ATLANTA – TxDOT is raising awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and working with other state agencies to help stop this horrific crime. During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, TxDOT is continuing its “On the Road to End Human Trafficking” campaign and working with other state agencies through the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council and the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force. The Texas Legislature passed SB1527 in 2023, which added TxDOT to both groups.

Mark your calendars for these January activities in the library: • Monday, 15—Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day. •Tuesday, 16—Paws to Read (Call to register your child to read aloud to the pups.) • Thursday, 18—Family Night’s Winter Wonderland.

• I-30–FromFM989toArkansasstateline,widening highway • I-30–FromFM989toFM3419,extensionoffrontage roads. FM 2148 closed under I-30 bridge & at N.

There are 138 inmates in jail with 124 males and 14 females. Since Jan.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 5 p.m. at Pilgrim’s Community Center, sponsored by NAACP Branch 6243. Tickets $25 - 903285-2317 or 713-294-1870. Dress Sunday best. Honorees: Mr. J.C. White, Mrs. Leisa Lewis, Mr. Roy Henry; Speaker Mr. Rafael Boyd, Pilgrim’s Complex Manager best

Amidst the chaos of daily life in East Texas and beyond, keeping our faith grounded is a challenge. Yet, as a Christian author and a woman who has found joy in the simplest of God’s creations, I believe the Bible is not just a book but a compass that guides us through the stormiest of seas.

Winter arrives with fanfare as Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s Eve all take place within days of the first day of the season. Parties and shopping may distract people from the weather around them, but after resolutions are made and the decorations are packed away, it’s not long before it’s time to confront winter’s wrath.

Due to the possibility of winter weather, TxDOT crews began brine operations on Interstates 20 and 30, along with US 59 Friday. All bridges across the nine-county district are also scheduled to receive an application of brine, which is a solution consisting of salt and water designed to help prevent ice and snow from sticking to surfaces.

Monday, Jan. 15 • Dr.MartinLuther King, Jr.

The Mount Pleasant Ministers’ Union (MPMU) will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration activities starting with the annual MLK March Monday, January 15, 2024, 10 a.m. at the Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church located at 1001 MLK Ave. in Mt. Pleasant. The local group of ministers has hosted the march, which will end on the steps of the Titus County Courthouse, for over three decades. That evening, the festivities continue with a Celebration Service at 7 p.m. at the same location as the start of the march. The guest speaker for the service will be Rev. Sis. Montina Wallace, pastor of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church. Rev. Kirthell Roberts will serve as master of ceremonies.