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Agency Offers Free Heat Safety Tool App For Real-Time Safety Tips

Grace Baldwin
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Agency Offers Free Heat Safety Tool App For Real-Time Safety Tips

With sweltering temperatures baking Texas this week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds employers to protect their workers from heat illness.

As part of its Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers, OSHA offers a free Heat Safety Tool – a downloadable app that calculates a work site’s heat index and displays a risk level to outdoor workers. With a simple click, users can get reminders about protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness. The tool is available in English and Spanish.

Water, Rest and Shade: three simple words can mean the difference between life and death when temperatures soar. Remember, protecting workers from rising temperatures is about more than their comfort.

To prevent heat related illness and fatalities:

  • Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Rest in the shade to cool down.
  • Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
  • Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
  • Keep an eye on fellow workers.
  • “Easy does it” on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get used to it.

For more information about OSHA’s Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers, visit this website.

Invasive Species Threaten Texas Freshwaters

Grace Baldwin
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Invasive Species Threaten Texas Freshwaters

Several invasive species are attacking Texas lakes, and everyone can help stop the spread. Anglers especially should take care to clean fishing gear and boats to avoid the spread.

Zebra mussels, giant salvinia, and emerald ash borders are only three of the kinds of species one should be mindful of on Texas freshwaters.

Zebra mussels are having a devastating effect on the state’s natural resources. They harm native fish and mussels, and they negatively impact beaches with their sharp shells. They are major trouble for boaters because they damage boat hulls and reduce the performance of boating equipment. Zebra mussels can clog water intakes, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Zebra mussels have already invaded several Texas lakes and could take over all freshwater sources in Texas.

To keep the spread of zebra mussels at bay, it is vital that Texas boaters clean, drain, and dry their boats after leaving every lake. This is how we can fight the spread.

-CLEAN off any vegetation, mud or foreign objects on your boat, trailer and gear before you leave the lake.

-DRAIN all water – including the bilge, livewells, motor and bait buckets.

-DRY your boat and trailer for a week or more before entering another water body. If unable to dry the boat completely, wash it with high-pressure, hot, soapy water.

Shore anglers should be warned that invasive species can hide in any gear that holds water, including bait buckets. Clean, drain, dry all your gear whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat.

Giant salvinia is becoming increasingly more harmful to Texas lakes and boats. Native to Brazil, the giant salvinia is currently one of the most dangerous invasive aquatic plants in Texas. It damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl.

The emerald ash border is a beetle native to eastern Asia. It has killed millions of ash trees and led to major efforts by state and local officials to limit its spread through strict quarantines and fines for the movement of wood, especially firewood, out of infested areas. The emerald ash border has not been found in Texas yet, but it has been confirmed in 13 states in the upper Midwest and southern Canada and as far south as eastern Missouri. Efforts are being made to ensure the earliest detection and prevention.

The next best way to curb the spread of these species is to report any sightings of them. If you have knowledge of or have seen any of these invasive species, please take the time to notify the proper authorities. Report forms and more information can be found at this website. If possible, try to take a picture and record the GPS location of the sighting.

Possession or transportation of invasive species is illegal. Boaters are also required to drain all water from their boat and gear and remove any invasive plants before approaching or leaving a public water body. Violations are Class C misdemeanors for the first offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

A list of more invasive species and where to report them can be found here, as well.

To brush up on your cleaning, draining, and drying process, watch this how to video.

This may seem like a tedious process, but keeping Texas lakes beautiful for us and for our environment is extremely important. Help maintain the beautiful lakes we all enjoy and keep yourself within the boundaries of the law. Keep Texas lakes safe from invasive species!

 

Historic Bridge Available For Adoption

Rhonda Oaks
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Historic Bridge Available For Adoption

The adoption of an historic bridge is available in Houston County. The historic bridge is located on County Road (CR) 1155 over the Neches River Relief.

