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ETCOG Honors Regional Leaders for Outstanding Contributions at 107th Board of Directors Meeting

East Texas Council of Governments • March 19, 2025
A group of people are standing next to each other holding awards.

Awardees left to right: Britnee Cagle-White accepting for Jason Boyd; Janice Melton, accepting for Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr.; Patrick Dooley; Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook; and Bill Firestone of Republic Services.



ETCOG recognized five outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the region during its 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on March 18, 2025. The awards celebrate commitment, leadership, and community service, highlighting those who go above and beyond in making East Texas a better place to live and work.

 

REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office
The Regional First Responder of the Year award recognizes first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties as peace officers, firemen, EMS and dispatchers, DPS officers, and troopers. Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley of the Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office was honored for his heroic actions during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Beryl. On July 8, 2024, Dooley assisted in a life-threatening water rescue, working alongside Trooper Paul Bickerstaff to save a stranded woman from a submerged vehicle. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery and skill, Dooley positioned himself strategically to ensure the rescue team’s safety and played a key role in securing the woman’s safe evacuation. His actions exemplify the dedication and courage of East Texas’ first responders.

 

 

REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jason Boyd, Smith County Community Emergency Response Team
This award is designed to honor an East Texas citizen who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. Jason Boyd, founder of the Smith County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), was honored for his dedication to disaster preparedness and emergency response. Since relocating to Smith County, Boyd identified a critical need for a trained volunteer force to assist in times of crisis. He established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to support CERT, ensuring its sustainability and expanding its reach. Under his leadership, volunteers have received life-saving training, strengthening community resilience. His impact extends beyond Smith County as he mentors and aids other communities in establishing their own CERT programs.

 

REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Republic Services - Kilgore, Texas

The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the Region. Republic Services, led by General Manager Bill Firestone, was honored for its extensive contributions to the East Texas region. For over 45 years, Republic Services has supported cities, counties, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations with financial and labor resources. Through research, staff found over 50 organizations whose programs receive support regularly from Republic Services. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Republic Services demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship by providing financial assistance to employees, supporting local businesses, and ensuring essential sanitation services continued without interruption. Additionally, Republic has maintained a long-standing presence within ETCOG committees and associated boards, with representatives like Gene Keenon actively shaping workforce and economic development initiatives, as well as advising on regional solid waste minimization programs.

 

REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD

Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. (In Memoriam)

The Regional Statesmanship Award recognizes a local, state, or federal official who has demonstrated valuable, dedicated service to regional cooperation. Former Van Zandt County Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. was recognized for his lifelong dedication to public service. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for Valor, Commissioner Melton’s service to his country was followed by an extensive career in law enforcement and county government. His contributions to Van Zandt County included the development of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial and over 17 years of service as County Commissioner. Commissioner Melton also served with great distinction for eight years on the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where he was known for his insightful leadership and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration.

 

 

REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD
Commissioner Jeremy Cook, Rains County

The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook was recognized for his outstanding commitment to ETCOG and the broader East Texas community. A dedicated member of multiple ETCOG committees, including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and EasTexConnects transportation committee, Cook is known for his hands-on leadership. Whether resolving critical infrastructure issues, personally assisting residents with 911 address verification, or championing regional initiatives, Cook’s proactive approach and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact.

 

ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland expressed gratitude for the awardees, stating, “Each of these recipients embodies the spirit of service and commitment that makes East Texas such a special place. Their dedication, leadership, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on our communities, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements!”

ETCOG to Host Hiring Event for GoBus Public Transit Positions on March 27

By East Texas Council of Governments • March 25, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and GoBus will host a Hiring Event for public transit driver positions on Thursday, March 27. GoBus is ETCOG's rural, demand-response public transit system, with approximately 75 vehicles, making around 500 trips a day, five days a week, throughout 14 counties in East Texas. We are working with Compunnel Staffing to hire local and regional public transit drivers for full-time and part-time positions. The hiring event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Workforce Solutions East Texas, located at 4100 Troup Highway, Tyler, TX 75703. "We’re excited to return to Tyler for this event, which continues to be a great success year after year. We truly appreciate our partnership with Workforce Solutions East Texas for hosting and supporting this job fair. It’s a perfect opportunity for job seekers to connect with our GoBus team, learn more about our services, ask questions, and even be considered for an on-site interview," said ETCOG Assistant Executive Director Brandy Brannon.  "GoBus is integral to the region and its communities, providing connectivity, fostering economic activity, and ensuring safe, reliable, and friendly transportation services. GoBus staff are dedicated and caring individuals representing the core of East Texans. In seeking new team members, we hope to present a culture that prioritizes the community and those who work to aid its citizens," said ETCOG's Director of Transportation, Vince Huerta. "We welcome new individuals with support through an open door policy, competitive pay, and plenty of growth opportunities. We are excited to build upon the amazing GoBus family!” Positions are available to serve in Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. ETCOG is seeking applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of professional driving and customer service experience. A CDL is preferred but not required.

