Lufkin Community Service 2020 by The Lufkin Daily News

Jeff Pownall, Managing Editor • (936) 631-2623 • jeff.pownall@lufkindailynews.com

September 23, 2020 Texas Press Association To the judges Thank you for considering our entry about the attempts by a Montana oil company to build a waste disposal company near the headwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Staff writer Jess Huff’s stories were well-researched and well-reported. The PA Prospect-Oil and Gas Waste Facility will be used to store, handle, treat and dispose of nonhazardous oil and gas waste, according to a November 2019 application the company filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas. Chinquapin Creek, which feeds into the reservoir, runs through the proposed 256.7 acre site. However, health care professionals have classified the chemicals the company is planning to accept as known or probable human carcinogens, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Residents who live near the proposed facility are concerned, and rightly so. State Rep. Trent Ashby and state Sen. Robert Nichols share those concerns. The two are drafting a legislative proposal for the upcoming 2021 legislative session that requires the Railroad Commission to put a greater emphasis on water quality in their permitting process. However, a candidate running for a seat on the state agency said it won’t be enough. Jim Wright told residents at a community meeting that as long as a permit is ‘‘administratively complete’’ that a company will be issued a permit. He said that’s the way the rules are today, regardless of how many signatures there were on a petition opposing a proposal. Sam Rayburn Reservoir has offered Texans a variety of recreational activities for decades. A number of parks and boat ramps are located around the reservoir, offering activities like fishing, boating, swimming, camping and hunting. The lake consistently is ranked among the top bass lakes across America and hosts a number of tournaments each year. Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lake rankings had the lake ranked at No. 1 in 2018. Just as important is Rayburn’s proximity to Lufkin, which before COVID-19 meant an economic boon for the city’s retailers and restaurants. Residents who live near the proposed site have hired an attorney and are raising funds to pay for their anticipated legal fees. Angelina County commissioners adopted an ordinance that would prevent the same type of situation from developing in undesignated areas of the county. Thanks again for taking the time to look over this entry.

Jeff Pownall Managing Editor

RESTAURANT REVIEW

SPORTS

Farm-to-table in Tyler

Hornets get past Pack

Food critic Olive Waldorf took time to explore the amazing menu at Roast Social Kitchen. PAGE 11E

A two-run single proved to be the difference in Hudson’s 2-1 win over Lufkin on the final day of the Pete Runnels Texas Shootout. PAGE 1B

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Waiting game begins for high school baseball PAGE 1B CORONAVIRUS

All county schools to close for week By GRACE JUAREZ The Lufkin Daily News Lufkin, Diboll, Hudson, Central and Wells ISDs, Pineywoods Community Academy, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School and St. Patrick Catholic School have joined the ranks of An-

gelina County schools to announce they will be closing for a week after spring break amid the COVID-19, coronavirus scare. Classes are scheduled to resume Monday, March 23. “The Lufkin Independent School District will close for the upcom-

ing week due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic,” a post on the Lufkin ISD Facebook page stated Saturday afternoon. “During the coming week, Lufkin ISD will offer meals to students. More information on that process will be released soon at LufkinISD.org.”

Diboll ISD also announced its closure next week on Facebook Saturday afternoon. “Please limit your going out during this time and continue using precautionary measures posted on SEE SCHOOLS, PAGE 6A

ENVIORNMENT

Water woes

Waste disposal facility raises community’s concerns

More coverage ■■ Coronavirus briefs Page 5A ■■ Sid Miller: Schools can continue

providing free meals to students Page 6A ■■ U.S. providers offer free Wi-Fi for 60 days Page 5B

CORONAVIRUS

City urges quarantine after travel By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News

The city of Lufkin emergency management team is recommending a 14-day self quarantine for any resident who traveled overseas, to California, New York, Massachusetts or Washington state. WRIGHT This also extends to the children of parents who have traveled to any of these areas. They ask that those children not attend school for the next 14 days. “It is pertinent for anyone who has traveled to these areas to self-quarantine,” Lufkin City Manager Keith Wright said. “Taking preventative measures is the only way to reduce and/or slow the likelihood of an outbreak in SEE QUARANTINE, PAGE 6A

JOEL ANDREWS/The Lufkin Daily News

Sam Rayburn Reservoir attracts a wide variety of activities. Citizens have expressed concerns about chemicals leaking into the water

because a proposed waste disposal facility would sit near the headwaters of the lake.

Proposed venture could impact Sam Rayburn Reservoir By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News Residents of San Augustine County are fighting a permit application by a Montana-based oil company that is trying to build a waste disposal facility in the Chinquapin community. The PA Prospect-Oil and Gas Waste Facility is expected to consist of 256.7 acres on both sides of state Highway 103 and will be used

to store, handle, treat and dispose of non-hazardous oil and gas waste. The company first submitted its application to the Texas Railroad Commission in November 2019. “This will be a 257-acre deal — I mean, I’m really concerned,” Ann Bridges, a resident of the Chinquapin community, said. “I’m concerned about the sale of that land. The materials coming are not good for the environment, not good for our health. There will be nothing

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good coming out of this.” Bridges said the company has held two community meetings regarding the issue. There was also a packet of information sent to those living within a half mile of the facility around Thanksgiving, she said. Citizens also expressed concerns about chemicals leaking into the water because the proposed facility would sit near the headwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Chinquapin Creek, which feeds into the res-

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ervoir, runs through the proposed site. The company’s application states that per liter, it would accept less than: ■ Five milligrams of arsenic ■ 100 milligrams of barium ■ One milligram of cadmium ■ Five milligrams of chromium ■ Five milligrams of lead ■ 0.2 milligrams of mercury

Ellen Trout Zoo, Kurth Memorial Library and Lufkin Parks & Recreation will be closed for 14 days starting at 8 a.m. Monday, according to a press release from Lufkin Police Department public relations specialist Jessica Pebsworth. The closure includes activities and programs through Lufkin Parks & Recreation held at other locations. All other city services will continue to operate at this time.

SEE WASTE, PAGE 6A

SEE CLOSURES, PAGE 2A

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Sunday, March 15, 2020 THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS

CORONAVIRUS

Miller: Schools can continue to provide meals to students By GRACE JUAREZ The Lufkin Daily News

students the best way they see fit,” Miller said. “We’re here to support our schools so they can serve their students the best way they see fit. It’s all about common sense and local control.” The waiver from the federal government allows the Texas Department of Agriculture the authority to grant schools the “freedom” on a case-by-case basis to provide meals on an individual basis while the school is closed.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said his agency will allow Texas schools to continue to provide meals to students even if temporarily closed due to coronavirus. “Whether it’s Hurricane Harvey or coronavirus, if a school decides to shutdown, they need the flexibility to keep serving

“This is intended to curb the spread of coronavirus through social distancing while ensuring children continue to have access to school meals,” a press release states. Social concern across the nation had been mounting as schools were closing by the hundreds. Parents and community members wanted to know what would happen to children who relied on this assistance for nourishment.

Any school wishing to provide meals after closure should apply through the TDA to be reimbursed. “TDA is working closely with federal partners to provide program flexibilities from USDA that would allow schools to more easily and safely offer meals to students during a potential closure,” the press release states. “These flexibilities support schools and childcare centers who elect to

continue meal service. Like many others, TDA encourages all program operators to share good hygiene practices and actively engage in contingency planning to respond appropriately to any disruption in operations.” For the latest on TDA response to this developing situation, visit texasagriculture.gov and SquareMeals.org/coronavirus. Grace Juarez’s email address is grace.juarez@lufkindailynews.com.

MILLER

Waste Continued from Page 1A ■ One milligram of selenium ■ Five milligrams of silver ■ 0.5 milligrams of benzene Health care professionals have classified several of these chemicals as known or probable human carcinogens, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A person’s risk of developing cancer depends on how much, how long, how often, and when they are exposed to these chemicals. Bridges wanted to know who would be monitoring the company, ensuring there was no hazardous waste brought into the facility and that none would escape the leachate ponds. The company said in a statement that only non-hazardous oil and gas waste, which is subject to the jurisdiction of the railroad commission, will be accepted. They plan to reclaim and recycle oil and dispose of dry, solid waste into lined landfill cells. They expect to primarily receive drilling fluid and cuttings from drilling oil and gas wells in the ground. “Safe and accessible statelicensed management and disposal of oil and gas waste must be available to oil and gas producers to allow for economic drilling of wells and production from existing wells,” Wes

McGuffey, the attorney representing the company, said. The company will have employees trained to self-monitor the situation, he said. “After reviewing the application for this project, I share the concerns that have been raised by so many of my constituents,” Republican state Rep. Trent Ashby said. “Given the size, location and scope of this proposed project, I have serious concerns about the negative impact this facility would have not only on San Augustine County, but all of the counties that are adjacent to Lake Sam Rayburn. I’m also troubled by how this project could affect the groundwater that so many East Texans residents rely on as their primary source of freshwater.” Republican state Sen. Robert Nichols was equally concerned about the proposed facility’s potentially harmful impact on the local groundwater and soil. “I have heard from many San Augustine County residents who are concerned about how the proposed facility could negatively impact their lives, farms and homes,” he said. “They are concerned about potential water and soil contamination, as well as the potential for runoff from the

facility into the creek running through the property, which feeds into neighboring streams and Lake Sam Rayburn. “My office has reached out to discuss the project with PA Prospect Corporation and has attended a community meeting on this issue. However, many unanswered questions still remain about the impacts of this project to the local community and environment.” Nichols wrote a letter to the commission, opposing the facility. He said he’d continue to work with the local communities as the application went through it’s process with the railroad commission. “When a company submits an application, it must go through a rigorous process where it is vetted by both technical and legal staff at our agency to make sure that the facility meets safety standards in accordance with state law and the agency’s rules,” R.J. DeSilva, the communications director for the Railroad Commission of Texas said. Because the application has been protested by more than five people or entities, the application will undergo a hearing with the commission’s hearings division, once it is administratively complete, he