The Texas Department of Transportation oversees its Historic Bridge Legacy Program, facilitating the adoption of historic bridges that outlive utility for vehicular service. All bridges available under this program are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The bridges are owned by TxDOT, cities, or counties and merit special consideration of their potential for preservation in the community. The primary emphasis of the program is to find a new public use for the bridges, such as a hike-and-bike trail or a public park.

The CR 1155 at Neches River Relief Bridge was part of the rural network of roads in Houston County linking smaller settlements to railroad shipping points. The bridge is located at a crossing that was in use during the mid-19th century, and carried traffic from southwest Houston County to Alto and Rusk. Both towns were crossroads for several regional routes, while Alto was also a railroad shipping point on the St. Louis Southwest railroad.

The bridge is in poor condition due to localized severe rusting and damage to truss members. The steel railings on the bridge have minor to moderate impact damage in addition to moderate rusting. The bridge is not strong enough or wide enough to be used by local agricultural and logging industry traffic.

“This historic bridge will be removed and hopefully will find a new home where the public can enjoy viewing it and pedestrians will be able to use it,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the TxDOT Lufkin District. “Anyone interested in bridge adoption can go to our website,www.txdot.govhttp://www.txdot.gov and search ‘adopt a historic bridge’ in the search option or contact the Lufkin District office at 936-633-4395 for more information.”

Rocket Racers, Murder Mysteries, More At The Public Library

Grace Baldwin
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Rocket Racers, Murder Mysteries, More At The Public Library

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites children, ages 7-11 years, to participate in a STEAM Lab on Tuesday, June 28th at 5:30 p.m.  Participants will discover a little something about the laws of physics as they build their own rocket and race it outside.  This lab is messy, so participants should dress appropriately.  Please call the library at (936) 559-2970 to register by Monday, June 27 th. Spaces are limited.

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library is excited to host STEAM Labs for children ages 7-11 years who share a passion and a curiosity for all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

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

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites the community to attend two different Murder Mystery Parties, one for teens on Monday, June 27th and one for adults on Wednesday, June 29th, both at 5:30 p.m. Participants will be assigned a character and take part in solving the mystery.

By the end of the night, the victim and the murderer will be uncovered, thanks to the sleuthing skills of the players.  “The event is not dinner theater, but rather an interactive party game wherein everyone receives clues about their characters and the other players that they must share with each other over the course of three rounds,” says Crystal Hicks, assistant library director.

“Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and embrace their characters, but neither is required to have fun and solve the mystery.”  Attendees will be notified of the theme and their assigned characters prior to the event.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served, and the event is free.  The nature of the event requires the attendance of assigned characters, so participants should please register by the day before the event and notify the library if they are unable to attend.

Library information is available at www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/library, on Facebook under Judy B. McDonald Public Library and on Twitter and Instagram as friendsofnacpl.

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites the community to attend the July installation of the Adult Art Series on Friday, July 1st at 5:30 p.m.  This month’s project will be painting color changing mugs using thermochromatic paint.

“We like to find projects that may seem difficult, but are actually easily accomplished,” says Crystal Hicks, assistant library director.  “Yet, we always try to focus on the creative process and camaraderie, rather than on the final product.” No registration is required for this free event, and the library will be closed during this event, so families are welcome.  There will be games for kids in the next room.  Please call 936-559-2970 for more information.

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites the public to an informal monthly workshop for anyone with technology questions or issues.  The open workshop is every month on the first Friday at 4:00 p.m.  The next meeting is July 1st.  All are welcome to attend and ask questions, troubleshoot devices or just listen.

The workshop is free and no registration is required.  Please call 559-2970 for more information.

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

DETCOG Board Selects Lonnie Hunt For Executive Director

Grace Baldwin
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DETCOG Board Selects Lonnie Hunt For Executive Director

The Board of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments has chosen former Houston County Judge Lonnie Hunt as its new Executive Director.  The board  formed a search committee after the retirement of its previous executive director.  It recommended Hunt to the full board out of twenty six applicants.

