VFW TO OBSERVE THE SINKING OF THE USS MAINE
The Spanish-American War lasted a little less than four months, April 21st – August 13th, 1898 and ended Spain’s worldwide empire. It ended with America easily defeating Spain and signaled the United States emergence as a world power. The blowing up of the battleship USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15th, 1898 with the loss of 266 crewmen and marines in essence was the start of the war.
The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898 which established the independence of Cuba gave Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States and allowed the US to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain for $20 million. The brief war cost the United States $250 million and 3,000 lives of which 90% perished from yellow and typhoid fever and other infectious diseases.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots back to these veterans who founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. These formed organizations would become what is now known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
In observance of the sacrifices made by the Veterans of the Spanish American War and those who died aboard the USS Maine, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. As always the public is invited. Call Larry Hume, 598-2976 for more information.
SFA School of Theatre Hosts UIL One-Act Play Festival
The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre hosts the 2018 UIL One-Act Play Festival Thursday and Friday, Feb. 8 and 9, in Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.
Ten East Texas area schools are participating in the event, which includes storytelling, stage combat, lighting design, makeup and other workshops. The festival allows the high school theatre students to “practice perform” their one-act plays, which are critiqued by SFA theatre faculty, before students compete in UIL events later this semester. School of Theatre Director Cleo House Jr. offers suggestions to Central High School students following their performance of “Hansel and Gretel” Thursday morning.
The festival also serves as a recruiting tool, and students have the opportunity to audition for admission to the School of Theatre at the festival’s conclusion.
Panola College Offers Zumba ® Gold, Beginning Yoga Classes
Panola College is offering Zumba ® Gold and beginning Yoga classes.
Zumba ® Gold
Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Zumba ® Gold. This class takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the older participant. The class will meet Monday and Wednesday: February 19 – April 4, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm, at the Shelby College Center. The cost of the class is $45, and pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email: tmccann@panola.edu.
Beginning Yoga Classes
Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Beginning Yoga classes February 19 – April 4. The class will meet Monday and Wednesday from 5:05 pm – 6:05 pm. The cost of the class is $45.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email tmccann@panola.edu
Panola College is an Equal Opportunity Institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.
Food Handler’s Training Course Being Offered
The “Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)” was revised, updated and was effective October 11, 2015. A major change in the revision now requires ALL food employees to complete an accredited food handlers training program within 60 days of employment, effective September 1, 2016.
A food handler’s course, accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services, is being offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Food Safety: It’s In Your Hands will be offered by the Shelby County Extension Office on Wednesday, February 21st, from 2 – 4pm at the Shelby County Extension Office Meeting room located at 266 Nacogdoches St. in Center, Texas 75935.
This two-hour course is highly recommended for all food service employees to promote the service of safe food. The course is a basic overview of food safety practices that are necessary to ensure that safe food is served at your establishment. Practices discussed include good personal hygiene, cross contamination, and time and temperature abuse.
To register for this course, contact Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent at 936-598-7744 or jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu. The cost is $25 per person (check or money order) and must be paid in full before the course begins. The class is taught in English but Spanish handouts are available if requested in advance. You can also complete your food handler’s card online at http://www.foodsafetyonline.tamu.edu.
Center Livestock Market Report for February 7th
Cattle Sold: 239 HD
Sellers: 43
Buyers: 35
Steers:
150-300 LBS 1.50 to 2.40
300-400 LBS 1.60 to 2.27
400-500 LBS 1.50 to 1.92
500 LBS & UP 1.00 to 1.80
Heifers:
150-300 LBS 1.50 to 1.60
300-400 LBS 1.00 to 1.77
400-500 LBS 1.20 to 1.82
500 LBS & UP 1.05 to 1.57
Slaughter Cows: .30 to .73
Stocker Cows: Up to 1125.00$HD
Bulls: .75 to .83
Pairs: Up to 1175.00$
Baby Calves: Only a few
Market quoted on beef cattle! Plain cattle prices are lower!
Panola College to Host Stepping on to My Straighter Path
An Exhibit by Vickie Lacy
The M.P. Baker Library of Panola College will host fiber artist Vickie Lacy in a selected exhibit “Stepping on to My Straighter Path” (wearable art) from February 26, 2018-April 5, 2018 in the Fay Allison Gallery. In addition, a reception will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 3:00pm in the Library. This artist has an extensive listing of awards, shows, workshops and lectures over the past 21 years. Her most recent honor was a showing in the 2016 Fiber Arts Show of the Sacramento, California Fine Arts Museum.
