April 20, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced yesterday that USDA is soliciting applications for grants to establish broadband in unserved rural communities through its Community Connect program. Community Connect is administered by USDA’s Rural Utilities Service and helps to fund broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not economically viable for private sector providers to provide service. 

April 19, 2016 - Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting applications for the 2016 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program. Through this cost-share program eligible forest landowners can receive financial and technical assistance related to reducing the threat of future SPB infestations and outbreaks.
 
Funds provided by USDA Forest Service-Region 8 and Forest Health Protection can assist landowners with conducting first thin operations in overly dense, pulpwood size pine stands in 23 East Texas counties.
 

April 19, 2016 - We are excited about hosting the Deweyville ISD 4th graders on their upcoming field day.  Deweyville elementary school was closed due to all the flooding we had several weeks back.  We look forward to sharing Columbia’s history with these students.  These students and teachers have been through a very difficult time and we hope their visit to our museum and town will be a fun stress free day.  We have a big day planned for their visit!  

April 18, 2016 - FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to reduce disaster damage. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as storm shelters and safe rooms.

Specialists will be available at the following locations:
Lowe’s: 3313 N. Fourth Street, Longview, TX 75605
Lowe’s: 900 W Gibson, Jasper, TX 75951
Available: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 18 and 19. 
 

April 18, 2016 - As a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred March 7-29, 2016, the state and FEMA are working to provide technical assistance to Texas communities about flood insurance and rebuilding issues.
 
BEFORE Starting Repairs after ANY Damage to Your Home or Business, Contact Your Local Building Official and/or Floodplain Manager