Smith County commissioners proclaim Deaf Awareness Week Sept. 25 through Sept. 29

Published 4:11 pm Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The room was silent as rows of people waved their hands spiritedly at the Smith County Commissioners Court meeting, where a proclamation designated Sept. 25 through Sept. 29 as Deaf Awareness Week.

“The theme for this year’s awareness week is a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere,” said Susie Grona, Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center vice president. “If you want to learn to sign, a good one to start with would be this one…”

Grona then put up her thumb, index finger and pinkie finger while keeping her ring finger and middle finger down to sign the phrase “I love you.”

Commissioner John Moore read the resolution as an American Sign Language interpreter, signed to court attendees and Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center representatives on Sept. 26.

“I am a member of the community,” Moore said, pulling a hearing aid from his ear to show the audience. “I remember my father worked for the federal government. This was back in the 70s, and there was a lady who came to work there who was deaf. He said she felt isolated, so he taught himself sign language so she wouldn’t feel alone.”

There are more than 3.8 million people who are deaf or hard of hearing in the state of Texas.

The vision of the Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center is to offer services, including senior citizen activities, summer recreational programs for deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind children, literacy classes for deaf adults, interpreting services, social events and activities and other services as needed for people who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind.

The court urges all citizens to learn about the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and to support and celebrate the unique and individual achievements of Texans who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Other business

Also at the meeting, Smith County  Judge Neal Franklin rescinded the burn ban after the county received some much-needed rain.

Franklin said he made the decision based on the recommendation of Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue.

“Smith County received an adequate amount of rainfall Sunday night and during the early morning hours of Monday to reasonably lift the burn ban, which was enacted on August 1, 2023, for the safety of the public,” Hogue said. “I would like to thank the residents of Smith County for their understanding and cooperation while the burn ban was necessary.”

Since the rainfall, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County decreased by 92 points, to an average of 627. The KBDI ranges from 0 to 800 and is used to determine forest fire potential. In the past, Smith County has issued a burn ban when the drought index falls around 700.

Additionally, several county employees were recognized for longevity and certifications.

With the 321st District Court, Rosie Rogers was recognized for 10 years of service. Edward Nichols, Smith County Facility Services director, highlighted three staff members who earned two-year certifications as certified custodial technicians.

The court discussed other agenda items, including;

The court heard a presentation from Todd Kisel with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool regarding Smith County’s Liability and Property coverage renewal for July 1 to June 30, 2024.

The court heard Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott LLP’s presentation on delinquent court fines and fees.

The court approved the 2024 Service Agreement renewal process for the Victim Information and Notification Everyday program.

The court accepted a grant contract for the Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service for fiscal year 2024 from the Office of the Attorney General.