready within an hour and many other personalized photo products can be picked up the same day.

• Be in touch: Have all the most important numbers you may need on speed dial: your children’s schools, doctors, babysitters, coaches and other caregivers.

• Save time scoring deals: Back-to-school supplies like pencils, pens, notebooks and more can add up, especially if you have multiple kids heading to the classroom. Consult your current store of supplies and create a needed shopping list.

Then, scour deals with ease by virtually “clipping” coupons from your mobile device through tools like the Walgreens mobile app.

“With a few clicks of the thumb I was able to order most of the items on my school supplies list within minutes during my lunch break,” says lifestyle blogger Janise Burrafato of “Mama in Heels.”

The database has hundreds of offers in searchable categories helping you save time and money during a busy, expensive time of year. What’s more, the app lets you use your mobile device as a point-of-sale device with Apple Pay and Android Pay, allowing you to skip long back-to-school lines and get on with your day.

• Get help: Doing it all on your own can be tough, but that’s what families are for. However, this year you can skip the traditional chore wheel. These days, apps can help you incentivize the completion of household duties and assign different tasks on an age-appropriate basis.

For more great tips that will have you prepping like a pro this back-to-school season, follow along with “Mama in Heels,” “Katie’s Bliss,” and other lifestyle bloggers using the #MyWalgreensApp hashtag.

With the right apps and strategies, everything you need to plan, prep, and navigate the back-to-school season can be found on your mobile device.

(StatePoint)

ASHBY: High Speed Railway Numbers Do Not Add Up

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
-
0

AUSTIN, TX — On Tuesday, the Grimes County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to require high-speed rail developers to provide sufficient proof of their eminent domain authority and acquire a county permit before constructing a rail line over county roads. Similar draft ordinances are already circulating among half a dozen counties that stand to be impacted by Texas Central Railway’s (TCR) proposed high-speed rail line connecting Dallas and Houston, and most are anticipated to pass in the weeks ahead.

“This ill-conceived high-speed rail proposal by a group of Japanese investors threatens to seize family farms, physically divide the state of Texas, and have a gravely detrimental impact on the citizens I represent,” said State Representative Leighton Schubert (R-Caldwell). “At a minimum, the people of Grimes County deserve reasonable reassurances that their private property rights will be respected, and their access to county roads will be maintained.”

In July, the Surface Transportation Board dealt a substantial blow to Texas Central’s high-speed rail proposal, determining the federal government lacked the authority to grant eminent domain powers to TCR or otherwise regulate the proposed high-speed train.

Since then, it’s become increasingly unclear whether TCR has the actual legal authority to take land from private property owners along the train’s proposed path or regulatory framework necessary to operate a high-speed train in Texas. So far, however, that murky legal authority hasn’t stopped Texas Central from strong-arming rural landowners with threats to either give up their land voluntarily or risk losing it through a future condemnation lawsuit. Both sides are expected to seek clarification from the state regarding eminent domain and the overall regulation of high-speed rail when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in January 2017.

“Texans are proud of their heritage and the Texas Legislature has a proud tradition of standing up for the rights of private landowners,” said Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown). “Texas leaders like Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick have never wavered in their defense of rural landowners and have both fought to defend Texans’ private property rights since their first days in office. I fully expect that they, and other Texas conservatives, will ultimately see this foreign land-grab for what it is.” Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) expressed similar doubts about Texas Central Railway’s plan to operate a high-speed train between Dallas and Houston without any apparent regulation from state or federal authorities.

“So far, all we have seen is a group pushing to seize property from Texas landowners under the guise of an eminent domain authority they don’t have,” said Senator Birdwell. “We’re talking about building a virtually impassible barrier of berms and fencing across 240 miles of privatelyowned Texas land—are we really suggesting that a project of that magnitude should move forward without any input or direction from the people’s elected representatives?”

In addition to the brewing controversies over eminent domain and the general regulation of high speed rail, a number of questions remain unanswered regarding the specific details of Texas Central’s proposal. While TCR has claimed that the project will cost just $10 billion to complete, an independent analysis from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) puts that estimate at closer to $18 billion. Critics have also raised grave concerns about the overall financial viability of the project, noting that without some form of government subsidy, Texas Central will find it virtually impossible to meet their stated ridership estimates at prices competitive with existing modes of transportation.