JOEL ANDREWS/The Lufkin Daily News

Sam Rayburn Reservoir attracts a wide variety of activities. Citizens have expressed concerns about chemicals leaking into the water because a proposed waste disposal facility would sit near the headwaters of the lake. said. McGuffey said the facility will operate with a sophisticated system of liners, berms and monitoring equipment to prevent off-site migration of waste materials. The liners will consist of 60-millimeterthick polyethylene and a leak detection system to collect any moisture accumulated in the landfill, he said. “The proposed facility application exceeds the permitting requirements of the commission, including multiple layers of engineered liners, existing natural and impervious clay

Quarantine Continued from Page 1A Angelina County.” Along the same lines, several schools have canceled classes next week as a precautionary measure. That includes Central ISD, Huntington ISD,

up to 100 feet thick to protect groundwater; and extensive, redundant and engineered contact stormwater best management collection and retention control,” McGuffey said. The company expects the project to cost $30 million. It plans to use local contractors to build the facility in addition to hiring 25 full-time perma-

Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

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Pineywoods Community Academy, Zavalla ISD, Wells ISD and Angelina College. “We will continue to update this list throughout the weekend as we learn of any additional school closings,”

Jessica Pebsworth, the public relations specialist for the Lufkin Police Department, said. “This situation is changing by the minute so check back for updates.” She also said that anyone in

Lufkin city limits under self quarantine who needs assistance can call the Lufkin Police and Fire non-emergency number T 633-0356.

in our community, CISD is allowing this additional week for continued monitoring and possible self-reporting,” Risner said. “Through our daily updates from TEA, local and state officials, and community health care partners, we will continue to provide updates as they become available. As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support for Central ISD.” “At this time, there are no confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases among the PCA community; however, out of an abundance of caution and to best discern the situation and next steps, we believe that delaying school is a prudent decision,” Vaughn said. Additionally, Diboll ISD asks that any student or staff member who attended a large gathering not return for 14 days. They should contact school administration for guidance. The Texas Education Agency recommended that school districts work very closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services when deciding whether to close dur-

ing this time. They also issued a 15-page packet advising schools on how to handle high-absence rates. “The reasons for absences or school closures vary and may range from illness to natural disasters,” the packet reads. “School closure may be a preventive measure or the result of high absenteeism. Closures may involve a single campus, multiple campuses, or be district- or area-wide. Whatever the situation, districts should be prepared with plans to support continuity of learning under multiple scenarios.” The TEA advised creating a leadership team to address design, development and delivery of the instructional continuity work plan. The team should create a plan to consider how to maintain the minimum minutes of instruction and effectively communicate with the public. “There are multiple instructional delivery methods that can be used to support the instructional continuity plan,” the packet reads.

“These options range from no technology to technology assisted instructional solutions and technology-integrated solutions. Instructional strategies will vary with each solution.” The TEA recommended finding a plan best for the region, and if significant barriers exist to prevent “complete and robust instruction,” districts are encouraged to focus on the core subjects.

Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

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Schools Continued from Page 1A our district website,” the post read. Hudson also announced that it will be closed next week in an post on its Facebook page Saturday afternoon, instructing citizens to stay tuned for more information. “With student, staff and community safety always at the forefront of every decision, Central ISD will close all school campuses until Monday March 23,” Superintendent Justin Risner wrote in a Facebook statement. “Central ISD wants to respect UIL’s mandatory suspension of all extracurricular activities and the recommendation for social distancing to ensure our part to help reduce the local impact and spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).” “In order to limit the risk of COVID-19, coronavirus to our campus and community, and because the health and safety of the Pineywoods Community Academy students, faculty and families is our primary concern, we are canceling class through Sunday, March 22,” a statement from Director Ken Vaughn said. Gov. Gregg Abbott declared Texas in a state of disaster yesterday afternoon and laid out plans for drive-thru testing centers in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin. No official order has been made to ban large gatherings, but Health Commissioner John Hellerstedt strongly discouraged them until the state could get a better read on how many Texans have contracted the virus. Huntington and Zavalla ISD announced Friday they would not return from spring break until March 23, as well. A statement was issued from a Wells ISD employee on a parent Facebook page that the school would not be in session next week. That statement was later confirmed on the Wells ISD Facebook page. “Although there has been no confirmation of COVID-19

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ANGELINA COUNTY

County adopts ordinance on waste disposal, processing By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News Angelina County Commissioners approved an ordinance prohibiting the processing and disposal of solid waste in undesignated areas of the county on Tuesday. Pct. 3 County Commissioner Terry Pitts said the mindset was to prevent companies from moving into the county to utilize the land as a dumping site. He pointed to San Augustine County, where residents are “fighting tooth and nail” against a Montana company proposing to store, handle, treat and dispose of non-hazardous oil and gas waste, he said.

PA Prospect LLC plans to reclaim and recycle oil and dispose of dry, solid waste into lined landfill cells. It expects to primarily receive drilling fluid and cuttings from PITTS drilling oil and gas wells in the ground, the company said in a statement. “We don’t want another landfill, toxic waste dump or anything like that,” Pitts said. “Can you name a single person in this county who wants a new landfill on their road?” County leadership began looking into this issue a few months ago

and finally drafted the ordinance to protect county residents from unknown and unwanted facilities. Pitts said this ordinance should protect the county from anyone who has not already got permits from the state from coming in. “It was kind of like a preventative measure,” Pitts said. In other business, commissioners: ■ Approved an improvement project for Pavilion/Barn No. 1 to create an enclosed kitchen and canning area at their cost, not at any cost to the county. ■ Approved an assignment of the ground lease for hangar 10 at the Angelina County Airport from the VCD/JCD Family partnership Ltd to

A35/C182 LLC and to allow ownership of the hangar to be transferred in the same manner. ■ Renewed the Law Enforcement Agency Subscriber Agreement between TransUnion and Alternative Data Solutions Inc. and the sheriff’s office. ■ Approved an amendment between the county and Tyler Technologies Inc. ■ Decided to submit an application for a portion of Unclaimed Property Capital Credits for Counties from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. ■ Decided to include the Diabetes Direct Connect program as a part of the County Wellness Program.

■ Paid the $4,220 county match for the Angelina County Child Welfare Services contract with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services out of the contingency fund. Commissioners also approved budget transfers for: ■ $67,413.96 from contingency to the communications upgrade account. ■ $350 from travel and training to the phone utility for the county treasurer. ■ $1,002.05 from parts and shop to equipment rental for Precinct 1 road and bridge. Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

CITY OF DIBOLL

Diboll discusses delinquent business, residential water accounts By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News DIBOLL — Diboll residents who have failed to pay their water bills and have not filled out a COVID-19 relief application may have their water cut off if they do not contact city officials soon. During Tuesday’s meeting, city manager Gerry Boren brought up the growing deficit in funds caused by people not paying their water bills. He said the issue at hand is that while the city is happy to work with customers, only one person has approached them and followed the

proper protocols to be put on a COVID-19 relief payment plan. The plan was instituted right as COVID-19 was hitting Angelina County because the city didn’t want to leave residents already facing dire times without their basic necessities covered. However, now there are 14 commercial accounts, both big and small businesses, that are short a total of $3,711. There are 23 resident accounts from inside city limits that are short a total of $6,722 and the two accounts outside city limits that are short $1,429. The city will begin sending those residents notices and an applica-

tion for COVID-19 relief, which will relieve customers of late fees for 90 days. Boren told the council he would like to work closely with each customer to create a repayment plan that works with customers based on their circumstances. Information will be sent to those customers to help them fix things with the city and ensure they do not lose access to running water. Diboll residents will also be faced with a change to the city charter in the November election. The council voted to change the ordinance review committee guidelines to lessen the number of individuals required

on the group and ease restrictions on how long that group should meet. Every five years, the city is supposed to create a committee of 16 individuals who look at city orBOREN dinances and make recommendations for change over six months. The city has struggled to establish a group that will meet to come up with these changes. Council members believe that by reducing the number of people meeting to seven and letting the group de-

cide how long they meet, the group will be more successful. In other business, the council also: ■ Decided to keep city hall closed for another month in light of rising COVID-19 case numbers. ■ Appointed tax assessor-collector Billie Page as the person to determine their city tax rate. ■ Approved a zone change for 1302½ N. Temple Drive to “residential single family dwelling.” ■ Appointed council member Daniel Lopez to the Deep East Texas Board of Directors. Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

RUNOFF ELECTION

Hegar wins Senate nomination; Castaneda leading for railroad commish AUSTIN (AP) — Texas’ MJ Hegar won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in a primary runoff Tuesday that was postponed months over fears of the coronavirus, only to be held as the outbreak is worse than ever. At press time Tuesday, Chrysta Castaneda was leading Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo in the Democratic runoff for railroad commissioner with 62.12% of the vote. President Donald Trump’s former doctor in the White House, Ronny Jackson, also won the GOP nomination for a rural congressional seat on a day in which Texas set a record for new coronavirus cases and reported 87 new deaths. Some counties cut back on polling places as virus fears created a shortage of election workers, although reports of long lines were sparse. Hegar’s victory is a win for national Democratic groups that backed her campaign — as did former presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg and

