Cass County Takes Stand Against Sale of Water Rights
Against Sale of Water Rights
On February 25th, Cass County Commissioners Court met at the historical Cass County Courthouse in open session to listen to a presentation from the Caddo Lake Institute regarding potential impacts to the sale of water rights from Lake O’ The Pines and the ongoing discussions between Northeast Texas Municipal Water District (NETMWD) and North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).
Cass County has a vested interest in the long term economic viability of the region and Lake O’ the Pines as it provides water to supply the cities of Avinger and Hughes Springs in Cass County and has the potential to provide water to the City of Linden.
The Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution that urges NETMWD and its member cities to place the needs of northeast Texas first, protect Caddo Lake, and strongly encouraged transparency in any future deliberations.
Caddo Lake Institute
The Caddo Lake Institute (CLI) is a non-profit scientific and educational organization founded in 1992 with the mission of protecting the unique treasure that is Caddo Lake.
They address issues such as the need to return healthy flows of water to the lake, restore water quality in the watershed, control invasive species, and conserve significant lands. CLI continues to foster strong relationships with the surrounding community, while maintaining important partnerships with scientists and government entities to continuously monitor, protect and conserve the beauty and wonder that is Caddo Lake.
Caddo Lake
Region D Water Planning Group Opposes Marvin Nichols Reservoir
On Wednesday, February 26th, the North East Texas Regional Water Planning Group (Region D) met and approved its Initially Prepared Plan for 2026 Region D Water Plan, which has forceful language condemning the inclusion of Marvin Nichols in any region plan for the State Water Plan.
In its statement, Region D said the reservoir, if approved, would negatively impact the environment, agriculture, rural areas and other natural resources. Cass County is one of several Northeast Texas Counties who have passed resolutions opposing the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir. Preserve Northeast Texas issued a statement saying, “Preserve Northeast Texas is for grateful for Region D for advocating for the right of Northeast Texans to continue their way of life.
There are many alternatives for Region C to meet their water needs, including conservation, water reuse, and reallocation of existing resources. Forcing Northeast Texans to give up their land and livelihoods is unnecessary and unjust.”
Region D Map
Texas is split into 16 regions for regional water planning. Cass County is within Region D which encompasses all or parts of 19 counties. Largely rural and characterized by numerous, small communities and some medium-sized municipalities, the region includes the cities of Atlanta, Longview, Texarkana, and Greenville.
The planning area overlaps large portions of the Red, Sulphur, Cypress, and Sabine river basins and smaller parts of the Trinity and Neches river basins. Region D’s main economic base is agribusiness, including a variety of crops, as well as cattle and poultry production. Timber, oil and gas, and mining are significant industries in the region.
Engaged Leadership
“The only constant is change.” As soon as you think you’ve got it figured out, something changes. As the Texas legislature meets in the 89th legislative session, they are changing laws in Austin which have a direct impact on people here at home. Engaging in dialogue with our legislators is an important part of the process. Like anything, we must pick our battles and always try to understand other’s perspectives which may differ from our own. The most effective leaders care about people. Creating a personal link is crucial to leading people through challenging times and face-to-face, one-on-one discussions are the most media rich form of communication. Live, in-person, human communications allow us to send and receive messages simultaneously. It takes work to build relationships and create shared understanding. It is far easier to disengage and sit on the sidelines or throw rocks at other’s actions or lack of action but our republic form of democracy demands OUR participation. I encourage you to share your perspective and be engaged. That feedback is a gift to those who are representing us in Austin.
Jeremiah Johnson at MCT - Friday,April 4, 2025
Jeremiah Johnson, a 2022 Blues Music Award nominee for “Best Blues Rock Album” with ‘Unemployed Highly Annoyed,’ has been hailed as one of the “75 Modern Blues & Blues Rock Artists You must Here” by rock & Blues Muse. A world-class guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Johnson masterfully blends the sounds of the south, Mississippi River blues, and a dash of country flair. His emotionally charged southern rock, fueled by the common man’s passion for life and its myriad struggles, delivers songs with deep meaning, a compelling voice, and exceptional musicianship.
To Purchase Tickets call 903-756-9934 or go to https:// www.musiccitytexas.org/
Spring Maker’s Market in Atlanta April 5th Homemade. Handmade. Homegrown. All from with- in 50 miles of Atlanta, TX. These are the kinds of goods you will find at the Atlanta Local: Maker’s Market! With a food truck court and over 70 farmers, bakers, and makersthere’s something for everyone!
This event is hosted by the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce. Please contact them at atlareachamber@gmail.com or 903-796-3296 for more details.
The 2025 Wildflower Trails 5K is April 19, 2025, Easter weekend! The race includes chip timing with RFID tags, race bibs and, as always, each participant receives a race t-shirt. The first 50 to register will receive a swag bag full of sponsorship items and other goodies. There is a $100 prize to top female and $100 to top male. The $1,000 bounty is up for grabs to the top female and/or male that beats the course record!!!
The race registration and finish line are located at Hughes Springs City Hall. Participants will be bussed to the starting line so be early as the race starts at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Address: 603 East First (HWY 11), Hughes Springs, TX 75656.
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at wft5k@hughesspringstxusa.com or check out the website at:https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/ HughesSprings/WildflowerTrails5k?
Avinger Wildflower Trails Logo The Wildflowers & Wine festival date is April 26, 2025, in downtown Avinger, Texas. Setup begins at 8 a.m., with all setup complete by 10 a.m. Wildflowers & Wine is an outside event. All vendors must sign in at the registration booth the morning of April 26. Email questions to the Avinger Chamber of Commerce: avingerchamber@gmail. com.