“Frankly, the numbers just don’t seem to add up,” said State Representative Trent Ashby (RLufkin), who serves as a budget-writer on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. “To my knowledge, there isn’t a high-speed train on the planet that’s capable of operating without a government subsidy, and until I see evidence to the contrary, I have no reason to believe this one will be any different. At the end of the day, I don’t believe the majority of Texans are willing to pay higher taxes in order to subsidize a private project meant to benefit Japanese investors.”

The current conflict between foreign developers and rural landowners is reminiscent of a similar debate over the so-called Trans-Texas Corridor, a highly-controversial and similarly ambitious statewide transportation project that dominated Texas politics for much of the last decade. Following intense opposition from conservative interest groups, state lawmakers, and rural landowners the project was ultimately abandoned.

“So many of our constitutional freedoms flow from the inherent right to own private property,” Said Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham). “Texans saw those rights threatened a few years ago with the Trans-Texas Corridor, and now we are seeing it again with the latest high-speed rail proposal. That’s why I applaud any local efforts to push back against this project’s abuse of eminent domain.”

Your Regional Fishing Report

By
Grace Baldwin
-
0

Week of August 10, 2016

Bob Sandlin
Water lightly stained; 86–89 degrees; 0.95′ low. Black bass are fair on hollow body frogs, Texas rigged worms and topwaters early. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and rod and reel.
Caddo
Water stained to muddy; 86–90 degrees; 0.30′ high. Black bass are slow on heavy Texas rigged creature baits and hollow body frogs. Crappie are slow on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines.
Conroe
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 0.70′ low. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are good on green striper jigs. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp.
Fork
Water stained; 86–89 degrees; 1.42′ low. Black bass are good on Carolina rigged Flukes, flutter spoons and deep diving crankbaits. Topwaters and squarebill crankbaits are good in early morning. White and yellow bass are good on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and stinkbait.
Houston County
Water stained; 89–93 degrees; 0.76′ low. Black bass are slow, with few caught on Senko worms. Crappie are slow. Bream are fair on live worms off grass beds. Channel and blue catfish to 7 pounds are good on trotlines baited with bream and shad.
Water stained; 2.65′ high. Black bass are fair on hollow body frogs, topwaters and Carolina rigged worms. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are slow on trotlines and prepared bait.
Livingston
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.07′ high. Black bass are good on watermelon Rat–L–Traps and crankbaits. Striped bass are good on Charlie slabs, white striper jigs, and troll tubes. White bass are fair on minnows, pet spoons, and Charlie slabs. Crappie are slow. Blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.
Martin Creek
Water lightly stained; 87–91 degrees; 1.62′ low. Black bass are slow on Texas rigged craws, Senkos and white buzzbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and stink bait.
Monticello
Water stained; 86–92 degrees; 0.30′ high. Black bass are slow on deep crankbaits and drop shot worms. Crappie are slow on minnows and white jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and prepared bait.
Sam Rayburn
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 0.97′ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and crankbaits. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse jigs over brush piles. Bream are fair on crickets and nightcrawlers. Catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.
Steinhagen
1.48′ high. No report available.
Toledo Bend
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 1.46′ low. Black bass are good on redbug and June bug soft plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows over baited holes. Bream are fair on nightcrawlers. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with liver. Yellow catfish are slow.
Wright Patman
Water muddy; 13.06′ high. No report available.