ETCOG to Honor East Texans for Exemplary Contributions to the Region at Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday

By Lindsay Vanderbilt • March 13, 2025
ETCOG will honor regional citizens and organizations who exemplify excellence in performance and innovation and contribute to the quality of life within the communities that comprise our 14-county region. The awards listed below will be conferred at ETCOG’s 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, March 18 th , at The Wildflower Event Venue in Emory, Texas, from 11:45 am to 2:00 pm. Award criteria and recipient information are as follows: REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER AWARD Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office This award recognizes first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties as peace officers, firemen, EMS and dispatchers, DPS officers, and troopers. REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Jason Boyd, Smith County Community Emergency Response Team This award is designed to honor an East Texas citizen who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Republic Services - Kilgore, Texas The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the Region. REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr., Van Zandt County The Regional Statesmanship Award recognizes a local, state, or federal official who has demonstrated valuable, dedicated service to regional cooperation. REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD Commissioner Jeremy Cook, Rains County The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. "We are excited to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals, elected officials, and organizations that have made a positive impact on our region,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "This event is a tribute to those who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership in their respective fields and made a significant difference in the lives of the people they serve. We look forward to honoring these outstanding members of our community and to showcase their outstanding achievements!" Details of award recipient contributions and photos will be provided following the meeting.
A poster for a regional employer health insurance consortium.

ETCOG Invites Members to Discuss a Regional Employer Health Insurance Consortium

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 25, 2025
We’ve engaged our benefits broker partners at Gallagher to help us assess the feasibility of developing a multiple-employer benefits pool for ETCOG members. If this interests your agency, please join us for a virtual discussion meeting. Eligible member governments include Cities, Counties, ISDs, and Special Districts.
A group of people standing next to each other in front of an american flag.

ETCOG Awards Two East Texas Cities with Veteran-Friendly Community Designation

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 19, 2025
This month, the ETCOG Executive Committee took action to award the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County as the first recipients of its Veteran-Friendly Community Designation program. The pilot program launched in July as a collaborative effort between ETCOG, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). A Veteran Friendly Community is defined as a community that encourages and welcomes veterans into their community by providing ongoing assistance and addressing their needs in the areas of economics, housing, transportation, health care, education, and overall quality of life. ETCOG and AACOG collaborated on creating a proposal for both urban and rural communities to apply for official community designation from September 1 to November 30, 2024. To qualify for this recognition, communities were required to meet standards, including: Provide proof of community and organizational support. Provide a comprehensive community profile with key information for veterans and their families, such as demographics, housing, and healthcare. Maintain an up-to-date community development strategy addressing veterans’ needs. Complete an initial and annual self-assessment to identify and address resource or service gaps. “Being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Community not only honors this city’s commitment to veterans, but also sets a standard for others to follow,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland, “Veterans have made immense sacrifices in service to our country, and we must ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve when they return home. A Veteran-Friendly Community designation signals that the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County prioritize the needs of veterans, offering them access to resources, services, and opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Our Executive Committee was thrilled to recognize these communities' hard work and dedication to East Texas veterans.” "ETCOG is very proud of the work and collaboration among our partners with AACOG, UT Tyler, and UT San Antonio in creating a program that showcases the proud work our communities are providing for our veterans in both inclusion and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said ETCOG Special Projects Director David Scott. “This program also provides the opportunity for our communities to assess their needs in work, housing, healthcare, education, and daily life while seeking continuous improvements in those areas for veterans to remain and contribute to local communities." With community interest, ETCOG plans to re-open the application period annually for communities across the region to apply.
A woman is holding a pile of paper next to a trash can.

New Recycling Facility Opens in Kilgore, Advancing Sustainability in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 17, 2025
ETCOG is excited to share the news of a major advancement in regional recycling efforts! The Northeast Texas Regional MRF (NETX) has officially opened a new 50,000-square-foot Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Kilgore, Texas. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to process residential and commercial single-stream recyclables, as well as commercial cardboard, making recycling easier and more efficient for East Texans.  With advanced mechanical sorting technology, NETX’s new facility will help reduce landfill waste by efficiently processing paper, plastics, aluminum, and more. The single-stream system allows residents and businesses to place all recyclables in a single bin, simplifying participation and boosting recycling rates. “We are thrilled to open this new facility in Kilgore, which will not only help reduce environmental impact but also support the local economy,” said Todd Lucas, General Manager of NETX. The facility will support municipal waste programs, create local jobs, and divert thousands of tons of recyclable materials from landfills each year. An open house is planned for this spring, inviting the public to tour the facility and learn more about its operations. For more information on the new facility, partnership opportunities, or recycling guidelines, please visit NETXMRF.com .
A laptop computer is sitting on a wooden table.

