April 30, 2021 - Anyone who has camped out in East Texas has probably had this experience: You’ve spent the evening sitting around the campfire after a satisfying dinner. A nice gentle breeze cools the evening air as you settle down for a night of blissful sleep. Then, it starts - “Whip-poor-will, Whip-poor-will”, the sound of a bashful bird serenading you.

The 2021 Running of the Blueberries 5K is celebrating the 10th anniversary run with additional 10K and 1-mile trails on Saturday, June 12, 2021! Click here to register. 

Running of the Blueberries features the classic 5K route on the Lanana Creek Trail, plus a NEW 10K challenge to commemorate our 10-year anniversary. 

April 29, 2021 - Last week, the House passed its version of the state budget for the next two years. It differs in some significant ways from the budget the Senate passed. In order to reconcile our differences, we'll convene a conference committee with 5 members from each chamber to work out the details. I'm honored to once again serve as a conferee for the state budget.   

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. Texas to gain two new congressional seats

April 28, 2021 - Governor Greg Abbott has approved the request of Jasper County to transfer from the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) (State Planning Region 14) to the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) (State Planning Region 15). The transfer effective date is April 27, 2021 although the actual transfer of programs and services will take place over a period of time.

Registration is open through May 9