Ms. Lacy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, with an emphasis in clothing design and fashion merchandising. She has also furthered her studies with an M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Administration/Business Management from Texas A&M University, College Station. Since earning her Ph.D. she has achieved a M.A. in School Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler and a certification as a Law of Attraction Life Coach from the Quantum Success Coaching Academy.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during the Library’s operating hours Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 9:00 pm, Friday 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, and Sunday 4:00 – 9:00 pm. For additional information please call 903-693-2052 or email sherri.baker@panola.edu
SFA Announces Local Graduates from December Commencement
The following 23 students received degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University during December commencement exercises:
Center, TX
Brandi Sue Denby, Bachelor of Science, Human Sciences, James I. Perkins College of Education
Carley Brooke Diverdi, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Brianna N Evans, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Kalaceia Shuntrez Evans, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Bailea Blaine Foehner, Bachelor of Science, Human Sciences, James I. Perkins College of Education
Jannie Garcia, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Celia Del Rosario Gonzalez, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Brittney Joyetta Hall, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Darby G Hudspeth, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Christina Joann Powell, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Auna Clarise Shofner, Bachelor of Business Administration, General Business, Nelson Rusche College of Buiness
Lisa Michelle Sigler, Bachelor of Science, Public Administration, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Lindsey Nicole Snell, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Joaquin, TX
Hatti A Alexander, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agriculture Development Production, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
Ryleigh Lucretia Yates, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, Nelson Rusche College of Buiness
Shelbyville, TX
Jessica Marie Kay, Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services, James I. Perkins College of Education
Tiffanee Bree Vaughn, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Tenaha, TX
Jennifer Nicole Roberson, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Timpson, TX
Cade Christian Archer, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Jace Daniel Archer, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Alexandria Michelle Bryant, Master of Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Margo Lee Hooper, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agriculture Development, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
Christin Kate Lindgren, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Communications and Corporate Education, Nelson Rusche College of Business
Mark Your Calendar! 11th Annual Health, Fitness Fair: Presented By Cline Family Medicine
Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
The Annual Health and Fitness Fair is just a few weeks away, so mark your calendar! The Health Fair, presented by Cline Family Medicine will be held on Thursday, March 22nd at the Windham Civic Center from 9am until 2:30pm.
This year’s theme is “Healthy Texas.” The purpose and goal of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Committee and the Health Fair is to educate Shelby County and the surrounding areas about health care resources available in the area and about their personal health. There will be a variety of health screenings available including glucose, cholesterol, bone density, spinal screenings, heart awareness, diabetes information, allergy testing information and vision.
New vendors will provide information on dental health, teeth whitening, fitness goals, healthy cooking, dermatology and more. There will even booths available for children. There will be information and activities for all ages!
In addition, a mobile mammogram unit will be at the fair. All mammogram appointments must be made prior to March 14 by calling Daphne at 936-598-7744. There is a charge for the mammograms and most health insurance is accepted. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be on site with a blood mobile taking donations, to sign up to donate please contact Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682.
For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit http://www.shelbycountychamber.com.
Texas Commission Approves SWEPCO Rate Increase
(New SWEPCO Texas Rates) – The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has approved a base rate increase for Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP).
The PUCT approved the increase in base rates to recover the costs of installing additional environmental controls at four major power plants, along with other generation, transmission, and distribution-related investments and operating costs.
The bill for a Texas residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will increase approximately $8.59 per month, or 8.9 percent. This increase will begin with bills issued Feb. 5.
By Texas law, new rates are retroactive to May 20, 2017. A surcharge to collect the retroactive amounts will begin at a date to be determined by the PUCT. For residential customers, the surcharge is expected to be approximately $7.70 per month, or 7.9 percent, for an estimated 10 months.
“SWEPCO invested nearly $700 million in additional environmental controls so that four of our major power plants could meet stringent federal mandates,” said SWEPCO President and Chief Operating Officer Venita McCellon-Allen. “The retrofit projects were necessary for SWEPCO to continue providing reliable 24/7 power to our customers from a diverse energy resource mix,” McCellon-Allen said.
