Tex-21 Conference Report
Report
Last week I had the privilege of joining leaders from across the region in Texarkana for the statewide TEX-21 meeting and highlight the Interstate 369 corridor in my remarks.
We toured the beautiful new Jim Yates Texarkana Terminal at the Texarkana Regional Airport. Our group also toured the Texarkana College workforce training hanger where I met with high school students and adults enrolled in the aviation mechanic program. It is exciting to know this program is producing such innovative training so close to home. Tex-21 is to be credited for bringing this important conversation to our corner of Texas.
The future Interstate 369 will serve as a major northsouth connector from Tenaha to Texarkana, linking communities, supporting commerce, and strengthening supply chains throughout East Texas. This project touches multiple counties, cities, and state and federal districts — which means collaboration and advocacy are absolutely essential.
As we move forward, our focus must remain on sustained funding, planning, and smart development. I emphasized how important it is that we maintain a strong seat at the table to ensure that growth is done the right way — with common-sense planning that strengthens our economy while preserving the small-town identity and quality of life we hold dear.
Continued engagement from community leaders, state partners, and federal stakeholders will be key to keeping momentum strong. This project represents a tremendous opportunity for job growth, transportation safety, and long-term economic development across our region. I am proud to represent Cass County and to continue working alongside TEX-21 and our regional partners as we move this effort forward — together.
CASS COUNTY PIONEER PROFILE
Aaron Thibeaux “T-Bone”Walker
This week’s Cass County Pioneer is a musician. Aaron Thibeaux “T-Bone” Walker was born in Linden, Texas on May 28, 1910. Influenced by his mother, who played guitar, and his stepfather, who played several different musical instruments, T-Bone developed a love for music at a young age. Family friendships with notable Blues musicians Blind Lemon Jefferson and Huddie Ledbetter also influenced T-Bone from a young age. He taught himself how to play the guitar, then joined the “Dr. Breeding’s Big B Medicine Show.” Together with Blues artist Ida Cox, T-Bone toured the South to promote his “Wichita Falls Blues” record, winning awards, accolades, and adoring fans. At one show in Fort Worth, T-Bone appeared with the legendary blues artist, Ma Rainey. His star continued to rise as T-Bone moved to Los Angeles and recorded more hit records. As he became more well-known, he began headlining larger venues and played for veterans on military bases around the United States.
T-Bone Walker influenced legendary musicians as well, such as BB King, Eric Clapton, Pee Wee Crayton, and Johnny Winter. Though he died in 1975, T-Bone was inducted posthumously to the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Houston Institute for Culture’s Texas Hall of Fame.
Cass County Pioneer Profile by: Misty Golden
Texas A&M-Texarkana Graduate Student
T-Bone Walker Mural in Downtown Linden A public art piece by the late Brad Attaway, a Linden native, in downtown Linden, Texas commemorates legendary bluesman T-Bone Walker. Both Walker and Attaway left a lasting legacy through their re- spective artwork.
In The News
Earlier this year, Judge Travis Ransom interviewed for the Texas County Voice podcast to discuss legislative success from the 89th Legislature. You can listen to the full interview on YouTube at the link.
Counties are defined by the people who serve them, and every story is a vital part of that legacy. Taking the lead from Wise County Judge J.D. Clark, now president of the National Association of Counties, “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will.” We agree. That’s why TAC is launching Texas County Storytellers, a new campaign to collect and showcase the voices of county officials and employees.
Jobs in and around Cass County
Custodian - Responsible for maintenance of assigned county buildings and upkeep of the grounds. Perform all duties as required to maintain a good and clean environment. This includes but is not limited to dusting; sweeping; mopping, stripping, and waxing floors; cleaning and maintaining restrooms .
Blade Operator - Effectively operate various sizes and models of self propelled motor graders to spread and level dirt, gravel, stone, and other road materials to rough and fine grade specifications in construction and maintenance of county roads.
T-Line Driver - Ark-Tex Council of Governments - Pay is $15.45/hour. This position is responsible for providing transportation services to all individuals, including persons with disabilities, in a safe and timely manner. This position must operate and maintain the T-Line vehicles.
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Community Health-Core-Atlanta: he LVN serves as a clinical member of Crisis Stabilization Unit treatment team. The LVN is responsible for using the nursing process to meet the needs of clients according to the professional standards of nursing care.
Registered Nurse - Community HealthCore-Atlanta: Under the general direction of the Director of Nursing (DON) and the RCSU RN Nurse Manager is responsible for utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of patients in the Rapid Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU) (involuntary extended observation unit and voluntary crisis residential unit) according to the professional standards of nursing care.
District Maintenance Specialist - TxDOT-Atlanta: responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining bridges across Northeast Texas. If you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and making a difference in your community, this is your chance to build a career with purpose. TxDOT offers competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
Atlanta Fire Department - Firefighter/EMT positions: Paramedic Preferred. If applicant is EMT, applicant must obtain paramedic certification within two years from date of hire. If applicant is paramedic only, applicant will be sent to the fire academy.
Reach out to my office — P.O. Box 825 • Linden, TX 75563 Phone: 903-756-5181, Ext. 0 Fax: 903-756-5732