Sen. Elizabeth Warren — believing the former Air Force helicopter pilot has a centrist appeal that gives the party the best shot at an upset in America’s biggest red state. But it was far from a resounding victory over state Sen. Royce West, who would have been Texas’ first Black Senator if elected in November. The close margin reflected divisions among Democratic voters two years after former congressman Beto O’Rourke revived the party’s long-dormant hopes in Texas by nearly ousting Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. Hegar will be an underdog against Republican Sen. John Cornyn, and Democrats nationally do not view the race as competitive as their chances of flipping Senate seats in Arizona, Colorado and Maine. Hegar said, however, that it’s a race she can win. “The grassroots energy that has jelled behind this campaign, and my ability to connect with people because I am a regular working Texas mom has re-

ally pushed us to this point.” Democrats hope that Trump’s sagging poll numbers will be a burden for the GOP ticket. Wearing masks and trying to keep their distance, voters headed out to polls in blazing 100-degree afternoon heat and at a moment when Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is urging the public to stay home as Texas struggles to contain one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the country. Abbott, who has warned that the infection numbers will likely get even worse, did not include polling places under a recent statewide mask order, and unlike many states, Texas has fought efforts to expand mail-in balloting during the pandemic. On Tuesday, Texas reported a record 10,745 confirmed new cases in a single day, and the rate of positive cases also climbed to nearly 17% — also a new high. Jackson, a retired Navy rear admiral, defeated Josh Winegarner in a primary runoff and will now be heav-

ily favored in November in the deeply red Texas Panhandle. Trump endorsed his former doctor two years after he nominated him to lead the Department of Veteran Affairs, saying he was impressed by Jackson when the doctor gave a glowing report on the president’s health and mental well-being. That nomination was derailed by allegations that Jackson, who had extolled Trump’s “incredible genes,” drank on the job and over-prescribed drugs. Jackson denied the misconduct allegations and withdrew his name from consideration. Runoff elections in Texas typically have low turnout, and by Tuesday afternoon, elections officials reported few cases of long lines in the state’s largest counties. The wait was about 15 minutes at the Houston Metropolitan Multi-Service Center in the city’s posh River Oaks neighborhood, where Christina Falugi said she felt safe wearing a mask and seeing poll workers

Election Continued from Page 1A because I have to, but because I want to,” he said. “I just hope and pray that the good Lord takes care of this county like He should.” Harrison said he was grateful for the clean election that Allen ran and that there wasn’t any badmouthing. He hopes Allen is up for the job and said that Allen will be starting off well because of the tax note Harrison made sure was secured for the county. “We’ve got some extra money, so he can get in and fix roads,” Harrison said. In the race for Precinct 2

constable, incumbent Trae Trevathan beat Danny Anders 929 to 723. Allen and Trevathan will be sworn into office on Jan. 1, 2021. Mary ‘’MJ’’ Hegar, a former Air Force helicopter pilot, beat state Sen. Royce West for the right to face Republican Sen. John Cornyn in November, according to the Associated Press. West beat Hegar 679 to 468 in Angelina County. Chrysta Castaneda was leading Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo in the Democratic runoff for railroad commissioner with 62.12% of the

vote. In Angelina County, she beat Alonzo 643 to 487. “The turnout was great,” elections administrator Elizabeth Hawkins said. “In 2018 there were fewer than 100 voters the whole time.

The number of voters really picked up this time. There was more participation. This shows everybody is out and wants to vote.” Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

try to enforce social distancing. “It’s the best we can do to make our voices heard in this weird time,” she said. But, she added, “it does make me concerned for other elections in a pandemic.” In suburban Houston, a runoff to replace one of six House seats opened up by a wave of GOP retirements in Texas ended with Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls defeating Kathaleen Wall, a GOP megadonor who has spent millions of dollars in failed congressional bids the last two years. Democrats believe the seat is competitive

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in November. Former Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who was ousted from his longtime Dallas district in 2018, won the GOP nomination for a rural seat in Waco even though the retiring incumbent, Rep. Bill Flores, criticized his former colleague for switching to a more friendly district. Fears over the coronavirus kept some poll workers home, forcing San Antonio to open fewer polling places than originally planned. “This is a particularly challenging Election Day,” said Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen said.

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CORONAVIRUS

62 businesses get grants By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News

We Love Lufkin program easing impact of COVID-19 pandemic

The city of Lufkin awarded 62 grants to local businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last few months with plans to approve more grants.

The Lufkin City Council instituted the “We Love Lufkin” grant program in early July to connect Lufkin-based businesses and organizations with funding based on their employee base. Broken into three

categories based on the number of employees, each organization applied, and as long as the applications were done correctly, they were approved on a first-come first-serve basis, interim city manager

Bruce Green said. There are plans to look at more organizations as the city qualifies for additional funding. Green believes they city will be given approximately $500,000 for this program.

The amount distributed in this first set was $377,500. Minorities, specifically, were given $122,500 — or 32% — of the money distributed, Green said. Grant funds were available

EAST TEXAS

Not in my backyard Community fighting proposed landfill in headwaters of Lake Sam Rayburn By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News ROSEVINE — Nobody wants a landfill next to their house. And the members of the quiet Chinquapin Community are learning just how frustrating it is to stop one from being built. It was Thanksgiving in 2019 when Ann Bridges learned that the PA Prospect Company was applying for a permit with the Texas Railroad Commission. The company hopes to build a non-hazardous oil and gas waste facility at the intersection of state Highway 103 and County Road 4305 — which is about a mile and half from U.S. Highway 96. Bridges lives just down the road on the property her family has owned for more than 100 years. She had just moved back to the homestead after years of living near the Gulf Coast, next to oil refineries and waste facilities just like the one now being considered in San Augustine. Beyond what Bridges believes could result in the environmental devastation of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, she doesn’t want to live with the sight, noise or smell of the facility next door. At Thursday night’s regular Republican Party meeting in the Rosevine Community of Sabine County, Bridges was among the members of the Chinquapin Community who attended to hear Jim Wright, a Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, speak. Wright talked for 20 or so minutes with the members of the communities about what changes he hopes to make as a Railroad Commissioner. He came prepared to answer questions about PA Prospect. Despite its misleading name, the Railroad Commission regulates SEE LANDFILL, PAGE 3A

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78 83 82 79 C O M P L E T E F O R E C A S T, PAGE 6B

SEE GRANTS, PAGE 3A

CORONAVIRUS

Lufkin ISD releases guidance for school By GRACE JUAREZ The Lufkin Daily News Lufkin ISD released a 21-page document Friday morning with guidance on starting school during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter covers topics from the COVID task force, to health and safety guidelines, to the COVID response protocols and more. “This document is a guide for all Lufkin ISD students regarding back-toschool plans and instruction,” says a letter from superintendent Lynn Torres at the start of the document. “Preliminary information is posted in this guidance and is subject to change based on state and local decisions.” SEE LISD, PAGE 6A

Deadline for census info pushed back By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News

JOEL ANDREWS/The Lufkin Daily News

Sam Rayburn Reservoir attracts a variety of visitors from across the state. Members of the Chinquapin Community are fighting to keep a proposed waste facility at the reservoir’s headwaters.

INDEX

TODAY’S WEATHER 8 A.M.

to businesses and nonprofits who fit in the following criteria: ■ They employ 50 people or less. ■ They are located within the city of Lufkin with a Lufkin mailing address.

Classified......................7-8B Crossword.........................5E Dear Abby..........................5E Entertainment/TV........ 1-24E

Hints from Heloise............. xE Janice Ann Rowe...............4A On the Record...................4A Opinion............................ 4B

Outdoors.......................... 3B Sports...........................1-3B Weather............................ 6B

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The deadline to respond to the 2020 Census was pushed back to Oct. 31, according to DaVina Morris, the executive assistant for the Deep East Texas Council of Governments. “Since there has been so much going on with COVID and we haven’t really been able to utilize the boots on the ground like we initially thought, they have moved the self-response rate back to October 31,” Morris said. “That means SEE CENSUS, PAGE 3A

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Landfill Continued from Page 1A mining and exploration, oil and gas, and pipelines. However, while they are in charge of regulation, Wright told the crowd that for the most part the organization just makes sure companies have dotted their “I’s” and crossed their “T’s” in permit applications. “We’re leaving an imprint, by the Railroad Commission, on this great state that as long as you’ve got an application that is administratively complete, then you’re going to get issued that permit,” he said. “That’s the way the law is written today. “If you can fill out that permit and it is administratively complete, you’re going to be issued that permit regardless of whether you had 700,000 signatures (against the proposal). That’s the rules, that’s the way they are today.” The Railroad Commission does grant hearings, and the Chinquapin Community has already been through one, so some in the crowd expressed dismay that the hearing may not have meant much. “The only way you can be effective with a hearing process is if you can prove that they’re harming the environment in a certain way,” Wright said. The community will have to hire professionals — a geologist and engineer — to prove the facility will harm the environment, Wright said. PA Prospect has maintained their operation will have no impact on Chinquapin Creek, which leads into the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and that it will not impact the reservoir. In a document the company sent to The Lufkin Daily News, the company explicitly says the facility is not a threat to Sam Rayburn Reservoir. “The proposed facility is approximately 8 to 10 miles from Lake Sam Rayburn, which is far outside any areas of potential impact,” the document reads. “The site will be equipped with a sophisticated

