August 16, 2017 Washington — During the busy fall season, whether you’re preparing a packed lunch for your child, a weeknight dinner for the family, or a tailgate feast for the whole crew, make sure you prevent foodborne illness by following USDA’s four steps to food safety: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.

Clean: Wash your hands and cooking surfaces before and after handling food. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting, or cooking. Make sure lunch boxes and coolers are clean before packing.

August 14, 2017 - As the new school year begins, TxDOT is reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to exercise caution in and around school zones and school buses.

Schools in the nine-county Lufkin District are set to begin in coming days and the safety of all school children and motorists is important. Driver inattention could cause an unsafe condition on the roadway, whether it involves pedestrians, those on bicycles or school buses.

In 2015, there were 683 vehicle crashes in Texas school zones.

August 10, 2017 - This year’s Sales Tax Holiday is August 11 - 13. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced less than $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

Subject to the criteria explained below, all sales of qualifying items made during the holiday period qualify for the exemption, including items sold online, or by telephone or mail. Shoppers can use layaway plans to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

August 11, 2017 - Friday August 18th a multi-county program will be held at the Angelina County Extension office landowners interested in the management of wildlife will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals how they can better manage for white tailed deer.

Sessions for this event include deer necropsy, prescribed fire, Managed Land Deer Program updates, antler restrictions data, and methods to deter feral hogs and beavers.