Your Freshwater Fishing Report

By
Grace Baldwin
-
0

Week of August 10, 2016

ALAN HENRY
Water clear; 84 degrees; 2.98’ low. Black bass are fair early on topwaters, later switching to Texas rigs and drop shot rigs. Crappie are fair at night under lights. Catfish are fair on juglines.
AMISTAD
Water murky; 88–92 degrees; 24.61’ low. Black bass are good on jigs and Texas rigged soft plastic worms in 4–14 feet. Striped bass are fair trolling crankbaits along the bluffs up Devil’s River. White bass are fair trolling crankbaits along the bluffs up Devil’s River. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait in 6–10 feet. 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; 1.15’ low. No reports on black bass. Crappie are slow on jigs and minnows in the shallows. Catfish are good on worms and stinkbait.
ATHENS
Water lightly stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.68’ low. Black bass are fair on football jigs, weightless worms and topwaters. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.
BASTROP
Water murky; 86–90 degrees. Black bass are fair on chartreuse Rat–L–Traps and shallow running crankbaits. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.
BELTON
Water murky; 84–88 degrees; 3.67’ high. Black bass are good on purple soft plastic worms early. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on chrome slabs with bucktails. Crappie are fair on chrome slabs with bucktails. Channel and blue catfish are good on snails on rod & reel at night. Yellow catfish are slow.
BOB SANDLIN
Water lightly stained; 86–89 degrees; 0.95’ low. Black bass are fair on hollow body frogs, Texas rigged worms and topwaters early. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and rod and reel.
BONHAM
Water lightly stained; 85–89 degrees; 1.63’ low. Black bass are good on topwaters, shallow crankbaits and Texas rigged worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs near brush piles. Catfish are slow on cut shad.
BRAUNIG
Water murky. Black bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and soft plastic worms in reeds. Striped bass are fair on shad and perch off points near the pier. Redfish are good on shad and silver spoons. Channel and blue catfish are fair on liver, cheesebait, and minnows near the dam.
BRIDGEPORT
Water stained to lightly stained, 85–89 degrees: 0.28’ low. Black bass are good on Megabass Knuckle LD squarebill crankbaits and Texas rigged Speed Craws in Georgia Craw. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
BROWNWOOD
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 0.85’ low. Black bass are excellent on blue fleck, watermelon red, and black/blue soft plastics over brush piles in 5–8 feet, spinnerbaits in flooded brush in 2–7 feet, and shad crankbaits off points. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are good on Li’l Fishies and crankbaits in 12–16 feet, and on minnows and jigs under lights at night. Crappie are good on minnows and on black/chartreuse and red/white tube jigs. Channel catfish are slow. Blue catfish are good on juglines baited with perch or shad from Striper Alley to Oak Point. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with perch and goldfish.
BUCHANAN
Water murky; 83–87 degrees; 0.48’ low. Black bass are fair on white Erratic jigs, watermelon Skip–N–Pop topwaters, and weightless Texas rigged blue flake Whacky Sticks in 10–20 feet early. Striped bass are fair on jigs and Rat–L–Traps early, and drifting live bait. White bass are fair on live bait and jigging Tiny Traps over rock piles. Crappie are good on minnows and Curb’s crappie jigs over brush piles. Channel catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow and blue catfish are good on juglines and trotlines baited with goldfish and perch.
CADDO
Water stained to muddy; 86–90 degrees; 0.30’ high. Black bass are slow on heavy Texas rigged creature baits and hollow body frogs. Crappie are slow on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines.
CALAVERAS
Water murky. Black bass are fair on watermelon Rat–L–Traps near the dam. Striped bass are slow. Redfish are good down rigging spoons, and on live bait near the crappie wall. Channel and blue catfish are fair on liver, stinkbait, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.
CANYON LAKE
Water murky; 83–87 degrees; 0.37’ high. Black bass are fair on tequila sunrise flukes, watermelon Whacky Sticks, and white/chartreuse crankbaits off points in 5–10 feet early. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Smallmouth bass are good on dark soft plastics and tube jigs on main lake points. Crappie are fair on blue tube jigs and minnows around submerged brush piles. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.
CEDAR CREEK
Water lightly stained; 85–89 degrees; 1.14’ low. Black bass are fair on topwaters early and shakyheads on docks with brush. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and prepared bait.
CHOKE CANYON
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 22.59’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse crankbaits and soft plastic worms. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live perch.
COLEMAN
Water murky; 84–88 degrees; 1.04’ low. Black bass are fair on dark Rat–L–Traps and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are good on shad. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch. Yellow catfish are slow.
COLETO CREEK
Water stained; 98 degrees at the hot water discharge, 87 degrees in main lake; 1.12’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms and crankbaits in 8–10 feet. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs in 8–12 feet. Channel and blue catfish are good on live perch and cut bait in 8–10 feet. Yellow catfish are slow.
COLORADO CITY
21.46’ low. No report available.
CONROE
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 0.70’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are good on green striper jigs. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp.
COOPER
Water stained to muddy; 1.10’ 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.
FALCON
Water murky; 88–92 degrees; 33.19’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics and spinnerbaits in 10–20 feet. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are very good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are excellent on shrimp, cut bait, 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 good on watermelon crankbaits and Rat–L–Traps early and late. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait.
FORK
Water stained; 86–89 degrees; 1.42’ low. Black bass are good on Carolina rigged Flukes, flutter spoons and deep diving crankbaits. Topwaters and squarebill crankbaits are good in early morning. White and yellow bass are good on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and stinkbait.
FT. PHANTOM HILL
Water murky; 84–88 degrees; 0.75’ low. Black bass are fair on Zara Spooks early, later switching to Texas rigs and medium diving crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on cut bait.
GIBBONS CREEK
Water murky. Black bass are fair on shallow running crankbaits, and on watermelon soft plastic worms with chartreuse tails. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Catfish are good on stinkbait, cut bait, and shrimp.
GRANBURY
Water murky; 88–92 degrees; 0.22’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse Carolina rigged soft plastics and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are good on silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on pet spoons and Charlie slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are slow.
GRANGER
Water murky; 87–91 degrees; 0.20’ high. Black bass are slow. White bass are fair on slab spoons. Crappie are good on white tube jigs around standing timber. Blue catfish are fair on prepared baits on rod & reel, and on juglines baited with shad. Yellow catfish are slow.
GRAPEVINE
