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US Marshals, Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force captured over 800 Fugitives in the East Texas Area during 2020, Recovered Missing Children

January 29, 2021 - The U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force (JETFTF) brought 813 felony fugitives to justice during 2020, bringing the arrest total to 20,305 since its inception back in 2004. These arrests resulted in 1,204 felony warrants being cleared in 2020, adding to the total of 26,774 warrants closed since the JETFTF was formed. Many of the fugitives the JETFTF apprehends are wanted on more than one state and/or federal arrest warrant.

Report from January DETCOG Board Meeting

January 29, 2021 - The Board of Directors of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Economic Development District (DETCOG) reviewed agency finances, approved regional solid waste grant awards, and took up a number of other matters during its January business meeting. The meeting was held January 28th via an online webinar.

DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt gave highlights from the financial report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, which included:

My Five Cents: Ammo, Gun Sales; Vaccine Hubs; DL Waivers Ending; Budget Highlights

January 28, 2021 - The third week of session is coming to a close. The Redistricting Committee has been meeting every day this week to hear testimony from the public and Senate Finance will start meeting next month.

Here are five things happening around the state this week:

1. Texas Gun and Ammo Sales Rise

Forest Service Reduces Wildfire Risk, Improves Forest Health with Controlled Burns

January 27, 2021 – The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas will conduct controlled burn operations in the next few months.

The controlled burn areas will be marked with signs as needed to include signboards and electronic road signs. Those near national forests may see smoke columns, reduced visibility in low lying areas, and additional traffic along Forest Service roads.

Human Trafficking Has No Home in the Eastern District of Texas

January 26, 2021 - January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Each year, law enforcement and service providers reaffirm their commitment to eradicating human trafficking in all forms. Acting United States Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei is issuing a number of messages to educate the public about human trafficking and, importantly, to dispel many myths and misconceptions about trafficking.

USDA Offers Additional Assistance for Certain Producers Through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

January 26, 2021 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between Jan. 19 and Feb. 26.

TFCP Recognizes 50 Women Impact 2020 Shelby County Do-Gooder of the Year (Video)

Sharing the Road with 18-wheelers, Other Trucks

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers practical safety tips to motorists

January 25, 2021 – TxDOT is reminding all drivers to take extra precautions when driving around trucks.

Thousands of large trucks and tractor-trailers travel busy Texas highways every day. Weighing 20 times more than an average car, “big rigs” require more time to accelerate and decelerate and have large blind spots that other motorists need to be aware of to help avoid a potentially deadly crash.

Senate Redistricting Committee Seeks Public Comment, East Texas Region Slated For Jan 29

January 24, 2021 Austin - Today the Senate Redistricting Committee announced they will hold a series of regional hearings to solicit testimony from the public about the upcoming redistricting process. These regional hearings will allow members of the public to testify before the Committee remotely via Zoom videoconference.

Capitol Update for 87th Legislature

January 22, 2021 - Last week, we started the 87th Legislature. Like many things this past year, the swearing-in ceremony was far different than past years and saw the legislative session open with less pageantry. Regardless of the circumstances, I am always honored to represent East Texas in the Legislature and will continue to work hard to bring our East Texas values to Austin.

Shelby County Today

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