ETCOG Announces Regional Award Recipients for Exemplary Contributions to East Texas

East Texas Council of Governments • March 24, 2023

A group of people standing next to each other holding awards.

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) honored regional citizens who exemplify excellence in performance, innovation, and contributions to the community at its 103rd Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting last week at Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall, Texas. Award criteria and recipient information are as follows:

REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER AWARDS

ETCOG conferred two Regional First Responder Awards, recognizing first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties. Tyler Stroschein with Longview Police Department, and Darren Renshaw with Emory Volunteer Fire Department, and Reserve Deputy for Rains County Sherriff Department were this year's award recipients.

Officer Tyler Stroschein was selected for the award for an extraordinary act of service in which his training and experience came to aid. On October 16, 2022, Officer Stroschein responded to a shooting where an individual accidentally shot himself in the leg, causing severe damage to his femoral artery. Officer Stroschein acted quickly and applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, which allowed the subject to receive medical attention. Thanks to Officer Stroschein's timely intervention, the subject was able to keep his leg, regain full motion, and walk again.

Darren Renshaw was selected for the award for his outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to his community. In his award nomination, Rains County Commissioners Court expressed their admiration for Darren's selflessness and unwavering dedication to the betterment of the community. Darren has been a key figure in the Volunteer Fire Department and in his service as reserve Deputy for Rains County Sherriff's Department, having been on the scene for over half of the 1155 calls in the past two years. He has also played a significant role in recruiting and mentoring numerous individuals into the VFD. Despite his busy schedule, Darren always makes time for others, leading by example and inspiring others in their citizenship and servanthood. The Court called Darren one of the best role models in the community and thanked him for his tireless efforts in making the community a better place.

REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ETCOG's Regional Citizen of the Year award is designed to honor a citizen of East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas region. The City of Kilgore's Mayor, Ronnie Spradlin, III, and Dr. Beverly Waddleton Johnson of Quitman were honored with the awards.

Mayor Spradlin, a lifetime resident of Kilgore, has been awarded this prestigious award for his unwavering commitment to education and community service. Mayor Spradlin's dedication to education is evident in his work mentoring and funding the dreams of many students, as well as supporting KISD and the Rangerette organization. His community involvement spans several decades, co-founding organizations such as the Kilgore Historic Preservation Foundation, Kilgore Boys and Girls Club, and the Community Development Corporation and helping to establish the Texas Shakespeare Festival and Hearts Anonymous. His contributions to the community include a quarter of a million dollars to The Lazy S Splash Pad in Kilgore to honor his late parents, donating land for the Kilgore Dog Park, and serving on the city council from 2007 to 2010 and as Mayor since 2010.

Dr. Beverly Waddleton Johnson has dedicated over 40 years of service to her community, making significant contributions to the field of medicine and community involvement in East Texas. She was the first Black female physician in Wood County, where she served as Clinic Medical Director and Cardiac Rehab Medical Director at UT Health East Texas. Dr. Waddleton's unwavering commitment to education and medical care is reflected in her various board memberships, including the Tyler Junior College Wesley House and the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry for the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Her contributions to the medical field have been recognized through numerous accolades, including being chosen as one of the 50 Heroes for Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020. Dr. Waddleton is a member of several community organizations, including the Wood County Economic Development Health Committee, Quitman Chamber of Commerce, Quitman First United Methodist Church, and the Quitman Rotary Club. After more than 40 years of selfless service to her community, Dr. Waddleton now enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas that has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. The ETCOG board conferred the award to the Northeast Texas Public Health for their unwavering commitment to public health. Every month, NET Health clinics see approximately 28,000 pregnant women, new mothers, new fathers, and children up to age five, ensuring healthy pregnancies, healthy babies, and healthy young children. The NET Health Regional Laboratory is also instrumental in ensuring public safety, performing regulatory milk analysis of dairies throughout northeast Texas, and testing municipal water supplies. "The organization has also played a significant role in protecting the community against emergencies such as weather-related events, bioterrorism, and most recently, COVID-19," said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "Their dedicated service during the pandemic has been especially noteworthy, with George Roberts and his staff doing everything possible to educate, encourage, and vaccinate vulnerable East Texans against COVID-19. They are the rock stars of public health, addressing nearly every major threat to public health in East Texas, including West Nile, H1N1, Tuberculosis, Zika, Ebola, and Whooping Cough, and more."

REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD

Former Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston has been awarded this year's Regional Statesmanship Award for his valuable and dedicated service to regional cooperation. Since taking office in 2011, Judge Johnston has served Anderson County, ETCOG, the East Texas Region, and the State of Texas in a variety of capacities. He has been a member of the ETCOG Board and Executive Committee since his tenure began and became Chairman in 2015. In 2022, Judge Johnston was elected the first ETCOG delegate to serve as President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils Board. This statewide association of regional councils focuses on enhancing the quality of life through regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions. "Judge Johnston's leadership has been marked by several characteristics that make him an outstanding public servant. He loves the region he serves, always does what he believes is right, and consistently supports our agency. He is a humble, dedicated public servant who always places the needs of others before his own," said Cleveland.

REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD

Kristy Swan Range serves on the ETCOG EasTexConnects transportation committee. Through her exemplary service, she was chosen for the Regional Committee Service Award, which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. Kristy is an exceptional public transportation advocate and passenger who has made outstanding contributions to the development of East Texas and the well-being of its residents. Kristy's passion for educating the public on their transportation options is unmatched, and she has worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to public transit. She serves as the Regional Mobility Manager for East Texas and is actively involved in several committees, including the East Texas Veterans Community Council, EasTexConnects Regional Transportation Committee, Smith Co Passenger Advisory Committee, and Smith Co Transportation Advisory Committee.

Photos of the event are available on the ETCOG Facebook page, www.facebook.com/EastTexasCOG.

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ETCOG Receives National Recognition for Veteran-Friendly Community Program

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 30, 2025

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) awarded the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) an Achievement Award for its efforts to build veteran-friendly communities in East Texas. Regional Achievement awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in programs and services of regional councils, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other regional organizations across the country. The Achievement Awards were presented during a ceremony at the recent NARC 59th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Seattle, Washington, where ETCOG received the Rural Award. Launched in July 2024, the Veteran-Friendly Community Designation Program was developed by ETCOG in collaboration with the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the University of Texas at Tyler, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The program formally recognizes communities that show strong, lasting support for military veterans through policies, services, and community involvement. It requires each participating city or county to provide a comprehensive community profile, develop a plan focused on veterans, and commit to an annual self-assessment to maintain the designation. Tyler/Smith County and Quitman/Wood County were the first to receive the designation and have become good models of how to support veterans in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, and education. “We’re proud to be recognized by NARC for a program that recognizes the men and women that lay their lives on the line to keep us free!,” said David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG. “In East Texas, we’ve always believed in taking care of our veterans—not just with words, but with our actions. This award means a great deal to us, and it demonstrates that when communities come together with a clear purpose, we can build something that truly makes a difference. We hope this program becomes a blueprint for how regions can support and encourage those who served all of us.” ETCOG has been a long-time member of NARC, whose member organizations are comprised of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities, large and small, urban and rural. Eight projects submitted from regional planning agencies across the nation received Achievement Awards. About the National Association of Regional Councils NARC serves as a national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC’s member organizations are composed of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural. For more information about NARC awards, conferences, and leadership, visit www.NARC.org .

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ETCOG Hires Kimbrough to Manage Business Lending Programs

