Chief Justice James Worthen and Tyler Police Chief Jimmy Toler were guests at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce State of the County Luncheon on Tuesday., April 9. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Breaking ground was Tuesday’s theme at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce State of the County Luncheon.

“Smith County is having a groundbreaking year,” said Smith County Judge Neal Franklin.

In a video presentation, the County Commissioners showcased the progress made in various sectors of Smith County, including mental health, animal control, economic development, roads and bridges, the new courthouse and the transformation of downtown Tyler.

In his address, Franklin gave attendees insight into his personal convictions, acknowledged his team’s contributions and painted a vision of Smith County’s future.

Smith County and the City of Tyler are “going and growing,” said emcee Shannon Dacus, an attorney and chamber board chair, to several hundred attendees.

Dacus said USA TODAY didn’t accidentally name Tyler the No. 1 best Texas city to live in. It happens through collaboration, leadership, community service and sacrifice.

Dacus encouraged business owners, organizations and individuals to join the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, stating, “It takes every one of us finding where we can give, where we can serve.”

The organization’s website states it has over 2,000 members who work to enhance the business environment, economic well-being, and quality of life in the Tyler area.

During the presentation, a time-lapse video featured the construction of a parking garage, the groundbreakings and the sponsor organizations involved.

Mental health

Precinct 1 Commissioner Pam Frederick outlined mental health initiatives during the presentation, including funding allocations for the jail inmate clinic and the reopening of a 70-bed mental health facility, with 10 beds earmarked for crisis intervention.

“Smith County has been working tirelessly to address the mental health issue in our community,” Frederick said. “In the last few years, we’ve made great strides by beginning new programs and building partnerships.”

Smith County allocated $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to construct a mental health wing at the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Additionally, the county extended the community diversion coordinator position, established an official mental health deputy role within the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and increased funding for the jail medical program, facilitating in-person psychiatric care.

Furthermore, a jail-based competency restoration program, in collaboration with the Andrews Center, aims to reduce the time defendants with mental health issues spend in jail while awaiting services to become available in state facilities.

“We are moving mountains in the world of mental health, but we have a lot of work to do,” Frederick said.

Animal Control

Smith County faces a continual increase in stray animals, abandoned dogs and unwanted litters.

The Commissioners Court recently voted to contribute $100,000 in ARPA funding to Angel Paws Advocates and The No Strays Project to begin a program, to combat this growing issue.

These organizations will provide vouchers for spay and neuter procedures, rabies vaccinations and microchipping to all citizens of Smith County.

This program is in addition to and separate from the hard work being done by the local animal shelters and rescues.

“We hope that generous donors will be able to add to this start-up funding to continue this countywide initiative for years to come,” Moore said.

Economic development

Precinct 3 Commissioner Terry Phillips spoke about how this year, Smith County broke ground on the first new road built since the 1950s — County Road 3344.

Smith County has committed more than $5 million in ARPA funding to build the road to serve the Tyler Economic Development Council’s new 412-acre Tyler Interstate Commerce Park, which is already attracting large businesses to the county.

CR 3344 will connect from State Highway 155 North at Interstate 20 to CR 336. New businesses bring the area new jobs, employees and economic impact.

The park’s anchor tenant, an Alabama-based lumber treatment plant known as YellaWood, a brand of Great Southern, bought 159 acres, will invest nearly $50 million and will bring more than 100 jobs to the community.

Phillips said Smith County Emergency Services District 2 has also bought nearly 4 acres to build a new fire station to serve the area.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Tyler Economic Development Council to bring new business and more jobs to Smith County,” Phillips said. “This project is a great example of Smith County and is growing.”

Road and Bridge

Since the first Road and Bridge Bond was passed by voters in 2017, the department has improved more than 250 miles of road, said Precinct 4 Commissioner Ralph Caraway Sr.

In 2021, voters again approved a second bond to be used for roads and bridges, and so far, 287 miles of roads have been reconstructed.

The Road and Bridge Department is close to moving into its $4.3 million facility at the corner of East Erwin Street and Loop 323. For many years, this department of more than 80 employees has been working out of metal buildings that were once used at Camp Fannin.

This new facility will allow them ample space to gather as a department for training, meetings and celebrations. The renovated facility will include an automotive repair shop and fueling station serving all Smith County-issued vehicles.

“We are excited to be able to help provide this new space for one of Smith County’s important departments,” Caraway said. “We look forward to continuing to work on improving roads throughout the county.”

Downtown transformation

Franklin asked viewers to envision a seven-story, 270,000-square-foot courthouse with space for 12 courtrooms and the 12th Court of Appeals, with public safety at the forefront.

Smith County has been in need of a new courthouse for more than 20 years. The current courthouse, which was designed for only two courtrooms in 1955, now accommodates eight, which poses safety concerns and is nearing capacity.

In October, Smith County officials began constructing a five-story parking garage to house over 540 parking spaces for the public, county employees, and jurors.

He said the existing building will be demolished soon, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new courthouse will occur in the fall.

In partnership with the City of Tyler, downtown Tyler will soon undergo significant changes and be almost unrecognizable, Franklin said. It will have a large green space, wider sidewalks, two-lane traffic and simple roundabouts.

Reflection

Franklin’s first encounter with patriotism involved reciting the pledge of allegiance to the American flag and praying with the teacher every day in elementary school. Children learned early on that God and country had a strong connection.

“Imagine if we continued this practice as we got older, you think it might affect our feelings,” he said. “Imagine now with me, if our focus remained on God and His Word, just what could our country look like today?”

At 16 years old, during his father’s funeral, Franklin remembered feeling immense pride for his father, a Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient who loved his country and his family.

“Imagine if every one of us could feel this type of pride for all our veterans,” he said. “I learned that many of our veterans lied about their age just so they could fight for our country. Do I have that kind of love and devotion to America? Do you? Imagine what our country would be like if all of us did.”

Franklin asked the crowd to consider judging others based on the content of their character, as advised by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. He said President Ronald Reagan suggested working collaboratively to achieve our objectives without worrying about receiving credit.

It always seems people only work together after a tragedy. Franklin recalled the bravery of firefighters, emergency medical personnel, law enforcement and everyday citizens who rushed to help others during 9/11.

“What if something like that happened locally,” he asked. “Would we have what it takes to run toward the problem for our fellow Americans?”

Franklin said while the nation has made mistakes, its history of accomplishments and leadership should not be forgotten.

“Our founding fathers knew the importance of our God-given freedom. You may ask what we can do as ordinary citizens of Tyler and Smith County to restore patriotism and pride in our country,” Franklin said.

He also announced the Smith County Prayer Force program, an entirely voluntary opportunity for individuals to agree to pray for specific first responders daily for an entire year.

People can participate by visiting the website https://smithcountyprayerforce.org/.

“This is groundbreaking [and] intentional prayer,” Franklin said. “I have a strong feeling that this is going to change the lives in our community.”

Recognition

The following employees were recognized:

• Casey Murphy, Smith County public information officer
• Brandon Moore, Smith County emergency management coordinator
• Sheryl Keel, Smith County judicial compliance/collections director
• Frank Davis, Smith County engineer
• Jaye Latch, Smith County purchasing director
• Kristen Marquez, Smith County law librarian

“The Tyler way, the Smith County way, it’s a good way,” Franklin said. “I hope you will join me in a commitment to protect our values that make it so special.”