DETCOG membership meeting held

JASPER – The Ralph W. Steen East Texan of the Year Award will be presented during the 43rd Annual Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) membership meeting and awards luncheon Thursday, May 24th, in Lufkin. The award was named after the beloved Past President of Stephen F. Austin State University, Dr. Ralph W. Steen. It honors an individual who has played a major role in leadership and service to the 12-county region. “The annual membership meeting is always special because it gives the DETCOG board of directors, members and staff, a chance to visit with representatives of the communities we serve,” says DETCOG’s Executive Director, Walter G. Diggles, Sr. “The highlight of the meeting is always the presentation of the Ralph W. Steen East Texan of the Year. It has been presented longer than any honor of its type in the region.” Several other presentations will be made during the luncheon. Outstanding Committee Work on behalf of a DETCOG board member will be recognized with the President’s Award. The Stewart and Malone Memorial Scholarships and the DETCOG Employee Memorial Scholarship will be given to students from the region’s high schools. This year’s special guest speaker will be Texas State Senator, Robert Nichols. Sen. Nichols has served most of the DETCOG region in the senate since 2007. He currently serves as vice chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee and sits on the Transportation and Homeland Security, Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, and Nominations Committees. He was also appointed last year to the Sunset Advisory Commission. In addition to the noon awards luncheon, at 10 am there will be a “Chapter 60” reporting requirements workshop. At 11 am there will be a “9-1-1: The Next Generation” workshop. An exhibit room will also be open to guests. DETCOG’s Board President, Jasper County Judge, Mark Allen, would like to extend an invitation to the public to attend. The morning sessions are free and open to the public. Luncheon tickets can be purchased at the door. Anyone needing information may contact the DETCOG office in Jasper at (409) 384-5704.