Evelyn Lois Tullos

JOEL ANDREWS/The Lufkin Daily News

Sam Rayburn Reservoir attracts a variety of visitors from across the state. Members of the Chinquapin Community are fighting to keep a proposed waste facility at the reservoir’s headwaters. system of liners, berms and monitoring equipment to prevent off-site migration of waste material.” One Railroad Commission practice that stood out to several in the crowd was that the company would essentially have “three strikes” before being required to start the application process all over. Wright said the three strikes precedent had held him back from moving forward with projects when he was working in the private industry. Essentially, the company can mess up its application three times. If it’s late, has severe issues with the information provided or anything like that, Wright said the commission may make them restart. This wouldn’t end the company’s attempt to move into San Augustine, but it could delay it. Wright compared the Railroad Commission to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, whose rules and regulations are vastly different. One rule is the requirement that the company prove it’s needed in that area. “That applicant has to prove the need

for capacity,” Wright said. “What that means is he has to go out to all the people that are going to generate waste and make sure that he is warranted to be theren— that there is business available for him. That’s not a requirement at the Railroad Commission.” Additionally, the TCEQ listens to petitions and arguments made by the communities involved, Wright said. Regardless, the community recognizes this is just the beginning of the fight, Bridges said. Those who have reached out to experts in the field were told it could take three years or more for this process to go through. Wright echoed this. The next step will be pushing their local representatives in the Legislature to change the rules, Wright said. A rule change has the chance to force the Railroad Commission to listen to the complaints from the communities and to look beyond an administratively complete application before making a decision on PA Prospect. Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

Census Continued from Page 1A anybody can respond by mail, internet or phone until October 31.” In Angelina County, 53.4% of households had responded to the census by July 22. The final response rate in 2010 was 64.7%, Morris said. In Nacogdoches County, 50.3% of households had responded to the census by July 22. The final response rate in 2010 was 60%. In Texas as a whole, 57.2% of households had responded by July 22. The final response rate in 2010 was 64.4%. “You can see that we’re quite a few numbers off from our 2010 self-response rate,” Morris said. “The Census Bureau is having a Census Bureau Surge Week in Texas because there are so many areas that the self-response rate is low in.” Surge Week runs through Sunday. DETCOG will connect with census coordinators and create an action plan to

get information out. They’re hoping to work with school districts that are currently sending out a lot of information with the new school year. “We’re hoping to partner with them to get some more letters and fliers out to homes, to remind people to count themselves in the census as well as themselves,” Morris said. “The census is also sending out a sixth reminder postcard and that is set to arrive in homes between July 22 and July 28.” This is likely the last reminder that will be sent to homes encouraging residents to respond to the census, Morris said. In May and June, individuals went out to leave packets on the doorsteps of homes. This was important for Deep East Texas counties where residents were in more rural areas that mail may not have arrived in or where the residents may have missed online references to the census,

Morris said. “Since that has taken place, we are hopeful that we will see those numbers increase because now (rural residents) do have something and we want them to complete those packets,” Morris said. If there is still no response after these packets, there will be a non-response follow-up. What this means is on Aug. 11, census takers will visit households with personal protection equipment and following social distancing guidelines. “They cannot ask for any documentation or identification. (Residents) don’t have to prove who they are saying lives in the home,” Morris said. Morris acknowledged that people may not want anyone unknown anywhere near their homes right now while COVID-19 still rages through many regional communities. “If we can remind our communities that they can com-

plete their census by phone or the internet, then that would be great,” Morris said. “Because then, no one has to show up at their house.” Mobile questionnaire assistance units also will be deployed at essential service places like grocery stores, banks and pharmacies. This will begin with units targeting areas with the lowest selfresponse rates. “I want to see if we can narrow down when that’s going to happen in our area,” Morris said. “Right now they’re judging that it will happen in early August, but they don’t have a set date.” More information on that will be distributed as Morris gets it, she said. On Thursday, Census Counts will host a webinar to discuss the census and redistricting. More information on that will be posted as it becomes available as well.

There were four levels the businesses could fit into. Level one businesses employ fewer than five people and are eligible for a $5,000 grant. Level two businesses employ six to 20 people and are eligible for a $7,500 grant. Level three businesses employ 21-40 people and are eligible for a $10,000 grant. Level four businesses employ 41-50 people and are eligible for a $15,000 grant. Those who were given $5,000 were: Platinum BevTech, Holiday Travel agency, The Grand on First, Gold N Visons, Texas Size Selfie, Selene Brannin, The George H. Henderson Expo Center, Generations Hair Studio LLC, Pineywoods Printing, Humane Society of Angelina County, JD’s Center of Hope Inc., Deez Wingz LLC, Junior

Achievement of Angelina County, Angelina County Fair Foundation, Blonde Ambition Boutique, Regal Event Venue, Jacks Records and Tapes, A&A Lufkin Enterprises Inc., Toonz Cutz, Besos Boutique, Office Furniture Warehouse, Billy Lee’s Locksmith Service Inc., Clear View, Junk’n Treasures, LA Abeja Inc., The East Texas Peddler, S. Mitchell Insurance, Haute as Ice LLC, East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope, Angelina Beautiful/ Clean, Lufkin Music World, East Texas Polygraph Services, Sno Bros, A Stitch in Time, Black Spot Tattoo Company LLC, Bravo Sport Cut Salon, Eastex Bilingual Services Inc, USA Transmissions, Angelina Tax Express, Rubie & Jane, Luna Counseling Services, and Becker Art Studio.

Those who were given $7,500 were: Beard Fine Jewelers, The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Connections Counseling & Psychiatry, Manhattan Fine Dining, Shipley Donuts, R.J.C.P. DBA Jim Ann’s, Professional Alarms Inc, MSGPR, Sound Techs, Air Cooled Engine Co., Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, Gibraltar Construction Inc., Standpipe Coffee House, Luckett’s Hole in One Cafe, and Tomé Catering. Those who were given $10,000 were: Angelina Pediatrics, Children’s Clinic of Lufkin, Safari Kidz Academy, D&L Rudd Enterprises Inc., and Tulane Kid’s Academy. There were no businesses listed that were given $15,000.

Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

Grants Continued from Page 1A ■ They are registered to do business in Texas. ■ They have been operational since Sept. 1, 2019. ■ They are able to demonstrate a 20% reduction in business as a result of the pandemic. ■ They are self-employed individuals, independent contractors, sole proprietors and/ or are nonprofits serving the business community. ■ If they applied as minority-owned, they verified that: 51% of the business is owned by a minority or group of minorities that are U.S. citizens, that the business is registered in the state of Texas, and it is owned, managed and operated on a daily basis by a minority owner or group of minority owners.

Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com.

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Funeral services for Evelyn Tullos, 82, of Apple Springs will be held Monday, July 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin, Texas, with Pastor Horace Fletcher officiating. Interment will follow in the Bennett Cemetery. Mrs. Tullos was born February 15, 1938 in Wells, Texas and passed away Thursday, July 23, 2020 in Apple Springs at her residence surrounded by family. She was the daughter of the late Rosa Ethel and Jim B Hadaway. She married the love of her life, Dan Tullos and spent 48 years enjoying life together, raising their kids and grandkids. She spent her years being a loving wife, a wonderful mama and a granny who spoiled her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent her last days loving her family to the fullest. She was one of the kindest people you would ever meet. She spoke softly and loved with her entire heart. She is survived by her son and wife, Danny and Gina Tullos, daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Scot Brister, all of Apple Springs. Grandchildren, April and husband Mike Davis, Kyle and wife Kendra Brister, Brittany and husband Daniel McSwain, Megan and husband B.J. Baldree; great grandchildren, Katie and Max Davis, Daniel and Ryan Brister, Blaize, Zoey, and Timber McSwain, Easton and Paisley Baldree; brother and sister-in-law, Dewayne and Joni Tullos; sisterin-law, Kay Tullos, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Dan Tullos; Sisters, Garvis (Dutch) Middleton, Estelle Simmons, Jimmy Tims Byrd, and Hazel Oldham; brothers, Edmond Hadaway, Sherwood Hadaway, and George Hadaway. Pallbearers are Jerry Middleton. Larry Middleton, Dean Davis, Kevin Tullos, Terry Tullos, Gary Tullos and Brink Hollis. The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. (face mask required). The family would like to extend and say “thank you” to the staff of Hospice in the Pines for all their care and wonderful support. Very special “thank you” of Misty McMullen and Lari DeLeon for all their loving care they provided to our precious mama. Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com Lotto Texas numbers drawn Wednesday: 12-18-32-39-47-52 Cash Five numbers drawn Friday: 9-16-17-18-29 Pick Three numbers drawn Friday (morning): 9-1-6 Fireball: 1 Pick Three numbers drawn Friday (day): 5-1-0 Fireball: 7 Pick Three numbers drawn Friday (evening): 8-8-2 Fireball: 5 Pick Three numbers drawn Friday (night): 1-8-7 Fireball: 1 Daily Four numbers drawn Friday (morning): 9-2-2-8 Fireball: 5 Daily Four numbers drawn Friday (day): 7-7-1-4 Fireball: 0 Daily Four numbers drawn Friday (evening): 1-8-7-4 Fireball: 2 Daily Four numbers drawn Friday (night): 8-2-8-9 Fireball: 0 Texas Two Step numbers drawn Thursday: 5-22-25-28 Bonus Ball: 34 Mega Million numbers drawn Friday: 8-33-39-54-58 Mega Ball: 17 Megaplier: 3 Powerball numbers drawn Wednesday: 16-25-36-44-55 Powerball: 14 Power Play: 3

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EAST TEXAS

Ashby, Nichols take landfill fight to Legislature By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News Local representatives in the state Legislature are drafting legislation to keep a Montanabased company from constructing an oil and gas waste landfill in the headwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The PA Prospect Company is applying for a permit with the Texas Railroad Commission in hopes of building a non-hazardous oil and gas waste facility at the intersection of state Highway 103 and County Road 4305 — which is about a mile and half from Highway 96. State Rep. Trent Ashby and Sen. Robert Nichols are drafting a legislative proposal