“We work hard to balance the need to make investments with the need to manage our costs because we recognize the impact that price increases can have on individuals, families and businesses,” McCellon-Allen said. “SWEPCO’s goal is always to serve Texas customers with a strong electric system that provides reliable, safe and affordable energy.”
SWEPCO completed major environmental retrofit projects at Welsh Power Plant Units 1 and 3 in Pittsburg, Texas; Pirkey Power Plant in Hallsville, Texas; Dolet Hills Power Plant in Mansfield, La.; and Flint Creek Power Plant in Gentry, Ark.
The PUCT decision, issued in a Jan. 11, 2018 final order, grants SWEPCO an annual base rate increase of $50 million.
Base rates refer to the costs of building, maintaining and operating SWEPCO’s electric system, including power plants, transmission and distribution lines, and facilities to serve customers. Base rates do not include the fuel portion of the customer’s bill, which pays for fuel and purchased power and is passed through to customers with no profit to the company.
SWEPCO serves 532,000 customers, including 184,300 in northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, 230,300 in northwest and central Louisiana, and 117,400 in western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. SWEPCO is an American Electric Power (AEP) company. AEP is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to nearly 5.4 million customers in 11 states.
Foreign Persons Must Report U.S. Agricultural Land Holdings
February 3, 2018 Nacogdoches – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Lance Jacobs in Nacogdoches-Angelina-Trinity-San Augustine-Shelby County reminds foreign persons with an interest in agricultural lands in the United States that they are required to report their holdings and any transactions to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
“Any foreign person who acquires, transfers or holds any interest, other than a security interest, including leaseholds of 10 years or more, in agricultural land in the United States is required by law to report the transaction no later than 90 days after the date of the transaction,” said Jacobs.
Foreign investors must file Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) reports with the FSA county office that maintains reports for the county where the land is located.
“Failure to file a report, filing a late report or filing an inaccurate report can result in a penalty with fines up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land,” said Jacobs.
For AFIDA purposes, agricultural land is defined as any land used for farming, ranching or timber production, if the tracts total 10 acres or more.
Disclosure reports are also required when there are changes in land use. For example, reports are required when land use changes from nonagricultural to agricultural or from agricultural to nonagricultural. Foreign investors must also file a report when there is a change in the status of ownership such as the owner changes from foreign to non-foreign, from non-foreign to foreign or from foreign to foreign.
Data gained from these disclosures is used to prepare an annual report to the President and Congress concerning the effect of such holdings upon family farms and rural communities in the United States.
For more information regarding AFIDA and FSA programs, contact the Nacogdoches-Angelina- Trinity-San Augustine-Shelby County FSA office at 936-564-5891 ex 2 or visit the USDA website at http://www.usda.gov.
SFA Partners with Lone Star College to Offer Sports Business Program
Stephen F. Austin State University is partnering with Lone Star College to offer students in the Houston area an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in sports business from SFA without having to relocate. The two institutions also will sign an articulation agreement to ensure a smooth transition for Lone Star College students to attend SFA.
A signing ceremony commemorating this collaboration is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Lone Star College University Center in The Woodlands. The ceremony is open to the public.
Students at Lone Star College will be able to enroll in SFA’s sports business program beginning in fall 2018. Classes will be offered face-to-face at the Lone Star College University Center in The Woodlands and will be taught by SFA faculty members. Students must complete the required core curriculum before entering the program. Business foundation courses will primarily be offered online through SFA’s Rusche College of Business.
Dr. Jason Reese, sports business program director and assistant professor at SFA, has been instrumental in establishing this program and is looking forward to the opportunities it will provide to SFA and Houston students.
“Some Houston-area students have a desire to attend SFA, but for various reasons are unable to move to Nacogdoches,” Reese said. “This program will allow them the opportunity to complete the program and earn a bachelor’s degree without relocating.”
Reese added that through this partnership, Houston students will be able to take classes while benefiting from already-established relationships that SFA has with area sports organizations, including professional sport teams like the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, Houston Rockets and Houston Dynamo.
To apply for the program, visit lonestar.edu/university-center/SFA.htm.
For more information, contact Reese at (936) 468-1465 or reesejd1@sfasu.edu.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
RiverCity X-Press News ONLINE 