Following a career in broadcasting, Hunt was elected Houston County Judge.   After serving a term as DETCOG’s First Vice President, he was elected DETCOG President in 2011.  During his term he was elected First Vice President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils.  Most recently he has served as a County Relations Officer for the Texas Association Counties.

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) was formed under enabling legislation passed by the Texas Legislature in 1965.  DETCOG is a political subdivision of the State of Texas.  It is a voluntary association of local governments established to assist them in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating sound regional development.  It has none of the regulatory or taxing authority of cities or counties, but is subject to state laws governing open meetings, access to public records and the conduct of public officials. The DETCOG Region includes the counties of Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler.

Rep. Ashby’s Capitol Update

Grace Baldwin
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Rep. Ashby’s Capitol Update

The Texas summer heat has set upon us, and hopefully everyone has been able to find some shade and enjoy the season. The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and I hope everyone is able to have a safe and enjoyable time celebrating our nation’s freedom. While we are at cookouts and enjoying time with friends and family, let’s not forget the sacrifice made by those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. And as we are looking forward to Independence Day, here is an update from your state capitol…

Texas Sunset Commission

Every two years the Texas Sunset Commission reviews a number of state government agencies, working to improve their efficiency and effectiveness at accomplishing their core mission. The commission is made up of five State Senators and five State Representatives, as well as two members of the general public. During the summer before each legislative session, the Commission meets and holds hearings to study a subset of these agencies and begin to formulate legislative changes designed to increase the effectiveness of each agency.

This cycle the Commission will be reviewing the Texas Department of Transportation, The Railroad Commission of Texas, all of the governing boards for the medical industry, as well as several river authorities. These are important state agencies, managing everything from state road construction to medical licensing, and surface water management to the oil and gas industry. These issues impact every sector of the Texas economy, and my office will be actively following the process to ensure that our rural East Texas views are not ignored in the process. Over 80% of the state’s roadways are in rural Texas, and I plan to make sure that our rural state highways and farm to market roads are not forgotten when precious dollars are allocated for maintenance and construction.

While each recommendation made by the Sunset Commission will ultimately be debated before the entire legislature, I will keep you abreast of what is happening and make sure that our values are represented throughout the process.

House Interim Charges: House Committee on Environmental Regulation

The House Committee on Environmental Regulation is charged with overseeing all legislation and state agencies which regulate businesses with an environmental impact. It is a critically important committee which much delicately balance our economic growth and job creation with the preservation of Texas’ natural beauty. The committee will start its interim studies by reviewing the regulatory schemes for household hazardous waste disposal, and recommend if more uniform guidelines could improve legal disposal habits.

The committee will then monitor local initiatives to regulate environmental issues and consider if legislative changes are needed to resolve ambiguous regulations regarding the priority of state or local authority. Lastly, the committee will study the effectiveness of the current state programs to address scrap tire management and disposal methods. They will then provide recommendations for incentives or enforcement measures for the ongoing efforts.

Reminders

The mobile office has wrapped up for the month of June, and will be taking the month of July off. We will be back on the road for the month of August and look forward to seeing you around House District 57!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.

 

Toledo Bend Becomes The Only Location To Be No. 1 In Bassmaster Magazine History

Grace Baldwin
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Toledo Bend Becomes The Only Location To Be No. 1 In Bassmaster Magazine History

Toledo Bend, Texas became the first location to ever repeat the distinction of number one in Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes List.

Toledo Bend was recognized as No. 1 on the list in 2015, and on Monday they were again listed as the number one location to find bass. The top ten lakes in the nation are listed regardless of location every year.

However, this year Bassmaster changed how the top 100 were listed by dividing them into four regions: Northeast, Southeast, Central,  and Western.

“We just thought this might make our rankings a little bit more relevant to our readers,” Bassmaster’s Dave Precht said in an interview with the Beaumont Enterprise. “That was really the biggest difference in rankings this year. It provides them a bucket list of fishing sports more closer to home, a bit more meaningful to the anglers.”