ASHBY

NICHOLS

that would require the Texas Railroad Commission to put a greater emphasis on protecting water quality in their permitting process. “We have closely monitored the ongoing proposal for a waste facility in San Augustine County,” a joint statement by the representatives said. “We share the concerns

that have been voiced by hundreds of our constituents, and have expressly asked the Railroad Commission of Texas to reject this application on the grounds that it threatens the integrity of our most cherished natural resource.” This proposal will be submitted in the next legislative session, which is slated to begin in January 2021. Because of the actions of San Augustine residents, hundreds have submitted letters begging the commission not to grant the permit. The facility would be built on top of Chinquapin Creek, which feeds into Sam Rayburn Reservoir. However, during a public

The sun sets over Sam Rayburn Reservoir on a night in July. The PA Prospect Company is applying for a permit with the Texas Railroad Commission in hopes of building an oil and gas waste landfill in the headwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. JESS HUFF/The Lufkin Daily News

SEE LANDFILL, PAGE 2A

CORONAVIRUS

EDUCATION

Story time

Angelina reports 41 new cases By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News

Book Buddies event brings Lufkin’s youngest reading fanatics together

The Angelina County & Cities Health District reported 41 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. This brings the total number of positive tests in Angelina County, including those from the Diboll Prison Unit and the Rufus H. Duncan Geriatric Prison Facility in Diboll, to 1,994. The health district is reporting 1,647 positive tests, 860 recoveries and 14 deaths. The Angelina County Emergency Management COVID-19 page lists the same number of positives and recoveries, as well as 787 active cases and 31 deaths. The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting 1,134

By JESS HUFF The Lufkin Daily News Some of Lufkin’s youngest reading fanatics took the opportunity to expand their personal libraries on the first day of the Book Buddies of Deep East Texas distribution event on What: Book Friday. Buddies book The organizadistribution tion pulled together 60,000 books to acWhen: 10 a.m. commodate students to 2 p.m. today in need of some good Where: 533 S. reading material for Chestnut St. in the summer. Kids Chestnut Village were able to pick six shopping center books apiece, free of charge. Fourteen-year-old Jakeia McQueen loves books like “Twilight,” but doesn’t have a favorite genre by any means. She was looking at Brian Jacques’ novel “Pearls of Lutra.” “I like to take my time to read,” she said. “I like reading because it makes my vocabulary get better.” It also helps her improve her imagination, she said. Sometimes she catches herself daydreaming about “stupid stuff,” she said. But when she’s been reading, her daydreams are more about the books. Book Buddies founder Diana Anderson came in from Houston to help the event move forward. She emphasized

If you go

SEE BOOKS, PAGE 3A

SEE CASES, PAGE 3A

Will COVID-19 dim the Friday Night Lights? By MOLLY HENNESSY-FISKE Los Angeles Times

JOEL ANDREWS/The Lufkin Daily News

Correena Kennedy, 10, peruses the selection of books at the Book Buddies of Deep East Texas distribution event in the Chestnut Village shopping center Friday. The event continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at 533 S. Chestnut St.

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75 87 89 83 C O M P L E T E F O R E C A S T, PAGE 6B

INDEX Birth announcements........4A Classified......................7-8B Crossword.........................5E Dear Abby..........................5E

Entertainment/TV........ 1-24E Janice Ann Rowe...............6A On the Record...................6A Opinion............................ 4B

Outdoors.......................... 3B Sports...........................1-3B Weather............................ 6B

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Landfill

POLICE REPORTS

Continued from Page 1A meeting in Sabine County, Jim Wright, who is running for a spot on the railroad commission, told attendees that their protests likely would not do much to stop this facility from being permitted. The RRC is required to make sure the applications submitted are administratively correct, but the permit won’t be stopped unless an engineer or the geologist can prove that the facility presents a risk to the environment. The company said the facility will only process non-hazardous waste and the waste would not leak from the infrastructure put in place. However, residents of San Augustine don’t believe any system is fail-safe and are worried about what will happen in the future if the facility is not well maintained. Additionally, it presents a quality of life issue, especially for those living just down the street from the facility, one resident, Ann Bridges, said. Geoffrey Reeder, a soil scientist and retired environmental remediations manager from San Augustine, and his wife Ellen, a geologist and former regulator for the state of Louisiana, were approached by R.D. Griffin and asked to review the company’s application.

“Maybe if we have the support of our senator or state representative saying, ‘You’ve gotta listen to what these people say,’ maybe that will help,” Geoffery Reeder said. “We’ve both been in the business of reviewing reports just like that for years.” Reeder and his wife noticed both large and simple mistakes in the application. PA Prospect misnamed maps, used wrong figures and had water flowing the wrong direction, Reeder said. As a soil scientist, he noticed the company failed to discuss huge sand lenses — which are areas that people will use for water wells — in several areas of the report, he said. “I thought it was egregious enough — I was a professional geoscientist in Texas before I retired — so I wrote a letter to the Texas Board of Geoscientists and I complained about this firm that did that,” Reeder said. “I said, ‘Look at this, they’re wrong.’ I don’t know if they made a mistake or did it on purpose. The outcome is the same; this report is not indicative of conditions at the site.” Reeder is concerned about the waste flowing into the creek and having that flow downhill into the reservoir, but also about it seeping into the sand lenses where it would

mound into the groundwater. “It’s going to go out beyond the perimeter of the landfill,” Ellen Reeder said. Additionally, the amount of truck usage of the highway is not only going to result in a lot of noise for residents, but lead to the degradation of their roads. The company’s attorney told residents to expect between 10 and 50 trucks a day to the facility, Reeder said. However, with the facility expanding across state Highway 103, Reeder sees it being more likely that this will cause three times the damage. He reasoned that the trucks have to enter and leave the facility, but also some trucks will have to enter one side of the facility, cross the highway to the other facility and then leave from there, too. “Ten trucks go in, ten trucks go out. So it’s not ten trucks on the road, it’s twenty trucks on the road,” he said. “If half of those trucks have solids to go in the landfill, well the truck’s gotta go across the road to the landfill, so lets say half of them. There’s five trucks go-

ing across the road, five trucks have got to come back across the road, so ten trucks is really thirty trucks, and fifty trucks is really one-hundred-fifty trucks.” Jess Huff’s email address is jess.huff@lufkindailynews.com. Closing prices for Friday, July 31, 2020

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Rick (Richard) Garner Jr.

Rick (Richard) Garner Jr., 68, of Lufkin, was born June 25, 1952 in Dallas, Texas, the son of Richard S. Garner and Helen (Blansitp) Garner, and died Thursday, July 30, 2020 in Lufkin. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Rick was a math teacher at Huntington High Carmen Chavez School. He grew up in DeSoto, Texas, and then Funeral services for Carmen Chavez, 62, of Hudson, will be held worked in private industry. Rick was at Huntington Sunday, August 2, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. at Iglesia Bautista La Fe in High School for the last 16 years, and teaching was Lufkin with Pastor Alex Montilla officiating. Interthe job that he loved most. ment will follow at Largent Cemetery. Mr. Garner is survived by his wife, Kathy C. GarMrs. Chavez was born January 2, 1958 in ner of Huntington; daughter and son-in-law, StephMuzquiz, COAH, Mexico, the daughter of the late anie and Bruce Mason of Madison, CT; son, Ricky Santos Trevino and Armandina (Garza) Trevino, Garner of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Corbin and Kaden Mason and died Thursday, July 30, 2020 in Lufkin. of Madison, CT; mother, Helen B. Garner of Athens, TX; step daughMrs. Chavez was a member of Iglesia Bautista ter, Sarah Bruce of Winnfield, LA; and step grandchildren, Maggie, La Fe in Lufkin. She enjoyed working in her garNatalie, and Mollie of Winnfield, LA. den, cooking for her family, and to sit and watch the He was preceded in death by his father; and brother, Mike Garner. rain. Mrs. Chavez loved God and her family above Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Shafer Funeral everything. Home, Lufkin directors. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jose Chavez of Hudson; son and daughter-in-law, Santos and Connie Chavez of Waco; daughter, Ivonne Montalvo of Hudson; daughter, Sandra Palos of Hudson; granddaughters, Kayle and Keirsten Chavez both of Waco; grandson, Santos Chavez Jr. of Waco; granddaughter, Analiz Montalvo of Hudson; grandsons, Chico and J.C. Montalvo, and Elijah Palos, all of Hudson; granddaughter, Jezel Palos of Hudson; along Foy Neal “Red” Poage with numerous brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and Funeral services for Foy Neal “Red” Poage, 83, of Pollok will be other relatives. held Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Mrs. Chavez was preceded in death by her parents. Home Chapel with Pastor Kevin Poage and PasPallbearers will be Santos Chavez, Santos Chavez Jr., Julio Palos, tor Josh Poage officiating. Graveside services with Greg Rojo, Fidel Rojo, and Armando Chavez. military honors will follow in the Gann Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers will be Elijah Palos and J.C. Montalvo. Mr. Poage was born April 10, 1937 in Ryan, Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 2, Oklahoma to the late Mary Ola (Robinett) and 2020 at Iglesia Bautista La Fe, prior to the funeral service. George Alford Poage, and died Thursday, July 30, Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors. 2020 at his residence. Mr. Poage had resided in Pollok for twenty years, previously residing in Livingston. He was the Owner and Operator of Blue Water Homes, from which he retired after building thousands of homes in the Livingston area. Cecil Decker Jr. He was known for being able to build anything, truly a very talented Cecil Decker Jr., 64 died Friday July 23, 2020 in Bossier City Loui- builder. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Mr. siana. Poage was a member of Clawson Assembly of God. A graveside service will be held on Saturday August 8, 2020 at Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Yvonne Poage of Pol10:00 am at San Fernando De Los Flores Cemetery in his hometown lok; daughter, Connie Wheeler of Wichita Falls; son, Terry Poage of of Goliad, TX. Masks and social distancing will be required. Cecil was Onalaska; daughter and son-in-law, Annette and Chuck Stewart of born on September 21, 1955 in Alice, TX to Juanita Perez and Cecil Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Pastor Kevin and Tina Poage of Decker Sr. Lufkin; 23 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisHe had a passion for horses and trained racehorses his entire life ter-in-law, T.A. and Gail Poage, Tommy and Carla Poage, all of Wauand loved sharing that passion with his family. Cecil was a long-time rika, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. resident of Huntington, TX, but spent his recent years in Shreveport He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Linda Ahmed and Vinton Louisiana training and racing horses. In his free time, he and Darlene Williams; and son, Allen Poage. enjoyed playing Bingo and spending time with children and grandPallbearers will be Allen Poage, Robert Poage, Kris King, Chad children whom he loved very much. Stewart, James Rust, and Jason McAdams. Mr. Decker is survived by his wife Carolina Bustamante Decker of Memorial contributions may be made to Clawson Assembly of Huntington, TX, son Neal and wife Gladney Decker and his children God, 5569 US Highway 69 N, Pollok Texas 75969. Aislinn and Carson of Lufkin, TX, daughter Carinna Decker and her The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to children Carter, Savannah, Brandon, and Bradley of Huntington, Tx, 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prior to the service. and son Carl and wife Kate Decker and their son James of Deer Park, Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting TX. As well as his sisters Judy, Gloria, Carol, Linda, and Louisa, and of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. brothers Daniel and Domingo. Along with numerous brothers and Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors. sisters in law, nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his son Henry Humphry, mom Juanita Perez, and his beloved grandmother Maria Perez.