Water stained to muddy; 86–89 degrees; 0.11’ high. Black bass are fair on Texas rigged soft plastics and finesse jigs near shallow cover. White bass and hybrid bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines.
GREENBELT
32.26’ low. No report available.
HOUSTON COUNTY
Water stained; 89–93 degrees; 0.76’ low. Black bass are slow, with few caught on Senko worms. Crappie are slow. Bream are fair on live worms off grass beds. Channel and blue catfish to 7 pounds are good on trotlines baited with bream and shad.
HUBBARD CREEK
Water off color; 85–90 degrees; 1.44’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Yellow Magics, Texas 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; 85–89 degrees; 0.46’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigged creature baits, topwaters and swimjigs. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and rod and reel.
LAKE O’ THE PINES
Water stained; 2.65’ high. Black bass are fair on hollow body frogs, topwaters and Carolina rigged worms. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are slow on trotlines and prepared bait.
LAVON
Water stained; 86–89 degrees: 1.56’ low. Black bass are slow on buzzbaits, Texas rigged craws and bladed jigs. White bass are good on slabs and minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines and cut shad.
LBJ
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 0.81’ low. Black bass are fair on perch colored topwaters, watermelon Whacky Sticks, and Bleeding Shad Rat–L–Traps in 5–15 feet early. Striped bass are good on white striper jigs and live bait. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs over brush piles. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.
LEWISVILLE
Water stained; 85–90 degrees; 0.40’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged craws, Yellow Magics and medium crankbaits. White bass are fair on slabs and topwaters. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.
LIVINGSTON
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on watermelon Rat–L–Traps and crankbaits. Striped bass are good on Charlie slabs, white striper jigs, and troll tubes. White bass are fair on minnows, pet spoons, and Charlie slabs. Crappie are slow. Blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.
MACKENZIE
73.23’ low. No report available.
MARTIN CREEK
Water lightly stained; 87–91 degrees; 1.62’ low. Black bass are slow on Texas rigged craws, Senkos and white buzzbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and stink bait.
MEREDITH
59.05’ low. No report available.
MONTICELLO
Water stained; 86–92 degrees; 0.30’ high. Black bass are slow on deep crankbaits and drop shot worms. Crappie are slow on minnows and white jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and prepared bait.
NASWORTHY
84–89 degrees; 0.94’ low. Black bass are fair to good on topwaters early, later switching to Texas rigs, medium running shad pattern crankbaits and watermelon seed jigs. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.
NAVARRO MILLS
Water murky; 86–90 degrees; 0.15’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and crankbaits. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs early. Channel catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbait. Blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.
O.H. IVIE
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 35.08’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Zara Spooks early, later switching to Texas rigs, squarebill crankbaits 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; 11.55’ low. Black bass are fair on topwaters early, later switching to drop shot rigs, jigs, Texas rigs and chatterbaits. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs in the shallows. Catfish are fair on chartreuse (use Worn–Glo) nightcrawlers.
PALESTINE
Water lightly stained; 85–89 degrees; 1.05’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigged craws and swimjigs in shad patterns. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.
PALO DURO
54.98’ low. No report available.
POSSUM KINGDOM
Water off color; 84–90 degrees; 0.47’ low. Black bass are fair to good on topwaters early, later switching to Texas rigs, DT 10s, jigs and drop shot rigs. Crappie are fair to good on split shot weighted live minnows. White bass are fair to good on Road Rooster Tails. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.
PROCTOR
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 0.38’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on shad and chartreuse striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines and juglines baited with perch and goldfish. Yellow catfish are slow.
RAY HUBBARD
Water stained; 86–89 degrees; 0.99’ low. Black bass are fair on hollow body frogs, topwaters and deep diving crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on slabs and topwaters. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and prepared bait.
RAY ROBERTS
Water stained; 85–89 degrees; 0.25’ low. Black bass are slow on deep diving crankbaits, Carolina rigged worms and football jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.
RICHLAND CHAMBERS
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.55’ low. Black bass are slow on Texas rigged creature baits and topwaters. White bass are fair on slabs and topwaters. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on trotlines and punch bait.
SAM RAYBURN
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 0.97’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and crankbaits. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse jigs over brush piles. Bream are fair on crickets and nightcrawlers. Catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.
SOMERVILLE
Water murky; 87–91 degrees; 7.41’ high. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait and shad. Yellow catfish are slow.
SPENCE
55.08’ low. No report available.
STAMFORD
0.98’ low. No report available.
STEINHAGEN
1.48’ high. No report available.
STILLHOUSE
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 1.62’ high. Black bass are good on chartreuse spinnerbaits and crankbaits. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on chicken livers and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.
SWEETWATER
Water off color; 83–89 degrees; 22.81’ low. No report available.
TAWAKONI
Water stained; 86–90 degrees; 0.75’ low. Black bass are good on black buzzbaits, flipping jigs and Texas rigged creature baits. White bass are good on slabs and crankbaits. Hybrid bass are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on trotlines.
TEXOMA
Water stained to muddy; 85–89 degrees; 0.12’ low. Black bass are fair on topwaters, football jigs and Texas rigged worms. Crappie are good on minnows and white jigs on docks. Striped bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad.
TOLEDO BEND
Water murky; 85–89 degrees; 1.46’ low. Black bass are good on redbug and June bug soft plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows over baited holes. Bream are fair on nightcrawlers. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with liver. Yellow catfish are slow.
TRAVIS
Water murky; 86–90 degrees; 2.58’ low. Black bass are fair on topwaters, watermelon soft plastic worms with chartreuse tails, and white grubs. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are good on nightcrawlers and fresh cut perch. Yellow catfish are slow.
WALTER E. LONG
Water murky. Black bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.
WEATHERFORD
Water stained; 1.55’ low. No report available.
WHITE RIVER
Water stained; 84–89 degrees; 18.41’ low. No report available.
WHITNEY
Water murky; 86–90 degrees; 2.11’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on minnows, pet spoons, and Charlie slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Catfish are fair on shrimp, stinkbait, and chicken livers.
WRIGHT PATMAN
Water muddy; 13.06’ high. No report available.

