Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG)

?? COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT TRAINING - FREE! Join us for comprehensive training on enforcement for environmental crimes in your jurisdiction. CLASS DETAILS ?? April 16-17, 2025 ? 9am-4pm ?? Cass County Law Enforcement Training Center, Linden, TX WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ? Illegal outdoor burning regulations and violations under Texas Water Code ? Illegal dumping misdemeanor and felony violations (THSC Chapter 365) ? Public health nuisances and enforcement (THSC Sec. 341) ? Rural public nuisances and control methods (THSC Chapter 343) ? Water pollution violations and enforcement procedures ? Specialized enforcement for hazardous waste, medical waste, used motor oil, and lead-acid batteries ? Policy issues affecting county-level environmental enforcement WHY ATTEND? ? FREE training ? 12 CEUs available ? Expert instruction from Dr. John Ockels ? Practical enforcement strategies for rural areas WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This course is designed for county law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, elected officials, and others involved in environmental compliance: ? County deputies and constables ? Fire marshals ? Specialized environmental enforcement officers ? Emergency management coordinators ? Felony and misdemeanor prosecutors ? County elected officials and staff ? Health department personnel ? Municipal officers needing county-level enforcement understanding HOW TO REGISTER Ready to boost your environmental enforcement skills? Register online at https://lnkd.in/d2UdSAWs #EnvironmentalEnforcement #LawEnforcement #IllegalDumping #TexasTraining #FreeTraining

Kristina Rivas, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties, shares essential information on mistakes people make in preparing for their VITA appointments and how to avoid scams during tax season. ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????????? According to Rivas, some of the most common issues seniors face include: 1. ???????????????????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????????: Many people don’t realize they need separate forms for Marketplace healthcare insurance, which requires specific processing in tax returns. 2. ?????????????? ??????????????????????????: Having incomplete paperwork, especially for those on disability or with interest from bank accounts or property sales, can delay the filing process. ???????????????? ?????? ?????????? With tax scams on the rise, Rivas shared crucial information to help seniors protect themselves: 1. The IRS communicates exclusively through mail, never by phone 2. Hang up immediately if someone calls claiming to represent the IRS 3. Be wary of requests for payments through Cash App, PayPal, or gift cards. ???????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????????????? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families. The Literacy Council has been a provider of this service for four years, helping community members file their taxes at no cost. ?????? ???? ???????????????? ?? ???????? ?????????????????????? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ??????????????? Call 903-823-3470 Leave a message if calling after hours. Most appointments take about an hour and all steps, including evaluation and final checks, are completed in a single appointment, eliminating the need for multiple visits.

Don't Let Scammers Take What's Yours! Join the Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging (AAA) at the Sulphur Springs Senior Center this coming Monday at 11 a.m. for an informative (and fun!) morning learning how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud. EVENT DETAILS: ?? March 17, 2025 ??11:00 a.m. ??Sulphur Springs Senior Center 301 Oak Ave. Sulphur Springs, TX WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ?? How to spot common Medicare scams targeting seniors ?? Simple ways to protect your Medicare card and number ?? What to look for on your Medicare statements ?? How to get help if you think you've been scammed Plus: ? Play Medicare Fraud Prevention Bingo ? Get free resources to take home ? Meet your local Senior Medicare Patrol volunteers Why Attend? Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions each year - but more importantly, it can leave honest folks like you with unpaid bills and healthcare headaches. Learn how to protect yourself. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT? Call 903-439-3720