Victims moves in, thief moves property out By BRITTANY BARCLAY The Lufkin Daily News

and warrant for possession of between 1 and 4 grams of a penalty group 1 controlled substance; and Sara Isabelle Carter, age unavailable, of Beaumont, driving while intoxicated. ——— The Hudson Police Department arrested Fermin Avila Jr., age unavailable, of Lufkin, on warrants for reckless damage or destruction, expired or no license plate, driving while license invalid, failure to control speed and two counts of criminal trespass (habitation), no insurance and no driver’s license. ——— The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office made four arrests late Thursday and early Friday. Arrests and charges include: Bradley Evans, 44, of Zavalla, warrant for burglary of habitation; Ryan Allen Mitchell, age unavailable, of Lufkin, warrant for assault causing bodily injury/family violence; Chandler Keith Hawley, 23, of Lufkin, warrants for DWI, theft of property between $750 and $2,500 and theft of property; and Ashton Ray Hogan, age unavailable, of Daisetta, possession of drug paraphernalia. ——— The Angelina County Jail housed 233 inmates as of 5:15 p.m. Friday.

Someone said two TVs and a box containing various items, including debit cards, were stolen from a home they were moving into in the 900 block of North Chestnut Street around 9:10 a.m. Thursday. ——— A man reported a pistol stolen from his home in the 2100 block of Holly Street around 2:40 p.m. Thursday. ——— A man reported tools stolen from his vehicle that was broken into while parked at the Lufkin Mall at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. ——— The Lufkin Police Department made six arrests late Thursday and early Friday. Arrests and charges include: Cotton Javonta Holman, age unavailable, of Lufkin, warrants for assault/family or household member impeding breath/ circulation and no insurance; Gary Demond Hill, 46, of Lufkin, warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; Brian Wayne Rice, 31, of Lufkin, possession of less than 28 grams of a penalty group 3 controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia (crack pipe); Damien Lamont Bean, We listen to local police and fire age unavailable, of Corridepartments’ scanner traffic, but gan, possession of less than sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, 28 grams of a penalty group fires or other incidents, especially if 3 controlled substance and they happen overnight. If you know possession of drug parapherof something we’re not covering yet, nalia; Sarah Peloquen, 24, of Lufkin, failure to identity fu- please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall gitive with intent to give false know by emailing him at jeff.pownall@ information, possession of lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news less than 1 gram of a penalty tip online by visiting lufkindailynews. com/tips. group 1 controlled substance

BIBLE VERSES

They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23 New American Standard, 1995

OBITUARIES

Services for Betty Wilson, 77, of Chireno, will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Lower Chireno Cemetery. She was born Feb. 20, 1943, in Portales, New Mexico, and died July 30, 2020, in Garrison.

Funeral services for Kenneth M. McGee, 84, of Lufkin will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Vic Bass and Brother Leo Lytle officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery. Mr. McGee was born February 20, 1936 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Archie (Williams) and Jacob McGee, and died Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at The Joseph House. Mr. McGee was a lifelong resident of Lufkin. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked at the Paper Mill for a short time, prior to opening his own business in downtown Lufkin in 1962, Ken’s Pawn Shop. Being the successful entrepreneur that he was, he later expanded his business to Nacogdoches and Livingston. He was always a great provider and loved his family greatly. He was very adventurous, running in marathons, going white water rafting, and he enjoyed traveling with Charlie. Mr. McGee was a member of Faith Family Church. Survivors include his son, Ron McGee and wife Rhanda of Lufkin; daughter, Dianna Andrews and husband Jim of Lufkin; grandsons, Kevin McGee and wife Sadie, Jacob McGee, Andrew McGee, Myles McGee, all of Lufkin, Ryan McGee of Oklahoma; great-grandsons, Tryston McGee and Faber McGee, both of Lufkin; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years in August 2019, Charline “Charlie” McGee; and son, Keith McGee. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons, Kevin McGee, Jacob McGee, Andrew McGee Myles McGee, Tryston McGee, Faber McGee, and Ryan McGee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Joseph House, P.O. Box 150554, Lufkin, Texas 75915. The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning prior to the service. Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.

THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS

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Thomas ‘Tom’ McAbee Services for Thomas “Tom” McAbee, 78, of San Augustine, will be at 2 p.m. today at Liberty Hill Baptist Church. Mr. McAbee was born Feb. 12, 1942, in Smithville, Arkansas, and died July 28, 2020, in San Augustine. Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, directors.

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Sunday, August 2, 2020 THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS

OPINION The Lufkin Daily News editorial board Keven Todd President & Publisher keven.todd@lufkindailynews.com

Jeff Pownall Managing Editor jeff.pownall@lufkindailynews.com

Stacy Faison

Melissa Crager

Jenna Lenderman

News Editor stacy.faison@lufkindailynews.com

Charm Editor editor@charmeasttexas.com

Advertising jenna.lenderman@lufkindailynews.com

Josh Havard

Leslie Nemec

Sports Editor josh.havard@lufkindailynews.com

Advertising leslie.nemec@lufkindailynews.com

Uriel Vega Graphic Artist uriel.vega@lufkindailynews.com

OUR OPINION

PA Prospect

Legislation may be East Texas’ only chance to stop proposed waste facility on Sam Rayburn Reservoir

ast Texans could potentially find a veritable periodic table of elements in Sam Rayburn Reservoir if the Railroad Commission of Texas allows a Montana-based oil company to build a waste disposal facility near the headwaters of the reservoir. The PA Prospect-Oil and Gas Waste Facility is expected to consist of 256.7 acres on both sides of state Highway 103. The facility will be used to store, handle, treat and dispose of non-hazardous oil and gas waste, according to an application the company filed with the commission in November 2019. Chinquapin Creek, which feeds into the reservoir, runs through the proposed site. The company’s application states that per liter, it would accept less than: 5 milligrams of arsenic, 100 milligrams of barium, 1 milligram of cadmium, 5 milligrams of chromium, 5 milligrams of lead, 0.2 milligrams of mercury, 1 milligram of selenium, 5 milligrams of silver and 0.5 milligrams of benzene. Health care professionals have classified several of these chemicals as known or probable human carcinogens, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A person’s risk of developing cancer depends on how much, how long, how often and when they are exposed to these chemicals. Residents near the facility’s proposed location have voiced their concerns at community meetings regarding the issue. ‘‘The materials coming are not good for the environment, not good for our health,’’ resident Ann Bridges said. ‘‘There will be nothing good coming out of this.” State Rep. Trent Ashby and state Sen. Robert Nichols share their constituents’ concerns. And rightly so. “We have closely monitored the ongoing proposal for a waste facility in San Augustine County,’’ according to a joint statement from their offices. ‘‘We share the concerns that have been voiced by hundreds of our constituents, and have expressly asked the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) to reject this application on the grounds that it threatens the integrity of our most cherished natural resource. While this matter is currently under RRC purview, our offices plan to put forth a legislative proposal next session that would put a greater emphasis on protecting water quality throughout the permitting process.” There’s no place quite like Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which has offered Texans a variety of recreational activities for decades. Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lake rankings had Sam Rayburn ranked at No. 1 in 2018. The lake consistently is ranked among the top bass lakes across America and plays host to a number of fishing tournaments each year. A number of parks and boat ramps are located around the reservoir, with fishing, boating, swimming, camping and hunting all being activities offered at various locations. Ebenezer Park is an equestrian park with trails for horseback riding. Just as important is Rayburn’s proximity to Lufkin, which before COVID-19 meant an economic boon for the city’s retailers and restaurants.