The Pines Theater Presents Jaci Velasquez

By
Grace Baldwin
-
0

The Pines Theater 2016 season continues Tuesday, September 20, with Jaci Velasquez, well-known Contemporary Christian and Latin pop singer, actress, and radio host.

“Jaci Velasquez was born to be on stage,” said Tara Watson-Watkins, executive director of the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau and artistic director for The Pines. “She started traveling with her father as a singing evangelist when she was nine years old, she sings in English and Spanish, she’s been in movies, she hosts a radio show. She has an amazing gift and she is a powerful performer.”

Velasquez has sold over four million albums, garnered three RIAA certified Platinum recordings, three RIAA certified Gold recordings and sixteen number one radio hits. Contemporary Christian audiences are most familiar with her hit songs, “On My Knees” (A Dove award-winning “Song of the Year”) as well as “God So Loved” and “You’re My God.” She has appeared in three faith based films – “The Encounter,” “Jerusalem Countdown” and “Rumors of Wars.” She is married to Nic Gonzales, lead singer of the Christian group Salvador.

Velasquez’s performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 for floor seats and $30 for balcony seats. Call 936-633-0349 today to purchase tickets or go to this website.

For more information on Jaci and the event, click here.

The Pines Theater’s 2016 season continues Thursday, Oct. 20 with a performance by The Hit Men, featuring Former Stars of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Americans Upbeat on Making Progress in their Lives

By
Misty Boggs
-
0

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s the spirit Americans are embracing in pursuit of their own progress, as they cheer on Team USA athletes seeking success during the Olympic Games.

A new survey for Citi’s #StandForProgress campaign shows nine in 10 Americans are optimistic about making progress in their lives in the next year. Just as many Americans agree that progress comes from within (93 percent) and that it’s the small steps every day that lead to success (94 percent). More than half of the Americans surveyed by Toluna, the online insights platform, also believe that the road to progress passes through the lessons you learn from setbacks.