???????????? ????????-?????????????????????? (??????) ?????????????????????? - ???????? ???????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????! ?? Texarkana, TX (Full-time) | Ark-Tex Council of Governments | $55,744/year ???????? ?? ???????? ???????????????????? ???? ????????????'?? ??????????! Are you passionate about helping families reach their dreams? The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) is seeking a dedicated FSS Coordinator to administer our HUD Family Self-Sufficiency program and empower Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders to achieve economic independence. ???????? ??????'???? ????: ? Recruit and interview HCV holders for the FSS program ? Conduct needs assessments and develop personalized Action Plans with clear goals and timelines ? Coordinate valuable activities like training programs, GED classes, and housing counseling ? Refer participants to community resources and social services ? Maintain detailed case files and submit required program reports ? Assist with grant identification and funding applications ? Cross-train in Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program duties for FSS families ???????? ??????'???? ????????: ??Education: Two years of college OR high school diploma with additional experience ??Experience: 2+ years as FSS Coordinator, Resident Services Coordinator, Social Worker, HCV Specialist, or similar role Note: Four years of experience can substitute for college requirement. ??Knowledge of public housing agency rules and HCV program regulations (preferred) ??Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office applications ??Strong interviewing, counseling, and communication skills ??Ability to maintain confidentiality and work well in fast-paced environments ??Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for regional travel ??Physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform essential functions ????????: ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????? ????????????????. ?????? ???????? ????? Be part of a team that directly impacts families' futures by providing them with the tools and resources needed to achieve lasting economic independence! ???????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????. First round of applications will be scored March 14, 2025. Resumes will only be accepted with completed application. ?????????? ????????????: https://lnkd.in/gmP7u8wC ATCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer Announcement #3126

Last week, ATCOG's Criminal Justice Program had the privilege of putting on a 16-hour training on Child Abuse Investigations at the Cass County Law Enforcement Training Center in Linden. A heartfelt thank you to our expert instructor who guided us through essential topics including investigative strategies, trial preparation, and identifying signs of abuse. Your expertise and dedication to protecting our most vulnerable citizens is truly valuable. Special appreciation to the dedicated professionals from Cass County Sheriff's Office, Cass County District Attorney’s Office, Delta County Sheriff's Office, Queen City Police Department, and Lone Star Police Department who participated. When agencies come together like this, we create a stronger safety net for children across our region. Stay tuned to our social media channels for announcements about future offerings of this course. To be added to our notification list for the next session, email [email protected] or call 903-255-3531. #ProtectingChildren #LawEnforcement #CommunityPolicing #TCOLE #NortheastTexas #childadvocacy This training was sponsored by the Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) through grant funds by the Office of the Governor-Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division.

?? Business Owners: Is Your Phone System Ready for an Emergency? Every second counts in a crisis. That's why Kari's Law requires your business phone system to allow direct 911 dialing—no extra digit needed to reach an outside line. In 2013, a young girl couldn't reach emergency services because she didn't know to dial "9" first. This tragic event led to life-saving legislation that affects every business with a multi-line phone system. ? Direct 911 access required? ? Notification system for security/front desk? ? Compliance mandatory for all businesses Not sure if you're compliant? Visit our website to learn: ● How to check your system ● Steps for getting a waiver if needed ● Free resources and support https://lnkd.in/gPe9nrvV Our 911 Department is here to help answer your questions on Kari’s Law. Drop them below or reach out to our team directly. #BusinessSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #911 #KarisLaw #ATCOG

Checkout the March 2025 SBA 504 Effective Loan Rates! ?????????????? ???? ???????? ???????? ????????????????? The numbers are in, and they're looking good! ?? Current Fixed Rates: 25 Year: 6.246% 20 Year: 6.315% 10 Year: 6.348% ?????? ??????: ? A for-profit business ? Looking to grow ? Ready to take the next step? To be eligible for a SBA 504 loan, your business must: ?Operate as a for-profit company in the United States or its possessions ? Have a tangible net worth of less than $15 million ?Have an average net income of less than $5 million after federal income taxes for the two years preceding your application ?????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ????????????????????, ???????????? ?????????????????? ???????????????????? ??????????????????, ?? ???????????????? ???????????????? ????????, ???????? ??????????????????, ?????? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ?????? ????????. ?????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????? ??????????????! ?? Call us: 903-255-3538 ?? Email: [email protected] ?? Learn more: www.ATCOG.org/504 #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SBA504 #BusinessFinancing #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessLoans

?? COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT TRAINING - FREE! Join us for comprehensive training on enforcement for environmental crimes in your jurisdiction. CLASS DETAILS ?? April 16-17, 2025 ? 9am-4pm ?? Cass County Law Enforcement Training Center, Linden, TX WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ? Illegal outdoor burning regulations and violations under Texas Water Code ? Illegal dumping misdemeanor and felony violations (THSC Chapter 365) ? Public health nuisances and enforcement (THSC Sec. 341) ? Rural public nuisances and control methods (THSC Chapter 343) ? Water pollution violations and enforcement procedures ? Specialized enforcement for hazardous waste, medical waste, used motor oil, and lead-acid batteries ? Policy issues affecting county-level environmental enforcement WHY ATTEND? ? FREE training ? 12 CEUs available ? Expert instruction from Dr. John Ockels ? Practical enforcement strategies for rural areas WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This course is designed for county law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, elected officials, and others involved in environmental compliance: ? County deputies and constables ? Fire marshals ? Specialized environmental enforcement officers ? Emergency management coordinators ? Felony and misdemeanor prosecutors ? County elected officials and staff ? Health department personnel ? Municipal officers needing county-level enforcement understanding HOW TO REGISTER Ready to boost your environmental enforcement skills? Register online at https://lnkd.in/d2UdSAWs #EnvironmentalEnforcement #LawEnforcement #IllegalDumping #TexasTraining #FreeTraining

Today we're celebrating our incredible team! In honor of National Employee Appreciation Day, all ATCOG programs (including TRAX transportation) will close at 3:00 p.m. so our amazing staff can start their weekend early. To add some fun to the day, we had "Color Wars". The hallways (and roadways) were full of color and team spirit as everyone embraced the fun challenge. ??Hall 1 paraded in Pink (Area Agency on Aging & ADRC) ??Hall 2 observed in Orange (Housing) ??Hall 3 performed in Purple (9-1-1) ??Hall 4 glistened in Green (IT, Regional & Economic Development) ??Hall 5 radiated in Red (Administration & Homeland Security) ?? Hall 6 brightened the office in Yellow (Finance, HR, & Reception) ??TRAX Transportation teams beamed in Blue! We truly value each and every one of you. Thank you for making ATCOG extraordinary! #EmployeeAppreciationDay #ColorWars #TeamATCOG #TRAX #TeamSpirit

As the Planning Group Sponsor for the Lower Red-Sulphur-Cypress Regional Flood Planning Group, yesterday we collaborated with Halff Associates and the Sulphur River Basin Authority to host the Northeast Texas Flood Funding Forum at the Hilton Paris Conference & Event Center in Paris, TX. Community leaders from across the region gathered to learn about crucial funding opportunities, mitigation strategies, and resources to address flooding challenges in Northeast Texas. The forum featured an impressive lineup of experts including: ■ Caleb Rodriguez, Flood Grant Coordinator, Texas Water Development Board ■ Gerard (Tony) Clyde, Jr., Project Manager, USACE Tulsa District ■ Matthew Holloway, Regional Mitigation Coordinator, TDEM Region 3 ■ Jet Hays, Deputy Director, Community Development and Revitalization, Texas GLO ■ Elizabeth (Liz) Range-Pendell, Senior Team Leader Funding Resources, Halff Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable insights on flood mitigation funding, emergency planning, and community resilience. We'd like to thank everyone who participated in this important event, both in-person and virtually. The connections made and information shared will strengthen our region's approach to addressing flooding challenges. For those who couldn't attend but are interested in learning more, the recordings and slides from the presentations are available at https://lnkd.in/ejbR2CKX #FloodMitigation #CommunityResilience #NortheastTexas #DisasterPreparedness