Did you see the Texas Association of Counties’ (TAC) legislative newsletter today? It announced that registration is open for TAC’s cybersecurity training course that is certified by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).
This course satisfies the annual cybersecurity training requirement for county employees and is free to all Texas counties.
Click here for more information.
Gwen Hughes, Clerk 2
Dawson County
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I was born and raised in Lamesa. I have lived in Austin, San Antonio, Tyler, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Crescent City, California. California was nice for a West Texas girl because I could hear the ocean and the sea lions from my yard, I was ten minutes from the redwoods, and it rained almost 24/7. It was like living in a rain cloud. I have worked in real estate, insurance regulation, the medical field, and solar farm construction. I am single, have one son and two shih tzus. I like to garden, read, and spend time with friends. I came back home to Lamesa to care for my mom.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CLERK?
I was searching for a job that would make a difference in people’s lives. The clerk position in the Justice of the Peace office became available, and I applied. It has been interesting and rewarding.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INNOVATIVE, INTERESTING, OR FUN YOUR OFFICE DOES?
My office loves to celebrate holidays and birthdays. Our clerks decorate for those celebrations which creates an enjoyable, cheerful atmosphere. The public appreciates our cheerful office. The judge sets the tone for the office as a helpful, happy place to work.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
My co-workers are the best part of my job. We are blessed to have a great staff. Each one has a unique personality. They come to work with a good attitude, smiling faces, and ready to solve the challenges of the day.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CLERK?
Patience is a very good quality to have as a clerk. We are the only Justice of the Peace office in Dawson County. We are a high-volume office with many phone calls and walk-ins asking questions and taking care of their business. We do our best to help each one in the most pleasant, accurate way possible.
Alcohol addiction and impaired driving often go hand in hand. Click the link below to read an article about the prevalence and dangers of alcohol misuse:
Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Lee R. Callan. I am a native of Menard County, Texas. I grew up on my family’s ranch which is located on a railroad depot at Callan, Texas. I am 5th generation rancher and own a material construction business. After high school, I graduated from Angelo State University where I assisted the collegiate track team. I enjoyed serving on the board of directors for West Texas Boys Ranch. I am a Master Peace Officer and certified TCLOE Instructor. Currently, I am attending the Texas Association of Counties Leadership 254 Class. I am Texan to the core but I cheer for LSU and went to the National Championship game. GO TIGERS!
What made you decide to become a constable?
My interest and service in law enforcement comes from a family tradition. My great, great grandfather was a Texas Ranger and founding judge of Menard County. My grandfather was a practicing attorney. About 20 years ago, I was encouraged by a Justice of the Peace to run for Constable. I went to the law enforcement academy “later in life” in order to become a certified peace officer. I want to give back to my community which has given so much to me.
What is something innovative, interesting, or fun your office does?
I am a pilot and I use my R44 helicopter to assist law enforcement in this and surrounding counties when I can for search and rescue missions. I was able to locate a four year old girl that had been missing for about five hours in a rural area. She was about a mile and a half from her house in the middle of pasture and it was near dark. I used to scuba dive and was part of group of volunteers that was asked to locate a deceased person in a large lake.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the people I serve, not only in Menard County but the great State of Texas. Menard is a small town and I enjoy knowing just about everyone. On Halloween, I drive around to hand out candy to the children on the same streets I trick or treated on 60 years ago. I serve as a bailiff in all the courts in Menard County including our five county District Court. I frequently serve as security at events like football, basketball and other meetings as the community requests. I have a positive relationship with our Sheriff’s Office and assist when needed. In my small town, escorting a funeral or parade is an honor and I am blessed to be involved.
January 2020
Question: Just needed a bit of clarification please. The new time pay fee ($15): is this only on tickets that are written after Jan 1st (and set up on payment plan, etc.) or any ticket that is set up after Jan 1st for payment plan, etc. Thank you.