The Central division’s No. 1 fishery was Toledo Bend and Lake Sam Rayburn came in at No. 4.

Santee Cooper lakes earned the top spot (and also No. 2 in the nation) in the Southeast division, Clear Lake took the No. 1 spot in the Western division (as well as No. 3 nationally), and the New York section of Lake Erie was named No. 1 in the Northeast (and No. 4 in the nation).

This distinction was made with more than three months of research, according to Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall. Hall noted that the initial pool of top fisheries was developed with input from B.A.S.S. Nation members across the country, state fisheries biologists, the 3,500-member B.A.S.S. Council, and some of the 650,000 Facebook fans of B.A.S.S.

We scoured the Internet for current catch-rate data, using the results of more than two dozen tournament organizations and several state ‘lunker’ programs to narrow the field to 100. Hall noted the panel of judges who finalized the rankings were ‘absolutely blown away’ by the catches yielded at Toledo Bend the past 12 months.

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Specialty Hospital Recognizes Board Members

Grace Baldwin
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CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Specialty Hospital Recognizes Board Members

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Specialty Hospital recently recognized two long-term board members.  Les Leach, Administrator for CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Specialty Hospital (center) presented Phil Medford (left) and Mayor Bob Brown (right) with Resolutions of Appreciation for their service to Memorial Specialty Hospital.

Both Mr. Medford and Mayor Brown have served on the board for 9 years. CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Specialty Hospital is a long-term acute care hospital located within CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin.  Memorial Specialty Hospital is dedicated to the care of the critically ill and/or medically complex patient with long-term care needs.

CHI St. Luke’s Valet Team Donates $500 To Scholarship Fund

Grace Baldwin
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CHI St. Luke’s Valet Team Donates $500 To Scholarship Fund

Two vital organizations within CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial are working together to help students pursue their degrees in the medical field. Each year, the Volunteer Auxiliary awards several $1,000 scholarships to local students hoping to become doctors, nurses and technicians.

The proceeds from every bag of popcorn sold at the Lufkin facility help make these scholarships possible. But on Thursday, June 23, the Volunteers got a helping hand from the Valet team who presented a check for $500 to the Scholarship Fund. The money was raised through donations given to the hospital’s valet team for a job well done.

Limited Tickets Left For Season Tickets To Angelina Performing Arts Alliance

Grace Baldwin
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Limited Tickets Left For Season Tickets To Angelina Performing Arts Alliance

Angelina Arts Alliance 2016-2017 Performing Arts Series season subscription sales have been brisk since announcing the line-up of shows coming to Lufkin starting in September. Patrons interested in becoming season ticket holders have until Friday July 8 to purchase season tickets unless they are all sold prior to that date.

The programming for the Arts Alliance 16th season seems to be popular since the public has purchased all but 12 of the seats available for season seating. Being a season ticket holder means having the same seat – guaranteed – for all seven performances of the Performing Arts Series, and never having to wait in line hoping to get tickets. Besides a bona fide Country & Western icon, this season includes two show genres that have never before been seen here in Lufkin on the Temple Theater stage.

Box Office manager Kristie Bailey confirmed “Most of the remaining seats available are in the balcony but repeat theatergoers say there is no bad seat in the house, and anyone can come by the theater and try out the seat to see if they like it before they decide to buy that season ticket.”  The 2016-2017 roster of artists is sure to thrill longtime audience members and newcomers alike, with an enticing mix of outstanding performers. Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to present the 2016-2017 season along with season sponsors Georgia Pacific and CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial.

The 16th Anniversary Performing Arts Series opens September 18th, 2016 with ILLUSIONIST RICK THOMAS. Rick Thomas is a premier illusionist having completed five world tours covering over 50 countries.  High honors include the coveted “Magician of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts and “Stage Magician of the Year” by the World Magic Awards.  Thomas performs the most intriguing and innovative grand illusions in the world with a style unlike any other magical entertainer.  Thomas is the first illusionist to perform for an Arts Alliance audience.