“You can spend your life either focused on your limitations or work hard to overcome them and reach your full potential,” said Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist who will be competing at the Games for the fourth time. Garcia-Tolson, who is participating in the Citi campaign, added: “I’m inspired by encouraging others to take on a challenge. I love to prove people wrong.”

Better Health, More Money

Asked to identify the three areas where they most wanted to make progress over the next year, Americans listed better health (59 percent), more money (47 percent) and better family relationships (44 percent). And while many Americans say the economy needs to improve before they can make real progress, or that they don’t know how to go about it, other respondents say that tracking progress, planning and organizing and celebrating the milestones all contribute to success. More than half of Americans agree that progress is hard to achieve alone.

Men and women, meanwhile, see progress differently. Nearly eight in 10 men (78 percent) say they are satisfied with their progress in life, against fewer than seven in 10 women (67 percent). Women are also more likely than men to say that people close to them are making more progress than they are. Some 75 percent of men said they were doing better than their spouse or partner and friends, against 62 percent of women.

Sharing Progress

#StandforProgress is designed to inspire people across America to celebrate personal achievement. Members of the public can set goals for themselves alongside the nation’s elite athletes as part of Citi’s support of Team USA for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The campaign invites Americans to use #StandForProgress to share the small or big steps they want to take this year or recognize others who support and inspire their efforts – from finding a new job to saving for a vacation, buying a home or starting a business.

Readers can follow #StandForProgress, see video content and track the progress of Team Citi’s athletes this summer @Citi on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit citi.com/progress.

While everyone has their own idea of what success and progress look like, you can get inspired by those around you — from world class athletes to the people in your life.

Back-To-School Info For East Texas Public School

By
Grace Baldwin
-
0

School is fast approaching for those of us in East Texas, and as the summer is swiftly, painfully drifting away, it is often hard to remember to check your child’s list for supplies and books needed for the new school year.

Here is a comprehensive list of where you can find info on your child’s school supplies, first days, orientations, and more information.artistic-2063_1280

  1. Angelina County: Check out this website for a list of all of the school district’s websites in Angelina County.
  2. Houston County: Find your child’s public school’s website here.
    Elkhart’s Meet the Teacher night is Aug. 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. Various Meet the Teacher times for Latexo ISD will be Aug. 16. *Lovelady’s first day is Aug. 24, and the Meet the Teacher night will be Aug. 22.
  3. Jasper County: There is not a comprehensive list of all the school district’s websites online, so here are the websites for each school district in Jasper County:
    Brookeland ISD, Buna ISD, Culmesneil ISD, Evadale ISD, Jasper ISD, Kirbyville CISD, Vidor ISD
    Buna ISD Orientation is Aug. 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Jasper’s Meet the Bulldogs is Aug. 11, and the Campus Open Houses are Aug. 16.
  4. Nacogdoches County: Find your child’s school website in Nacogdoches County here.
    Centrall Heights’ and Chireno’s Meet the Teacher will be Aug. 18. Nacogdoches 3rd to 5th grade Meet the Teacher will be Aug. 16.
  5. Newton County: Find your school’s website here.
    Classes in Newton County will begin Aug. 22. Burkewille ISD will conduct a Meet the Teacher Aug. 18.
  6. Panola County: Check our your child’s school website here.
  7. Polk County: Check out the website here. The video on the homepage encourages parents to use this website to find their child’s school based on zones. Then they should click on the school’s information page and website. The supply list and date and times for orientation will be listed on each website.
    Orientation is Thursday, Aug. 11.
  8. Sabine County: Find your child’s school website here.
    Hemphill ISD’s Meet the Teacher will be Aug. 19, and West Sabine ISD’s Meet the Teacher will be Aug. 18.
  9. San Augustine County: San Augustine ISD website can be found here.  Broaddus ISD’s website can be found here.
  10. San Jacinto County: Check out this website for a list of school district’s websites in San Jacinto County.
    Coldspring ISD’s Meet the Teacher night is Aug. 19, and Shepherd ISD’s Meet the Teacher night is Aug. 18.
  11. Shelby County: Look to this website to find your child’s school website.
    Center ISD’s Meet the Teacher night is Aug. 18.
  12. Trinity County: There is not a comprehensive list of all the school district’s websites online, so here are the websites for each school district in Trinity County:
    Apple Springs ISD, Centerville ISD, Groveton ISD, Trinity ISD.
  13. Tyler County: There is not a comprehensive list of all the school district’s websites online, so here are the websites for each school district in Tyler County:
    Chester ISD, Colmesneil ISD, Spurger ISD, Warren ISD, Woodville ISD.
    Spurger ISD Meet the Teacher is Aug. 18. Woodville ISD’s Meet the Teacher is Aug. 19.