ETCOG Releases 2024 Regional Solutions Reports

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 12, 2025
ETCOG is committed to delivering impactful regional solutions, guided by the leadership of our Board, Executive Committee, and Advisory Committees. To highlight the results of our work, we have released the 2024 Solutions Reports, providing a county-by-county snapshot of the services and resources delivered during Fiscal Year 2024. These reports showcase ETCOG’s service deliverables across critical areas, including economic development, environmental impact, public safety enhancement, senior services, public transportation, and workforce development. Across the region, ETCOG is proud to report the following accomplishments: $8.7M allocated in regional grants $2.5M invested in the 9-1-1 system 89.3K job seekers and employers served 11.6K seniors received essential services $32.4M provided for childcare assistance 128,643 GoBus trips provided 457K meals served to seniors 1,654 peace officers trained Each Solutions Report breaks down these results at the county level, showcasing how ETCOG has directly supported residents and local jurisdictions. Copies of the reports will be distributed to area elected officials and ETCOG members this month, along with their annual dues statements. ETCOG’s local membership dues, contributed by cities, counties, and special districts, help fund general council operations and provide required matching funds for key federal and state programs that benefit East Texas. Digital reports are available on our website year-round. To see how ETCOG has specifically served your county, view the 2024 Solutions Reports at www.etcog.org/solutions-reports .
A man and a woman are walking through a grassy field holding garbage bags.

ETCOG Allocates $81,429.64 to East Texas Projects for Solid Waste Reduction Efforts

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 3, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $81,429.64 in grants from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) awarded to East Texas jurisdictions, special districts, and regional initiatives to support waste minimization efforts in ETCOG's fourteen-county region. This funding assists jurisdictions in establishing or expanding projects that would directly provide a measurable effect on reducing the amount of waste going into area landfills by diverting various materials from the municipal solid waste stream for beneficial use or reducing waste generation at the source. Applicants were eligible to apply for the following Municipal Solid Waste Grant Project Categories: 1) Local Enforcement, 2) Litter and Illegal Dumping Clean up and Community Collection Events, 3) Source Reduction & Recycling, 4) Local Solid Waste Management Plans, 5) Citizens' Collection Stations and "Small" Registered Transfer Stations, 6) Household Hazardous Waste Management, 7) Technical Studies, 8) Educational and Training Projects. ETCOG annually helps jurisdictions apply for funds, which are then ranked and scored by our Solid Waste Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of local subject matter experts from the region. After the ETCOG Executive Committee approves the projects, we recommend them to TCEQ. TCEQ has approved the following grants in East Texas for funding. FY 2025 Solid Waste Grant Projects - $81,429.64 
A train track that is going through a small town

TxCDBG Announcement: Applications Available for 2025 Downtown Revitalization Program

By Texas Department of Agriculture • January 29, 2025
The T exas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is pleased to announce the release of a new grant opportunity for the upcoming Program Year 2025: 2025 CDBG Downtown Revitalization Program, with Main Street Set Aside (CDM) Purpose: The Downtown Revitalization Program objective is to provide infrastructure improvements to address the conditions that contribute to the deterioration in an area designated as slum or blighted in the applicant community's downtown or main street area.. Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000,000 Community Application Deadline: April 3, 2025 Program Landing Page & Application Guide Application Webinars and Technical Assistance The application process for 2025 has been revised to include two distinct phases. The Community Application, due April 3, 2025, will collect information needed to assess community eligibility and scoring. Applicants that score within funding range will be invited to submit a Project Application that identifies a project and details the specific work to be performed. A webinar has been planned to assist applicants with this new process – no registration is required, and the link to join the session can be found on the TxCDBG Training webpage . January 29, 2025 - Application Webinar for 2025 TxCDBG Downtown Revitalization Program February 19, 2025 - Application Webinar for 2025 TxCDBG Downtown Revitalization Program If you have questions regarding either application, please reach out to CDBGApps@TexasAgriculture.gov .

ETCOG Requests Nominations from the Public for Regional Service Awards

By East Texas Council of Governments • January 9, 2025
Nominations are Due by Monday, February 10, 2025
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