R.J. DeSilva, the communications director for the RRC, said because the application has been protested by more than five people or entities, it will undergo a hearing with the commission’s hearings division, once it is administratively complete. DeSilva also said that when a company submits an application, it goes through a rigorous process in which it is vetted by the agency’s technical and legal staff to make sure the facility meets safety standards in accordance with state law and the agency’s rules. However, Jim Wright, a Republican nominee for the railroad commission who spoke with residents at one of the community meetings, said the way the law is written today, the organization just makes sure companies have dotted their “I’s” and crossed their “T’s” in permit applications. “If you can fill out that permit and it is administratively complete, you’re going to be issued that permit regardless of whether you had 700,000 signatures (against the proposal). That’s the rules, that’s the way they are today.” In a document sent to The Lufkin Daily News, the company explicitly says the facility is not a threat to Sam Rayburn Reservoir. “The proposed facility is approximately 8 to 10 miles from Lake Sam Rayburn, which is far outside any areas of potential impact,” the document reads. “The site will be equipped with a sophisticated system of liners, berms and monitoring equipment to prevent off-site migration of waste material.” The company said in a statement that only non-hazardous oil and gas waste, which is subject to the jurisdiction of the railroad commission, will be accepted. They plan to reclaim and recycle oil and dispose of dry, solid waste into lined landfill cells. They expect to primarily receive drilling fluid and cuttings from drilling oil and gas wells in the ground. “Safe and accessible statelicensed management and disposal of oil and gas waste must be available to oil and gas producers to allow for economic drilling of wells and production from existing wells,” Wes McGuffey, the attorney representing the company, said. “The proposed facility application exceeds the permitting requirements of the commission, including multiple layers of engineered liners, existing natural and impervious clay up to 100 feet thick to protect groundwater; and extensive, redundant and engineered contact stormwater best management collection and retention control.’’ Still, that’s of little comfort to the residents near Chinquapin Creek. Their nightmare in the making is one of the reasons Angelina County Commissioners approved an ordinance prohibiting the processing and disposal of solid waste in undesignated areas of the county. Pct. 3 Commissioner Terry Pitts said the mindset was to prevent companies from moving into the county to utilize the land as a dumping site. While that preventive measure helps safeguard Angelina County, it’s up to Ashby, Nichols and other East Texas lawmakers to push the Legislature into action come the 87th legislative session in January 2021.

TODAY IN HISTORY By The Associated Press Today is Sunday, Aug. 2, the 215th day of 2020. There are 151 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On August 2, 1776, members of the Second Continental Congress

began attaching their signatures to the Declaration of Independence. On this date: In 1985, 137 people were killed when Delta Air Lines Flight 191, a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, crashed while attempting to land at DallasFort Worth International Airport.

LUFKINDAILYNEWS.COM

THE FIRST AMENDMENT Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Prayers for victims of hurricane I want to start this column by encouraging you to join me in praying for our fellow Texans who were recently affected by Hurricane Hanna. The first of the season, Hanna caused widespread flooding TRENT ASHBY and power outages throughout South Texas, leaving thousands of residents and their communities to grapple with how to deal with the damage in the midst of our ongoing fight with COVID-19. While I have no doubt that South Texans will rise to the occasion with the same grit and perseverance that lives inside all Texans, I hope you’ll join me in praying for safety and strength as they begin the recovery process. With that, here’s this week’s Capitol update. As I noted in my last column, I recently wrote a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott urging him to exempt Texas public schools from STAAR testing requirements for the 2020-21 school year. I’m pleased to report that after

hearing from scores of administrators, teachers, parents, and legislators, the governor has decided to waive the grade promotion requirements of the STAAR test in grades 5 and 8 for the 2020-21 school year. While I maintain that Texas should waive the testing requirements altogether to prioritize quality instruction, growth and development, Abbott’s decision to waive the grade promotion requirements is a step in the right direction. Rest assured that I will continue to advocate for a broader approach toward reducing the burden of high-stakes testing for both teachers and students, and I’m hopeful that further action will be taken as we approach the new school year. Abbott recently extended the early voting period for the Nov. 3 election by nearly a week. In-person early voting will begin on Oct. 13 and continue through Oct. 30. I applaud the governor on his decision to expand the early voting period to provide all Texans with greater flexibility to cast their ballots in a fair, safe and efficient manner. Our state leaders recently announced that the state of Texas will allocate $200 million in Coronavirus

Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Texas Education Agency for the purchase of eLearning devices and home internet solutions to bolster remote learning efforts for students who lack connectivity. TEA will purchase and distribute devices, hotspots, routers and other remote learning tools based on needs identified by local educations agencies. This funding is desperately needed to begin addressing the digital divide that exists, but to be clear, our state and country have much more to do in this arena. Connecting rural Texas to reliable internet and broadband service is critical, and I’m working with interested parties on ideas for the next legislative session to help our region have access to more wireless and broadband capabilities. As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our district office may be reached at 634-2762. Trent Ashby is the state representative for District 57 that includes Angelina, Houston, Leon, Madison, San Augustine and Trinity counties. His email address is trent.ashby@house.state.tx.us.

Thank you, Congressman John Lewis

ithin the African American family, this past week has been a reminder for me that nothing is permanent — all things except God are temporary. With the passGUESSIPPINA ing of CongressBONNER man John Lewis, the stable of warriors for justice is almost depleted. I watched the entire funeral, all three and onehalf hours. I turned off my phone because I didn’t want to be interrupted. I say thank you for this past week because I was reminded of a practice I love and don’t take the time to practice as I should — reading. As an undergraduate student during the school year I would have

my head buried in science books all year because I was a biology major. However, during the summer, I would take as many of my electives as I could, but I read every book about Black Americans I could afford to buy and that was given to me. These moments were awesome. Listening to the speakers at Congressman Lewis’ funeral reminded me of that time. Books are still alive. Want some recommendations? Well, I thought you would never ask: ■ “1619” — There is a complete movement started with this name from the publication in The New York Times. This book follows the chronicle of Africans in these Americas from the landing of the first slaves. ■ “Genetics and the African Slave Trade” — This is a nerdy read. It traces through the use of DNA materials the flow of enslaved people. The scientific research is

HEADLINES IN Local HISTORY AUGUST 2

Five years ago ■ The Junior League of Lufkin partners with First United Methodist Church of Lufkin, Buckner Family Place and the NAACP of Lufkin to give away nearly 2,300 school backpacks. ■ Lufkin High School cheerleader Jenne Hyde receives the Cheer Hawaii USA Coaches Choice Award for the second year in a row. Ten years ago ■ The new Lufkin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1836 will not be smoke-free.

MALLARD FILLMORE

■ Tax-free holidays and back-to-school bargins give area shoppers more bang for the buck. Twenty years ago ■ Lufkin Majors stay alive in Dixie World Series with 13-1 win. Lufkin will play Georgia in its next game. ■ Deep East Texas Council of Governments receives clean audit report for fiscal year 1999, according to DETCOG vice president Jack Gorden. From the pages of The Lufkin Daily News, compiled by The History Center, TheHistoryCenterOnline.com.

fascinating. ■ “Three Black Skulls” — This is a study of three skulls found in an architectural finding in Mexico City. Again, genetic tracing and carbon dating served to show the origins of these three men. Fascinating information about the impact of the slave trade throughout the Americas, not just North America. ■ “Uncovering the Hidden Lives of Last Clolilda Survivor” — Matilda McCrear and her Family — This is the story of the last person brought over on a slave ship at the age of 2, or so she was told. This story tells about how Matilda, her mother and two sisters were kidnapped in Africa and finally arrived in America. Her sisters were sold, never to be seen again. I plan to add to my nightstand some other reading: “Slavery and Abolition: A Journal of Slave and Post Slave Study” and “Slavery by Another Name” by Douglas Blackmon. Thank you, Congressman Lewis, for reminding me to gain more information so that when I talk I can come from a place of knowledge. I heard during the funeral something that was passed on to me by my family, and so I want to emphasize it and pass it on to my young friends: Get an education because the knowledge you put in your head, no one can take it from you. Check out my nightstand reading — you might find it interesting. Guessippina Bonner is the Lufkin City Council Member for Ward 1. Her email address is Guessippina620@gmail.com.

By Bruce Tinsley

Sunday, August 30, 2020 THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS

OPINION The Lufkin Daily News editorial board Keven Todd President & Publisher keven.todd@lufkindailynews.com

Stacy Faison

Melissa Crager

Jenna Lenderman

News Editor stacy.faison@lufkindailynews.com

Charm Editor editor@charmeasttexas.com

Accounting jenna.lenderman@lufkindailynews.com

Josh Havard

Leslie Nemec Advertising leslie.nemec@lufkindailynews.com

Uriel Vega Graphic Artist uriel.vega@lufkindailynews.com

OUR OPINION

PA Prospect

Commission’s decision about company’s plans disappointing, but not surprising

e’re disappointed, but not surprised, that the Railroad Commission of Texas has deemed the application submitted by PA Prospect Corporation of Columbus, Montana, to construct a facility to store, handle, treat and dispose of non-hazardous oil and gas waste ‘‘administratively complete.’’ The company’s proposed facility site consists of 256.7 acres on both sides of state Highway 103 near the headwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Chinquapin Creek, which feeds into the reservoir, runs through that site. A candidate running for the railroad commission said just as much late last month. Actually, he said the permit was ‘‘inevitable.’’ Jim Wright, who is the Republican nominee for the agency, said the way the law is written today, the organization just makes sure companies have dotted their “I’s” and crossed their “T’s” in permit applications. He spoke with residents, who are concerned about the long-term effects an operation like this will have on the lake and the land surrounding their homes, at one of their community meetings. “If you can fill out that permit and it is administratively complete, you’re going to be issued that permit regardless of whether you had 700,000 signatures (against the proposal). That’s the rules, that’s the way they are today.” R.J. DeSilva, communications director for the RRC, said when a company submits an application, it goes through a rigorous process in which it is vetted by the agency’s technical and legal staff to make sure the facility meets safety standards in accordance with state law and the agency’s rules. Commission spokesman Andrew Keese said the application has been referred to the Railroad Commission’s Hearings Division. A hearing for the company’s proposal was not set by Friday afternoon. Still, the area’s residents are trying to fight. San Augustine resident Ann Bridges lives next door to where the facility would be located. She and her neighbors have secured an attorney from Austin to help, but expect the fight to get expensive. Bridges has established a GoFundMe fundraiser in an attempt to get help fighting the company. They’re trying to raise $15,000. “The $15,000 is not the total cost, but figured that’s where we would start,” Bridges’ stated on the fundraiser’s page. “It’s expensive and it’s about to get real expensive. All funds received will go for legal fees.” In a document sent to The Lufkin Daily News, the company specifically states the facility is not a threat to Sam Rayburn Reservoir. “The proposed facility is approximately 8 to 10 miles from Lake Sam Rayburn, which is far outside