October 25th, 2016, THE FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Making Beautiful Music, will be the first full symphony orchestra to ever appear on the Temple Theater stage. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has transcended the dream held by its founders in 1912 when they assembled a group of musicians to create what is now one of the community’s greatest assets.  The 65 piece orchestra performs an impressive 200 concerts each year for an audience of 250,000 adults and children from all walks of life.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 / 7:30 PM, JIMMY WEBB – America’s Songwriter, a true living legend of songwriting takes the Temple Theater stage. Jimmy Webb’s been crafting amazing songs, for some forty years. Though some might still not know his name, they know the songs: “Wichita Lineman,” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Galveston,” “The Highwayman,” “Up, Up and Away,” “MacArthur Park,” and many more. His songs have been recorded or performed by the best including Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, and Carly Simon.  Webb is the only artist ever to have received Grammy Awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration and was the youngest man ever inducted into the National Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

 

For the holidays come see country & western superstar, WYNONNA JUDD – A Simpler Christmas, Saturday, December 17, 2016 / 7:30 PM. Whether she’s using her rich, commanding voice to sing one of her countless hits or sitting down for a bold, honest appearance on a talk show, Wynonna is spell-binding. A five-time GRAMMY winner, Wynonna’s own journey as one half of legendary duo The Judds with her mother Naomi Judd provides on of the most fascinating stories in country music history.  With chart toppers like “Why Not Me” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)”, The Judds were unstoppable picking up multiple GRAMMY, CMA and ACM Awards and selling more than 20 million albums along the way. Her Christmas concert features traditional favorites like “O Holy Night” and “Ave Maria” as well as all the holiday favorites that will keep you in the spirit of the season.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 / 7:30 PM BAREFOOT IN THE PARK – Montana Repertory Theatre a comedy of the heart comes to Lufkin. Fifty years ago Montana Rep began; just over fifty years ago Barefoot in the Park was produced on Broadway, jumpstarting the career of a true giant in American playwriting; Neil Simon. It seems fitting to honor the play that put Neil Simon on the map, and celebrate 50 years with one of the best theatre companies in the country; Montana Repertory Theatre.  This Neil Simon classic was made into a film in 1967 starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, and like the best romantic comedies, explores love, relationship, family, marriage, the pangs of loss, and the joy of reunion.

Big and bold and another classic performance – 42nd STREET – Broadway National Tour, Sunday, March 19, 2017 / 2:30 PM &  7:30 PM comeing to Lufkin for two performance. The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “I Only Have Eyes For You”,  and of course “42nd Street.” 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. This sparkling new production was directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival. Come and meet those dancing feet, and rediscover some classic show tunes along the way!

Saturday, May 20, 2017 / 7:30 PM, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound comes back to the Temple Theater in Inspiration of Broadway, featuring J. Mark McVey. From its formation in 2003, Ernie Haase has built Signature Sound into one of the most popular and beloved quartets in all Southern Gospel music. The group has traveled all over the world, offering energy, excitement and encouragement through its powerful brand of gospel music. Now, with the incredible vocal talents of J. Mark McVey, from Broadway’s Les Miserables’, “The Inspiration of Broadway” is thrilling audiences with their fresh take on the most beloved music of the Broadway stage. This is truly an uplifting night for people of all ages and includes songs from virtually every hot Broadway show, done with incomparable 5 part harmonies.

Apply for season subscriptions at the Temple Theater box office weekdays, 11 am – 5 pm, or call 936-633-5454 for more information. Remaining single tickets for every show will go on sale August 1, 2016 at 11 am. For more information, about the upcoming 2016-2017 season visit the Angelina Arts Alliance website at www.angelinaarts.org and follow Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook for up to the minute news and ticket giveaways.

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