If you’ve lived in Deep East Texas for any length of time, you learn to keep one eye on the weather. Around here, we’ve seen just about everything — floods, wildfires, hurricane remnants, and the kind of hard freezes that can turn a normal drive into a long day.
With the recent winter storm and freezing conditions we’ve experienced — and with more cold weather still ahead — I want to recognize the tireless efforts of the men and women who work quietly behind the scenes to keep our communities running.
When temperatures drop and conditions get rough, the real difference-makers aren’t sitting behind a desk. They’re out on the roads and in the field: linemen restoring power in freezing conditions, first responders working long shifts, and county commissioners and support staff fielding calls, checking problem areas, coordinating crews, and helping make sure issues get addressed quickly and safely.
That work doesn’t always make headlines — but it reflects the grit and selfless service that make Deep East Texas such a special place to live.
We’re fortunate to live in a region where people take responsibility seriously — where neighbors look out for each other, and those charged with public safety and local operations take their jobs personally. As we head into another stretch of winter weather, I hope you’ll join me in taking a moment to thank the linemen, first responders, and county leaders who step up when conditions are at their worst.
As we approach the coldest part of the year, remember to make preparations early, check road conditions regularly, travel only when necessary, and continue to monitor updates from your local officials and trusted local news sources.
The mobile office is on the road again in February, and our District Director will look forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: Feb. 4 at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; Feb. 11 at the Polk County Commissioner's Courtroom in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and at the Tyler County Commissioner's Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Feb. 18 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, and our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what's happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
Trent Ashby represents District 9, which includes Trinity County, in the Texas Legislature.