Have several children going back to school this year? Is this your child’s first time to go to college? Check out these tips to save money and efficiently shop for school supplies.coins-1523383_1280

  1. Set Limits.
    Inevitably, when your children are surrounded by options at the store, they will want a lot more, and a lot more expensive, items than they really need. To make the shopping experience less miserable, give your children solid limits they cannot pass. For example, when they ask for that adorable spiral with a puppy on it, tell them they can only have one novelty item and the rest have to be cheap, normal supplies. It could be a better idea to get a hold of your child’s supplies list and go without them, especially if you have multiple children.
  2. Find Deals.
    Periodically, stores will entice parents to their doors with sales. Tax free weekend has already passed in our neck of the woods, but that is a good example of a time to hit up the stores, even if it will be very busy! Another option is to shop after your child is at school. Supplies tends to go on bigger sales after the beginning of the year. For example, if your child will need Popsicle sticks for one project in October, wait until that month to buy them while buying your regular groceries. A third option is to shop at garage sales, thrift stores, and dollar stores.
  3. (For college students) Don’t Fret At The Price Tags On Books.
    College is expensive. This is one fact that many people already know but may not have personal experience with. As you and your college student look at the prices on those books they may or may not use but are required to have, try not to have a heart attack. Often times, renting is a more price friendly option. Chegg is one website that rents. Amazon also has books for rent and a reduced subscription price for students. Try buying from students who just had the class last semester. Colleges often change books every two years, but some classes will still be using last semester’s books. Have your student look at the bulletin boards around campus and ask their older friends. Another option is asking the office of the building their classes are in if they offer renting. It is often free!

Sending a child to school is expensive.

youth-570881_1280For those of us who can pay for our children’s supplies relatively easily, we should remember that not all can. Think about contacting your school or church and asking them if they accept donations for children who do not have all of their supplies. For those of us who do not have all the resources to help our children back to school, we should consider looking up local drives and contacting the churches in our area for help.

We are all in this together, so let’s help each other have a less stressful, better back-to-school experience.

Livingston Library Hosts All-Day Movie Showcase

By
Grace Baldwin
-
0

The Livingston Municipal Library will be showing movies all day beginning 10:15 a.m. Aug. 11 for free!

The movie schedule is Pixar Short “One Man Band” at 10:15 a.m., “Cars” at 10:25 a.m., “Mater and the Ghostlight” at 12:30 p.m., “Air Bud” at 12:40 p.m., and “The Jackie Robinson Story” at 3 p.m.

The library staff encourages guests to sit back, relax, and bring their favorite snacks to a day of movies at the library!

No admission or registration is required. For more information, contact the library at 936-327-4252.

The movie showcase will be held at the Livingston Municipal Library. Click here for a map of the event.

Pine Country Gem & Mineral Society Hosts Show

By
Grace Baldwin
-
0

The Pine Country Gem & Mineral Society will host the 22nd Annual Gem and Mineral Show Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday Aug. 28.

The show will include demonstrations, exhibits, door prizes, silent auctions, a mining sluice, and a spinning wheel. The featured exhibits will include rocks, fossils, minerals, gemstones, and jewelry.

Admission is free for students and $3 for adults. “The kitchen” will be providing meals for guests during the events.

Saturday, the hours will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and the Sunday hours will be 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For a map of the location, click here.

Mark your calendars to come and check out gems, minerals, rocks, and more shiny and interesting objects!

Strolling On El Camino Real

By
Grace Baldwin
-
0

Every month, car enthusiasts of Houston County will gather in downtown Crockett on the square by the courthouse and enjoy a night of classic cars and music. The local radio station brings rock and roll music, and the shops are open extra late to make the experience more authentic.

This Strolling on El Camino Real will be Saturday, Aug. 13 starting at 6 p.m. The shops will close at 9 p.m.

The event is free and family friendly. Come out and enjoy classic cars, rock and roll, and scenic downtown Crockett.

Click here for a map.

1...629630631...747Page 630 of 747