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 30, 2025

Executive Director David Cleveland has named Luke Kimbrough as the new Regional Lending Manager for the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). In this role, Kimbrough will oversee the day-to-day operations of the East Texas Regional Development Company’s (ETRDC) small business loan programs. He will work closely with the ETRDC Board, manage financial and administrative services, and ensure the program follows all state and federal guidelines. Kimbrough brings with them more than seven years of experience in banking and employee benefits. Before accepting this position, Kimbrough served as CEO of the Banking Center at Citizens Bank in Gladewater. His previous roles include Vice President at First National Bank of Hughes Springs in Liberty City, Benefits Consultant for Colonial Life in Longview, and Branch Manager for Regions Bank in Kilgore. Before his banking career, Mr. Kimbrough served for several years as the Director of Public Information and Regional Services at ETCOG. “It is a great pleasure for me to welcome Luke back to the ETCOG Family! His exceptional work in the banking community for many years position him for even greater success with our ETRDC Business Lending Programs. I am glad he is back and am even more excited to see the steady growth and expansion of one of our most important economic development programs that will undoubtedly occur under his leadership!” said Executive Director David Cleveland. “I am excited to come back to ETCOG and the East Texas Regional Development Company,” said Kimbrough. “Spending the last decade in banking, I have gained much more experience in financial analysis and commercial lending. There is a lot of work ahead to help the businesses and economy of East Texas.” The ETRDC is a nonprofit organization that is certified and regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its main purpose is to support local economic development by helping small businesses access long-term, fixed-rate financing. ETRDC offers financing through the SBA 504 Loan Program and Chapman Loan Program. About the ETRDC Since 1983, the East Texas Regional Development Company has provided small businesses in Texas with the financing they need to expand or even start their business. The East Texas Regional Development Company, or ETRDC, is a private, nonprofit organization formed to assist small businesses. The ETRDC is administered and housed within the East Texas Council of Governments. Find out more at www.etrdc.com.

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Texas Veterans Commission Awards ETCOG $250K for Veteran Transport with GoBus

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 4, 2025

Recently, the Texas Veterans Commission's (TVC) Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) announced its largest funding in the 16-year history of FVA programs, with 213 grants totaling $46,315,000 to provide services to an estimated 40,000 veterans. ETCOG is proud to be one of the grant recipients selected with $250,000 of those funds to provide GoBus transportation services for veterans in our 14-county service region. "It is an honor to receive this funding award from the Texas Veterans Commission and Chair Koerner, which allows us to continue our mission to support all East Texas veterans," said Vince Huerta, GoBus Director. "We are dedicated to growing the program and look forward to assisting more veterans this year." With the grant, our public transit system, GoBus, will fund trips to and from medical, dental, and mental health appointments, as well as trips for basic needs such as grocery stores, community meetings, voting, court appearances, and tax offices. These trips are available to veterans, veteran spouses and dependents, survivor spouses, and active military personnel. The grant is in partnership with over $46.3 million in grants for veterans, Governor Abbott announced on May 20 . “Texas is forever indebted to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation's military,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is home to over 1.5 million veterans—more than any other state. This has shaped our mission to provide wide-ranging services for veterans and their families. With over $46,315,000 in state grants, Texas will help thousands of veterans and their families access vital support and resources needed to thrive in our great state. Texas will always support our veterans and honor their sacrifices to our state and our nation.” Find out about all veteran transport services GoBus offers by visiting www.gobustransit.com/govet .

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ETCOG Seeks Nominations for Brownfield Site Assessments in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 2, 2025

ETCOG is calling on cities and communities across the region to nominate potential Brownfield sites for assessment and revitalization as part of a new initiative to support sustainable development and environmental stewardship. A Brownfield is any property, typically abandoned, underused, or industrial, that may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Through ETCOG’s Brownfield Assessment Program, local governments and property owners may receive free environmental assessments to determine site conditions and open the door to redevelopment opportunities. ETCOG was awarded a U.S. EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant in 2023, so our region could access up to $1 million in funding to: Develop an inventory of Brownfield sites Conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) Evaluate sites impacted by hazardous substances or petroleum Perform site investigations, asbestos and lead-based paint surveys Plan for cleanup and reuse strategies Benefits of Brownfield Redevelopment Include: Increased property values Enhanced public health and environmental safety New job creation and business development Reuse of existing infrastructure Elimination of blight and community eyesores Participation is completely voluntary, and all eligible activities could be covered at no cost to property owners. Communities are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to address challenging properties and bring new life to underutilized areas. Submit Your Site Nomination by using the form linked below. If you know of a site in your city that may be a candidate for Brownfield revitalization , please contact: Bridget Booty, Economic Development Specialist (903) 218-6421 Bridget.Booty@etcog.org

TxCDBG Testimonial: Kilgore’s Strategic Grant Wins Fast-Track Downtown Improvements

