Cass County Connect

Cass County Judge

Travis Ransom

Cass County Employee Appreciation Christmas Party

Last Friday, Cass County hosted its annual Employee Appreciation Christmas Party to celebrate the dedicated men and women who serve our community throughout the year. The event was held at the beautiful Sweet Briar Farm in Linden, where employees and guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch provided by Stryk’s BBQ of Linden.

During the celebration, employees were recognized for their years of service to Cass County. We also took time to honor the outstanding volunteers of the Cass County Historic Commission, whose diligent work has earned them the Texas Historical Commission’s Distinguished Service Award for an impressive four consecutive years.

Attendees were entered into drawings for door prizes, adding to the festive spirit of the day and making the event enjoyable for all.

This event was made possible entirely through the generosity of local sponsors—no public funds were used. We extend our sincere thanks to Linebarger; Chris Spencer at Crump’s; NCIC; Lone Star Commissary; KOFILE; Bryan IT; KBB Consulting; Vanco; i3 Verticals; State Bank; Tyler Technologies; and Kyle Morgan at Trico Lumber for their continued support of Cass County and its employees.

Photos from the celebration below capture just a few of the moments that made this year’s Employee Appreciation Christmas Party so special.

CASS COUNTY PIONEER PROFILE

This week’s Cass County Pioneer is Jimmy Hunt. Jimmy Lee “Earthquake” Hunt was an Atlanta, Texas native who went on to become a formidable defensive tackle in professional football. Born on October 5, 1938, Hunt graduated from Booker T. Washington and then played college football for Prairie View A&M University, where he was an honors student in both his Junior and Senior years. While at Prairie View, Hunt’s agility and strength caught the eyes of pro-football recruiters, and he soon signed for the Chicago Cardinals. Unfortunately, Hunt sustained an injured foot while playing, which landed him on the injured-reserve list. While this certainly seemed to be a run of bad luck, being on injured-reserve status opened Hunt up contractually to being stolen by other teams. So, the Boston Patriots negotiated with him and convinced Hunt to play for them. New with the team and in a new locker room, the Patriots coach came to Hunt and asked when he would be able to play. Hunt’s response was “when the Star-Spangled Banner ends,” and he did.

The Boston Patriots became the New England Patriots, and Hunt had a successful career with them until he retired in 1971. Shortly after retiring, the Patriots inducted Hunt to the Hall of Fame. Then, Hunt moved on to coaching for Boston University. Hunt died on November 22, 1975, and is buried in Atlanta, Texas. Atlanta High School inducted Hunt in their Hall of Fame in 2018.

Cass County Property Fraud Alert Program Cass County Property Fraud Alert Program notifies landowners of actions filed that impact their property title at the County Clerk’s Office. Click the button to sign up. It’s free!

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Watch UR BAC Program Reminds Drivers to Plan Ahead This Holiday Season.

The winter holiday season brings increased traffic and celebrations across Texas, making it especially important for drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Watch UR BAC program, and local partners are reminding Texans that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious problem on Texas roadways. In 2023, nearly 1,700 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in Texas, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all traffic fatalities statewide. Texas continues to rank among the states with the highest number of alcohol-impaired driving deaths.

“The holidays should be a time of joy, not loss,” said Lindsay Hergert, Cass County Texas A&M AgriLife Family & Community Health Extension Agent. “Even one drink can affect judgment and reaction time. Through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Watch UR BAC program, we’re partnering with NHTSA to remind drivers that if you feel buzzed, you are not safe to drive.”

From the combined Decembers of 2019–2023, 4,931 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, with 1,038 fatalities occurring in December 2023 alone. Late-night and early-morning hours are especially dangerous, with nearly half of drivers involved in fatal crashes between midnight and 2:59 a.m. being alcohol-impaired. Drivers ages 21–34 account for the highest percentage of impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.

Drivers are urged to plan ahead if alcohol will be part of their holiday celebrations. Arrange a sober ride before the festivities begin by designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service or taxi, or staying overnight. Friends and family should step in if someone has been drinking and is considering driving. If a suspected impaired driver is observed, contact local law enforcement.

“If you feel buzzed, you are not safe to drive,” said Ravonne McCray, Program Manager with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Watch UR BAC program. “Planning ahead for a sober ride is one of the simplest ways to prevent a tragedy this holiday season.”

This holiday season, Texans can help save lives by remembering one simple message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

For more information on impaired driving prevention, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

Jobs in and around Cass County Dispatcher - receives calls from the public for assistance; communicates to direct appropriate services from first responders; relays instructions or questions to/from remote units. Records and logs calls received, checks and maintains current information on computer.

Blade Operator - Effectively operate various sizes and models of self propelled motor graders to spread and level dirt, gravel, stone, and other road materials to rough and fine grade specifications in construction and maintenance of county roads. Deed Clerk - Appraisal District - responsible for downloading deed and probate records weekly from the County Clerk’s site and updating database on CAD server with backup; Data collection, data entry and correspond with taxpayers regarding questions they may have regarding their property. This individual performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Appraiser.

Exemption/ARB Clerk - Appraisal District - responsible for applying exemptions and special use appraisals, processing appraisal review board (ARB); daily administrative duties, data entry, filing, answering telephone, assisting property owners. Data collection, data entry and correspond with taxpayers regarding questions they may have regarding exemptions. This individual performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Appraiser.

Licensed Vocational Nurse - Community Health-Core-Atlanta: he LVN serves as a clinical member of 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 - Community HealthCore-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.

Atlanta Fire Department - Firefighter/EMT positions: Paramedic Preferred. If applicant is EMT, applicant must obtain paramedic certification within two years from date of hire. If applicant is paramedic only, applicant will be sent to the fire academy.