Cass County Connect

Cass County Judge

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS:

The Texas Constitution is one of the longest in the nation— and it continues to grow. Since its adoption in 1876, lawmakers have proposed more than 700 amendments. Of these, 530 have been approved by voters, 181 have been rejected, and three never made it to the ballot.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Texans will once again have the opportunity to decide the fate of 17 proposed constitutional amendments.

Unlike ordinary laws, amendments to the Texas Constitution begin as joint resolutions passed by two-thirds of both the House and Senate. These measures bypass the governor and go directly to the voters. An amendment only takes effect if it receives statewide majority approval at the polls.

Because constitutional amendment elections often see very low voter turnout, each ballot cast carries significant weight. Unfortunately, many voters arrive at the polls unfamiliar with the propositions. That’s why it’s so important to prepare ahead of time. Before you vote, take the time to:

• Research each proposition through reputable, nonpartisan sources.

• Read the official explanations published by the Texas Secretary of State.

• Discuss the issues with trusted friends, family, or colleagues.

The decisions voters make shape the direction of state policy for years to come.

This November, don’t leave your ballot blank on the constitutional amendments. Be informed, be prepared, and make your voice count.

CASS COUNTY PIONEER PROFILE

Nat Stuckey

This week’s Cass County Pioneer is Nathan Stuckey II. Nathan Wright “Nat” Stuckey II was a musician, songwriter, radio disc jockey, and booking agent who was born in Atlanta, Texas on December 17, 1933.

Stuckey learned to play guitar as a young boy. He graduated from Atlanta High School in 1952, then attended Arlington State College, where he earned an associate’s degree. He returned to Atlanta and became a radio disc jockey at KALT for two years.

He then joined the United States Army and began working for Armed Forces Radio and Television. Following his two years’ service in the Army, Stuckey once again returned to Atlanta and went back to KALT. He played guitar in various jazz bands and then he became the leader of a country band named The Cornhuskers while still working for KALT. Stuckey got his big break when he landed a job with KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana, and began playing regularly at the famous Louisiana Hayride.

Stuckey recorded numerous singles, under two different record labels, Sims Records and Shreveport-based Paula Records. The third single he recorded, “Sweet Thang,” reached the Billboard Top 5 in 1966.

A year later, country superstars Loretta Lynn and Ernest Tubb re-recorded the hit as well. Stuckey went on to write number one hits for stars Buck Owens and Jim Ed Brown.

In 1968, Stuckey moved to Nashville, Tennessee and signed with big name label RCA Records. There, he recorded more hits of his own and wrote hit songs for other stars. Finally, while in Nashville, Stuckey and his wife, Ann, built their own booking agency, named Music Row Talent.

Meanwhile, he also established a successful Texas real estate company. He continued to enjoy success both in recording and writing country music hits throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, until his death on August 24, 1988 at age 54. Stuckey left a lasting legacy in country music and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002. His final work prior to his death was co-writing the hit, “Diggin Up Bones,” for country superstar, Randy Travis.

Hunters Urged to Practice Wildfire Safety This Season

As hunters prepare for this year’s hunting season across Texas, stay alert and help prevent wildfires. “Even a small spark can ignite a wildfire under the right conditions,” said Jared Karns, Fire Chief with Texas A&M Forest Service. “Texans are encouraged to be mindful of fire hazards while hunting this season.”

Since 2020, more than 4,500 Texas wildfires have been started by vehicles and equipment. Hunters can reduce risks by following a few simple steps:

• Avoid parking or driving over tall, dry grass.

• Check local burn bans before lighting a fire.

• Never leave a campfire unattended; fully extinguish it before leaving.

• Secure trailer chains, inflate tires properly, and check for loose metal that could spark.

• Keep fire-fighting tools handy: water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher.

With human activity causing 90% of Texas wildfires, prevention starts with awareness. This season, let’s all do our part to protect Texas lands and communities.

Cass County Property Fraud Alert Program Property Fraud Alert Program notifies Cass County landowners whenever a lien or other transaction is filed in Cass County with their name. This helps prevent fraud. Notifications can be sent via text and email. Click the button to sign up. It’s free!

Job Opportunities in and around Cass County T-Line Driver - Ark-Tex Council of Governments - Pay is $15.45/hour. This position is responsible for providing transportation services to all individuals, including persons with disabilities, in a safe and timely manner. This position must operate and maintain the T-Line vehicles.

City Administrator (Linden) - Are you a municipal leader looking for your first opportunity as a City Administrator, or are you experienced and ready for the hometown feel of of rural east Texas? If so, apply to be Linden’s next City Administrator/ EDC Director.

Mental Health Case Manager - Adult Services; helps adults improve quality of life. Provides skills training, screenings, plans of care, and coordination. Requirements: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, sociology, or related fields. Minimum Hiring Salary Annualized: $41,600 (Bachelor level) / $43,805 (Master level) / $45,011 (Therapist Associate) Licensed Vocational Nurse - Atlanta; The LVN serves as a clinical member of Rapid Crisis Stabilization Unit treatment team. The LVN is responsible for using the nursing process to meet the needs of clients according to the professional standards of nursing care.

Registered Nurse - Atlanta; Under the general direction of the Director of Nursing (DON) and the RCSU RN Nurse Manager is responsible for utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of patients in the Rapid Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU) (involuntary extended observation unit and voluntary crisis residential unit) according to the professional standards of nursing care.

Administrative Technician - Atlanta; Performs clerical work requiring application of varied work methods and procedures in which complex written, verbal and computation skills are required. Provides clerical support and other services for all phases of program operations. Responsible for general secretarial and office management work.

Mental Health Specialist - Atlanta; The Mental Health Specialist is part of a team that provides direct care and services to adult clients on the Crisis Residential and Extended Observation Units. Minimum hiring salary $16.00 an hour DOE.

Reach out to my office — P.O. Box 825 Linden, TX 75563 Phone: 903-756-5181, Ext. 0 Fax: 903-756-5732