By City of Kilgore • June 2, 2025

The City of Kilgore recently secured two Community Development Block Grants (TxCDBG) in the same round—thanks to strategic timing, guidance from local consultants, and support from the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). One of these grants is helping fast-track long-needed sidewalk improvements in the city’s entertainment district, part of an ongoing downtown revitalization effort. “We were primed to get the maximum amount of points,” said Clay Evers, Kilgore’s Public Works Director. “It made sense to apply for downtown revitalization funding to complete sidewalk improvements along the rest of the corridor, which otherwise would have taken years if the city had to fund it alone.” The area near the historic post office and the newly renovated Texan Theater has seen increased activity, and this grant helps the city keep pace. Previous streetscape improvements had brought upgrades close to Main Street, and this new funding allows that work to continue—connecting key areas of Kilgore’s growing downtown. At the time of the grant application, this project wasn’t even listed in the city’s near-term plans. “It wasn’t on the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). In fact, it wasn’t even on the ten-year CIP,” said Evers. “This project was so far down the list that without this opportunity, we wouldn’t have touched it for a very long time.” The grant was made possible, in part, by insight from ETCOG and other grant administrators who informed the city that it was likely to score well in the 2022 application cycle. That foresight made all the difference. “The good thing is that ETCOG, along with other partners, generally has a good sense of how your project will score,” Evers noted. “Their guidance helps us pursue opportunities that are truly within reach.” He expressed gratitude for the collaboration and funding that will help transform downtown Kilgore even faster than expected. “We’re grateful to our local partners and the Texas Department of Agriculture for considering our project and deciding it was worth funding,” said Evers. “This is a great boon to our entertainment district—and it’s going to put us five to ten years ahead of where we would’ve been.”

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Important BEAD Deadline Approaching to Apply for Broadband Funding

By East Texas Council of Governments • May 15, 2025

ETCOG is partnering with Halff to assist counties in preparing applications for the upcoming Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding opportunity. Round 1 applications are due August 15.

Area Agency on Aging to Host Four Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 30, 2025

Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the vital contributions of older adults in our communities. AAA will host four special events at senior and community centers across East Texas, each focused on the theme of “Flip the Script on Aging,” — encouraging a shift in how society views and talks about aging, prompting individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and embrace the opportunities that come with older age. “Older Americans Month is a powerful opportunity to honor the contributions of older adults and recognize the vital role they play in our communities,” said David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG. “This year’s theme, Flip the Script on Aging, challenges us to move beyond outdated stereotypes and embrace the strength, wisdom, and resilience that come with age. We invite everyone to join us at our regional celebration events as we uplift the voices and experiences of older East Texans.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public, featuring food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 7 at the Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM May 15 at First Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM May 16 at Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM May 21 at Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Dr, Marshall | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM The AAA is the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.

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GoBus Facility Nearing Completion

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 30, 2025

ETCOG is excited to share progress on the new GoBus Transportation Facility, which is nearing completion and expected to open this summer. This milestone marks a major step forward in supporting our growing fleet and providing more efficient, reliable transit services across our 14-county region.

ETCOG Explores Regional Employer Health Insurance Consortium Following Strong Interest

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 2, 2025

ETCOG is always looking for ways to add value for our members. In response to growing interest in collaborative purchasing of employee benefits, we’ve partnered with Gallagher to assess the feasibility of a multiple-employer benefits pool for ETCOG members. So far, we’ve hosted two virtual discussions, with several cities and counties participating to learn more about this opportunity. These meetings have generated strong interest from local governments looking for cost-effective and sustainable employee benefits solutions. If your agency is interested, it’s not too late to join the conversation! ETCOG and Gallagher’s team of experts, who have extensive experience building and managing benefits pools across the U.S., are hosting additional virtual sessions to explore: What a benefits pool is The advantages of joining one Potential impacts on leadership and employees Key legislative considerations Steps and timeline for forming a consortium Eligible member governments include Cities, Counties, ISDs, and Special Districts. Don't miss this opportunity to explore cost-saving and efficiency-driven solutions! Upcoming Virtual Meetings: 📅 April 23rd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 📅 May 8th, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 📅 June 26th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM To attend, click on the meeting date above you’d like to join to register.