any areas of potential impact,” the document reads. “The site will be equipped with a sophisticated system of liners, berms and monitoring equipment to prevent off-site migration of waste material.” The proposed facility exceeds the permitting requirements of the commission, according to Wes McGuffey, the attorney representing the company. He said this includes multiple layers of engineered liners; existing natural and impervious clay up to 100 feet thick to protect groundwater; and extensive, redundant and engineered contact stormwater best management collection and retention control. While that at least sounds promising, a two-month review by The Associated Press found that’s not always the case. Thousands of oil and gas operations, government facilities and other sites won permission to stop monitoring for hazardous emissions or otherwise bypass rules intended to protect health and the environment because of the coronavirus outbreak, according to the review. The AP’s findings run counter to statements in late June by Susan Bodine, EPA’s assistant administrator for enforcement, who told lawmakers the pandemic was not causing “a significant impact on routine compliance, monitoring and reporting” and that industry wasn’t widely seeking relief from monitoring. Oil and gas companies received a green light to skip dozens of scheduled tests and inspections critical for ensuring safe operations, such as temporarily halting or delaying tests for leaks or checking on tank seals, flare stacks, emissions monitoring systems or engine performance, which could raise the risk of explosions, the review states. “The harm from this policy is already done,” said Cynthia Giles, a former assistant administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. “They cannot guarantee it’s not going to damage that lake,” Bridges said. “(PA Prospect’s) lawyer told us in February that we wouldn’t see it. … He’s thinking they’ll have a tree row between us. It doesn’t matter if I see it, I’m going to smell it, those lights are going to be on 24/7 and I’m going to hear it because that traffic is going to run 24/7 unless they don’t have any business. “Our quiet little country road is never going to be the same.” And, potentially, neither will Sam Rayburn Reservoir. State Rep. Trent Ashby and Sen. Robert Nichols are drafting a legislative proposal for the 2021 session that starts in January. It would require the commission to put a greater emphasis on protecting water quality in their permitting process. At this time, that remains the best hope to stop this project.

HEADLINES IN Local HISTORY AUGUST 30

Five years ago ■ A group from Lufkin’s Central Church of Christ, led by James Slack, ramps up maintenance at park facilities around Lake Sam Rayburn. ■ Local leaders hope General Electric can find ways to repurpose facilities left behind after foundry closes. Ten years ago ■ Lufkin High School drafting students to

design ‘‘green project’’ for Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce with bird sanctuary, gazebo and nursery. Twenty years ago ■ Angelina County’s Hispanic population has grown by 45% in last 10 years — aothough Angelina County officials believe population is higher. From the pages of The Lufkin Daily News, compiled by The History Center, TheHistoryCenterOnline.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY By The Associated Press Today is Sunday, Aug. 30, the 243rd day of 2020. There are 123 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On August 30, 1967, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Thurgood Marshall as the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

On this date: In 1797, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, creator of “Frankenstein,” was born in London. In 1861, Union Gen. John C. Fremont instituted martial law in Missouri and declared slaves there to be free. (However, Fremont’s emancipation order was countermanded by President Abraham Lincoln.)

Agencies to release COVID-19 data

Jeff Pownall Managing Editor jeff.pownall@lufkindailynews.com

Sports Editor josh.havard@lufkindailynews.com

LUFKINDAILYNEWS.COM

ugust marked the 100-year anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee was the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, which secured ROBERT NICHOLS the adoption of the amendment. We celebrate this important centennial of women’s suffrage. Here are five things happening around your state: 1. COVID-19 data tracker for Texas public schools, child care centers. Earlier this month, the Texas Education Agency and the Department of State Health Services announced they will release information about COVID-19 cases in public schools on a weekly basis. Schools will be required to report any cases of COVID-19 in staff or students to the state within 24 hours. DSHS will begin releasing the data in September and that information will be available on their website. Additionally, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will regularly post information about COVID-19 cases in child care centers, school age programs, and before- and after-school programs across the state. A spreadsheet is available on their website to view this information. The data is broken down by child care center. It shows the current number of positive cases as well as how many cases each location has had since March. It’s updated by 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. 2. TEA back-to-school guidance. The Texas Education Agency has released a detailed document of requirements and recommendations

to Texas school districts on what school will look like in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Decisions about when to open schools and whether or not inperson classes will be offered have been largely left to school districts, but the guidance from TEA is meant to be statewide. It covers information regarding providing notice to parents and the public about on-campus activities, preventing the virus from entering schools, responding to a positive case and mitigating the spread of the virus in schools. The document is available on the TEA website at tea.texas.gov. 3. Additional federal funding for unemployment benefits. The Texas Workforce Commission announced that Texans receiving unemployment benefits may receive an additional $300 per week after FEMA-approved additional jobless relief funding to the state. The funds are backdated to Aug. 1, so those who qualify for the added benefit will receive the funds they would have gotten starting at the beginning of August. To qualify, applicants must indicate they lost work because of the coronavirus pandemic on their unemployment filing. Texans can change their status and report they lost their job due to the pandemic on future payment requests to begin receiving the extra $300. Texans receiving less than $100 per week in unemployment benefits do not qualify for the additional federal funds. 4. Operation Connectivity. The state announced it has procured 1 million personal devices and Wi-Fi hotspots through the Operation Connectivity initiative. The effort was funded by a $200 million allocation from the CARES Act and matched by school districts across the state. The program, run by TEA and

local education agencies, is meant to close the digital divide for public school students and ensure they have a device and an internet connection throughout this school year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many schools have opted for virtual instruction, leaving those without a reliable internet connection or device in a bind. We are making every effort to connect as many students as possible with our limited internet infrastructure. 5. Vote by mail. As the November election approaches, it’s important to understand who is qualified to vote by mail in Texas. To request a mail-in ballot, you must be a registered voter who is either 65 years or older, can cite a disability or illness, is confined in jail but still eligible to vote, or will not be in the county on Election Day or during early voting. Lack of immunity to the novel coronavirus does not qualify as a disability or illness independently, but may be considered in conjunction with a voter’s medical history to decide if they qualify. You can print an application at home, request one from your local election’s office or contact the Secretary of State’s office. You must submit your application for ballot by mail to your county elections office by Oct. 23. Once you have received your ballot by mail, it must be returned to the election administrator by Election Day. The United States Postal Service is recommending anyone voting by mail send their ballot back at least a week before they are due to ensure it arrives on time. Robert Nichols is the state senator for Senate District 3. First elected in 2006, Nichols represents 19 counties, including much of East Texas and part of Montgomery County. He can be reached at 699-4988 or toll-free at (800) 959-8633. His email address is robert.nichols@ senate.texas.gov.

Confronting challenges, finding comfort

y heart goes out to the people in East and Southeast Texas, as well as our neighbors in Louisiana, who have been affected by Hurricane Laura. While a last-minute change in direction spared much of Texas from vast TRENT ASHBY destruction, the aftermath of this horrifying natural disaster has devastated countless communities and left thousands without electricity, water or shelter. Our nation has been tested with unprecedented challenges over the last eight months — we’ve fought against a foreign virus that indiscriminately infected the globe, endured isolation and lost loved ones, grappled with injustices, encountered social unrest and violence, felt the effects of a slowing economy and historic unemployment and weathered two catastrophic hurricanes. If you find yourself wondering, “What else could go wrong in 2020?” I can assure you you’re not alone. As I monitored the path of Hurricane Laura, I found myself flip-

MALLARD FILLMORE

ping through a book written by the famous Christian poet and hymn author Annie Johnson Flint titled “He Giveth More Grace.” I want to share an excerpt from one of her passages that I found particularly moving with the hope that you’ll find the same comfort her writing brought me and carry it with you as we continue confronting our collective challenges. “He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; To added affliction, He addeth His mercy; To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace.” With that, here’s this week’s Capitol update. Capitol update. The Texas Education Agency recently announced the procurement of more than 1 million personal devices and internet Wi-Fi hotspots with federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. This procurement will ensure that students will have both a device and connection to the internet throughout the 2020-21 school year and beyond. I applaud this effort, as I’ve been an outspoken proponent of

increasing high-speed internet access to rural and underserved areas across the state. As students and teachers rely more heavily on virtual learning, it is critical that the State of Texas does its part to close the digital divide and facilitate greater access to the technology and tools that support our new learning environment. I also want to recognize and thank the countless educators across our state who have prepared for this new school year under unusual circumstances. Whether you’re a principal weighing the decision to provide online or in-person instruction, a teacher adapting to new technology or a custodian working overtime to prepare a safe and sanitary learning environment for our students; your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for your commitment to serving the students of Texas. As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our district office may be reached at 634-2762. Trent Ashby is the state representative for District 57 that includes Angelina, Houston, Leon, Madison, San Augustine and Trinity counties. His email address is trent.ashby@house.state.tx.us.

By Bruce Tinsley