The Smith County Commissioners Court issued a burn ban, Oct. 8, prohibiting outdoor burning for 90 days unless conditions improve. (Contributed Photo)

The Smith County Commissioners Court issued a burn ban Tuesday, prohibiting all outdoor burning for 90 days unless conditions improve.

“Everything is getting really dry,” County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue said.

Hogue reported about 50 grass fires from Sept. 23 through Oct. 6. On Monday, a controlled burn that was left unattended damaged two buildings and burned more than 2 acres, he said. As of Tuesday, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County was at 709.

The KBDI ranges from 0 to 800 and is used to determine forest fire potential. Hogue said the humidity is expected to drop this week. That, in addition to no rain being in sight, the fire danger is increased.

Fireworks, fire pits or any form of outdoor burning is prohibited.

There are exceptions to the burn ban. People are still allowed to cook food in a grill or smoker that contains all open flames and have enclosed lids. Professional welding operations are allowed but all welders must notify and register with the Fire Marshal’s Office before welding outside and follow specific guidelines.

The order also does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, such as firefighter training; public utility, Texas Department of Transportation operations, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; planting or harvesting agricultural crops; or some prescribed burns.

A violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. Smith County, as well as area fire departments, will work on placing signs around the county to alert residents about the burn ban.

For more information, call the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office at 903-590-2655 or visit www.smith-county.com and click on the red banner at the top of the homepage.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Smith County received the 2024 County Best Practices Award from the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) for its innovative Detention Officer Program, the first of its kind in Texas.

Developed by Sheriff’s Office Chief Jimmy Jackson and Gary Pinkerton in collaboration with the Tyler ISD, the program addresses recruitment challenges at the Smith County Jail by preparing high school students for careers in criminal justice. Graduates can take the state jailer certification exam upon completion.

Started a year ago, the initiative has resulted in four graduates working as full-time detention officers while attending college. The Sheriff’s Office also established an in-house jail academy to certify jailers more quickly and affordably.

These efforts have reduced detention officer vacancies from more than 20 in recent years to zero in 2024.

“Smith County’s Detention Officer Program is a top example of how counties can creatively solve challenges,” said TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford.

Smith County is one of nine Texas counties to receive the award, which recognizes achievements in county government. The program’s success has drawn interest from other counties looking to implement similar initiatives.

Justice Taylor, 19, graduated from Tyler High School in 2023 and has worked as a Smith County Detention Officer for over a year while attending online classes at Tyler Junior College. She began studying criminal justice at the Tyler ISD Career and Technology Center as a sophomore and was the first to apply for the pilot program.

Taylor, who aspires to become a homicide detective, expressed gratitude for the early start in her law enforcement career.

“I want to help other young people believe that it is possible to reach their goals of going to school and working full-time,” she said.

The flexibility of the sheriff’s office with officers’ schedules has allowed them to continue their education while working. The program has led to a significant increase in applications from young adults, eliminating vacancies at the jail, which once had as many as 40 openings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taylor has been visiting local schools, including her alma mater, to encourage students to pursue similar paths. Her presence has positively impacted recruitment efforts.

“Having somebody young to get out there and talk to people her age has made a big change,” in recruiting, Pinkerton said. “It also shows the positive of what hard work and dedication can do.”

The court also issued several proclamations, recognizing important events and individuals:

The week of Oct. 7 was proclaimed as “Texas Extension Education Association Week.”

The week of Oct. 6-12 was proclaimed as “National 4-H Week.”

Oct. 14 was proclaimed as “The Spirit of David Awards Day.”

Oct. 10 was proclaimed as “Jessie Caldwell Jr. Day.”

In other business:

The court approved the 2024 U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for the Sheriff’s Office. The funds from the grant will be used to purchase ammunition needed for required firearms training.

The total 2024 JAG grant is $57,603, and the county and the City of Tyler agree to split the amount equally. Each entity will pay $28,801.50 toward the grant.

The court also approved a resolution that allows the New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation to finance Superior Living Foundation, Inc., by issuing bonds. These bonds, up to $370,656,000, will help pay for 15 skilled nursing facilities in several Texas counties, including one in Whitehouse.

The approval is required by IRS regulations, but it does not create any financial or legal responsibility for the county. The county is only giving permission for the financing to proceed.

The court accept the Brookshires Grocery Company Giving Back donation in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of AEDs or other life and safety devices or training aids

The court also approved contracts for legal services for indigent criminal defendants across several district courts.

The attorneys approved for the 7th District Court include Christian K. Johnson, James P. Wheeler and James E. Williams.

In the 114th District Court, the approved attorneys are Christopher Grier, Cheryl Wulf and Kurt Noell.

For the 241st District Court, Donald Davidson and Clifton Roberson were approved.

Zachary Davis was contracted for both the 241st and 475th District Courts.

John Jarvis and Ryan Sorrells will provide legal services for the 475th District Court.

For appeals, Sten Langsjoen and Amy Blalock were also approved.