OVERTIME 85th Legislature to Reconvene July 18 for Special Session Limiting Local Control Remains Front and Center On June 6, Gov. Greg Abbott told lawmakers to prepare to return to Austin. For counties, this means taking a collective deep breath and prepping for round two in the battle to protect local control. The governor’s call for a special session … [Read more...] about 85th Legislature to Reconvene July 18 for Special Session
Feature Story
Saving Lives and Making a Difference
Saving Lives and Making a Difference The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1951 on Sept. 1, 2013, requiring all 9-1-1 telecommunicators (dispatchers and call-takers) to become licensed within their first year of employment. To help meet the new mandates, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) 9-1-1 Regional Advisory Committee requested that the NCTCOG … [Read more...] about Saving Lives and Making a Difference
Tornadoes Leave Devastating Wake in East Texas
On April 29, nine tornadoes, some with winds as high as 160 mph, left a trail of destruction through Van Zandt, Henderson and Rains counties killing four people and injuring dozens. Hundreds lost everything. “Where do I go for help/donations?” one victim posted on the Van Zandt County Tornado 2017 Facebook Page. “I lost my entire home/ranch and some animals.” Van Zandt … [Read more...] about Tornadoes Leave Devastating Wake in East Texas
We Simply Wanted to Help
‘Small’ Dream Creates Special Space for Medina County Children in Need By Julie Anderson Editor Some thoughts are fleeting, while others burrow into our psyche until edged back to the surface by a person, place or thing. For Medina County Treasurer Debbie Southwell, the initial thought was inspired by a billboard. According to the National CASA … [Read more...] about We Simply Wanted to Help
155 Counties Receive $6.6 Million in Tobacco Money
The Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account Investment Advisory Committee (the Committee) approved $67 million for the 2017 tobacco settlement distribution. According to the distribution report published by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 155 counties received approximately $6.6 million in reimbursements during the month of April. Last year, 157 counties … [Read more...] about 155 Counties Receive $6.6 Million in Tobacco Money