Answer: Yes. The Time Payment Reimbursement Fee that became effective January 1, 2020, will apply to all fees assessed after that date, regardless of the date of offense or the date of the conviction. Please see page 19 of the Fines, Fees, & Costs Deskbook for a detailed description of when the Time Payment Reimbursement Fee applies, as there are some differences from the previous version of the Time Payment Fee assessed prior to 1/1/2020. The Deskbooks can be found at: https://www.tjctc.org/tjctc-resources/Deskbooks.html
December 2019
Question: Parent Contributing to Non-Attendance/Truant Conduct question – The school has a policy that if a student is late 15 minutes or more late to school/class it’s considered a LOSIT (Loss of Significant Instructional Time). Would this be considered a part of a day? I know if a student is late to school or class it’s a tardy. Based off the law can the school district use this LOSIT as part of the tenth absence within the six month period? Again this is the District’s policy.
Answer: School district policy doesn’t impact Texas law. This question was recently answered, and can be found by searching the board for the word tardies.
In a 1993 opinion, the attorney general concluded that absences generally do not include tardiness to class, especially if the student is present on the campus but late to class. The particular circumstances of a child’s tardiness on a certain day may be sufficiently egregious to constitute an absence, but school districts should not routinely classify each instance of tardiness as an absence for purposes of truancy. (Op. Tex. Att’y Gen. No. DM-200 (1993)). This would also apply to parent contributing to nonattendance cases.
Also note that the court should not be involved in determining which truancy cases a prosecutor should file. If and when a case is filed, the court’s role is to make a determination on that case.
Click on the link below to read an interesting article and infographic on drunk driving:
[Infographic] Drunk Driving: The Leading Cause of Death on U.S. Roads
Dear Judges:
This is an update of our post on The Docket on November 27, 2019 concerning the decision by the 68th District Court in Dallas County holding that default money judgments for back rent in an eviction case, where the citation was served by posting and mailing to the premises, are unconstitutional as a violation of due process.
The district court entered a final judgment in the case on December 20, 2019, which may be viewed here: Simmons v Jones. An appeal filed by the Attorney General relating to jurisdictional issues is pending in the Fifth Court of Appeals.
The question you may have is whether you are legally required to follow the District Court’s decision and refuse to enter a default judgment for back rent in an eviction case where the citation was served by alternative service by posting and mailing. We believe the answer to this question is no. The 68th District Court’s decision is only binding with respect to the single plaintiff in that case and the court did not enter any injunctive relief directed to any justice court. We therefore believe you should continue to follow the existing law and procedure with respect to alternative service by posting and mailing as set forth in Rule 510.4(c) and Property Code § 24.0051(a).
If you have any questions or concerns about this case or how it affects application of eviction laws and procedures, you may discuss this matter with your county attorney.
We will continue to monitor these issues and keep you informed of any further developments.
Very truly yours,
TJCTC
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally from Canton, Ohio, and the rock singer Marilyn Manson was my neighbor (I believe the water is safe.) I have degrees in Culinary and Broadcasting. For 20 years, I have also been a pro wrestler, worked in Radio and TV, as well as been involved in historic preservation. I am married to Nicole and have two amazing boys Alex and Lincoln.
In 2008 I was elected to Rockwall City Council and was selected as Mayor Pro-Tem in 2011. I then ran in 2012 for Justice of the Peace and won. I have been involved in JPCA and TAC since being elected and believe I get the weirdest cases TJCTC has ever heard of (Right Thea?!!). I have also served on various committees throughout the state.
Personally, I may be the most energetic and creative person you will ever meet. Truly passionate and I love people and making a difference in people’s lives. Every day should be an adventure!
What made you decide to become a Justice of the Peace?
I ran for a newly created Justice of the Peace position. Every aspect of this job energizes me. The Justice of the Peace position in Rockwall County is very diverse. Every day is different. This job allows me to be able to utilize different facets of my talents and challenges me every day! I enjoy coming up with out of the box solutions.
What is something innovative, interesting or fun your office does? During Christmas we honor the twelve days of Christmas and sometimes the Elf on the Shelf attacks the office.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being able to make a difference in people’s lives. Every moment and interaction can have a positive impact on someone. I have found that I can make a big difference by taking a little extra time on the bench. It’s great to have a job you can love every day.
What makes a good judge? A positive attitude, humility, and willingness to be a good listener.
Click on the link below to read an interesting article about a federal bill that has been introduced regarding alcohol-detection systems for new cars:
A Push To Have Cars Say ‘No’ To Drunk Drivers
