k-Tex Council of Governments

Cass County Judge

Travis Ransom

Ark-Tex Council of Governments

Councils of Governments (COGs), regional councils, or regional planning commissions are political subdivisions created under Texas statute to improve the health, safety, and general welfare of residents and to plan for future development.

These councils were organized to guide unified development and improve efficiency within regions. COGs are not governments and have no authority to make laws, levy taxes, or exercise police powers.

Texas has 24 COGs that represent all 254 counties. These regions are made up of counties, cities, school districts, and special districts.

ATCOG services Region 5. Our programs are available in the Texas counties we service. Because of our unique location with Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, Arkansas, a few of our programs are available to residents of Miller County, Arkansas.

Judge Travis Ransom serves on the Executive Board of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments.

Check out https://atcog.org/ for more information. The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) is a regional organization serving nine counties in northeast Texas and one in southwest Arkansas. Established in 1969, ATCOG is a voluntary association of local governments and a political subdivision of the State of Texas. ATCOG acts as a bridge between local governments, state and federal agencies, and private organizations. It helps its member communities tackle issues that require collaboration, like infrastructure planning, disaster readiness, and economic development. By pooling resources and expertise, ATCOG makes it easier for communities to achieve larger-scale improvements.

ATCOG also assists seniors and caregivers looking for aging services, business owners interested in economic development programs, area residents in need of public transportation, and many other state and federal programs.

CASS COUNTY PIONEER PROFILE

This week’s Cass County Pioneer is not an individual, but a group. The Cass County Boys were a musical group from the time when radio was the pinnacle of entertainment. The group was formed in 1936 at the WFAA radio station in Dallas, Texas, when accordionist Fred Martin and guitarist Jerry Scoggins, both staff musicians, began performing together to fill airtime between programs. They soon invited bassist Bert Dodson, formerly of the Light Crust Doughboys, to join them. Martin hailed from Cass County, Texas, and an announcer dubbed them the Cass County Kids, a name that evolved into the Cass County Boys as they matured. The trio became regular performers on Gene Autry’s “Melody Ranch” radio program and appeared in several of his films and television shows. Cass County Boys remained on Autry’s show until its final broadcast in 1956. They also worked with notable artists like Bing Crosby and Dick Haymes, and appeared in Western films alongside Charles Starrett. One of the trio, Scoggins, lent his voice to “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” the theme song for the popular 1960s sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

The Cass County Boys released several singles, as well as one album. Their music continues to be appreciated by Western music enthusiasts and is available on various platforms. In 1996, the Cass County Boys were inducted into the Western Music Association Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to the genre. Their harmonious blend and collaborations with prominent artists have left an enduring mark on Western music history.

by: Misty Golden, Texas A&MTexarkana Graduate Student

Back To School Tax Free Weekend August 8th - 10th

Since 1999, Texas shoppers have saved money during one weekend every August on the annual sales tax holiday. The Texas Comptroller’s office encourages you to support Texas businesses while saving money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual tax-free weekend. You can purchase qualifying items tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free.

This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 8, and lasts through midnight Sunday, Aug. 10.

The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during the sales tax holiday. Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption or a tax refund.

See the following for additional information: Publication 98-490, Sales Tax Holiday Publicación 98-490s, Fin de Semana Libre de Impuestos Sobre las Ventas Texas Tax Code Section 151.326 – Clothing and Footwear for Limited Period Texas Tax Code Section 151.327 – School Supplies and School Backpacks Before Start of School.

Cass County is Hiring

Dispatcher - A dispatcher receives calls for service or assistance from the public; communicates orders to direct appropriate services to the given address; relays instructions and/or questions to/from responding units.

Deputy District Clerk - The District Clerk Deputy Clerk performs a variety of clerical duties in support of District Clerk’s Office operations; prepares courtroom and/or other types of legal documentation; and provides customer service to the public.

Juvenile Probation Officer - Supervises juveniles on probation, sets goals with juveniles, and helps them reach their goals through supervision case management.

For more information check out https://www.co.cass.tx.us/page/cass.Jobs.Openings

Ark-Tex Council of Governments is Hiring Finance Director - Lead and manage ATOG’s financial operations, ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

TRAX Driver - Texarkana - Provide safe, reliable transportation services to community members.

For more information check out https://atcog.applicantpro. com/jobs/

Upcoming Events

Saturday August 16th at Music City Texas Theater in Linden - Hickory Hill - The Kings of Texas Folk Grass take the stage at 7:30pm. Tickets available at 903-756-9934 or https:// www.musiccitytexas.org/