Northeast Newsletter

Volume 15 Issue 7 "Working together for a better tomorrow" December 13, 2022

Can you believe that we are less than two weeks away from Christmas? This is a time for us to share the joy with family and friends. At the same time, we must remember that many folks in Tarrant County are struggling this year to afford the necessities and services we may take for granted. As you consider year-end giving, please remember that our area agencies and organizations are working so hard to help those in need.

At this time of year, we also think of the people we are most thankful for, and I ask you to help me congratulate my friend and predecessor, Glen Whitley, who has served 26 years in Tarrant County government—the past 16 years as Tarrant County Judge. Glen has benefited our community not only locally but also on the national stage as Chairman of the National Association of Counties. He has served with passion and honor as he followed in the footsteps of his mentor, Tom Vandergriff.

The flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) impact young children and seniors. As we spend the next several weeks with friends and family, please remember there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu and other viruses. Please wash your hands regularly, stay at home if sick, and consider a flu vaccination, especially if you are vulnerable to getting sick. You can view more information from Tarrant County Public Health.

I am excited that we are in the process of putting the finishing touches on our 13th Annual Tarrant Transportation Summit, which will take place on Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Hurst Conference Center. This year’s theme is Automate, Accelerate, Elevate & Innovate: The Center of Global Mobility and will include presentations on automation within the U.S. Supply Chain; mobility projects throughout North Texas; how North Texas Aviation, Aerospace, and UAS industries have transformed the way the world thinks about air travel; and much more. Sponsorships are still available, and individual registration will be open soon. Please visit www.TarrantTransportationSummit.com for more information.

Please join us this Friday, December 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for our special Christmas Coffee with the Commissioner in the Community Room at the Northeast Courthouse in Hurst. Visit and network with others in our community while enjoying some Christmas spirit.

Also, Tarrant County offices will be closed Friday, December 23, and Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices will also be closed on Monday, January 2, in observance of New Year’s Day. I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Tarrant County Update

November 2022 was a month for many recognitions and thankful events for Tarrant County government. Here is a review of recent Commissioners Court Meetings:

On November 1 Commissioners Court approved an order regarding redistricting based on the 2020 federal Census. The County’s current commissioner precincts are sufficiently population-balanced, and there is no need to redistrict the current precinct district lines. Commissioners Court found that taking no action to redistrict Tarrant County’s commissioner precincts at this time is in the best interest of the citizens of the County and is believed to comply with all state and federal requirements.

The Historical Courthouse was lit in green from November 6 through November 12 to honor all our veterans and our current military.

A Proclamation was presented for National Veterans Awareness week, which also honored Juan Rios, who served in the U.S. Army and worked for Tarrant County Veteran Services, where he assisted Veterans and their surviving spouses.

Proclamation issued to celebrate the RISE program for its 10th anniversary. RISE is Reaching Independence Through Self-Empowerment, an intervention program designed to divert willing participants from the criminal justice system and restore them to a safe, healthy, and self-sufficient lifestyle.

Chris Cassidy, President, and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, former U.S. Navy Seal, and Astronaut, updated the Commissioners Court on the building’s progress and the mission of preserving history and inspiring future generations.

Throughout the rest of November and December, many other Proclamations and Resolutions were presented, such as Tarrant County Adoption Day; 100th Anniversary for United Way of Tarrant County; Honoring Dr. James Ireland Cash, Jr., the first African-American to sign an athletic letter of intent in the Southwest Conference at TCU basketball and Academic All-American honors before graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics; TCU celebrating 50 years of Title IX; Perioperative Nurses Week; Small Business Saturday; Theodis “T” Ware for 20 years of service to MHMR; Native American Heritage Month; World AIDS Day; Memorial for James Warren “Jim” Lane; Dental Health Arlington 30th Anniversary; and The Sanford House 25th Anniversary.

JPS Bond update – Groundbreaking projects for the bond began in late October. They started with the Medical Office Building (MOB) & Magnolia Parking Garage, and JPS Psychiatric Emergency Center. On December 7, JPS held a groundbreaking for the new Southwest Tarrant JPS Medical Home.

Public Health provided information to the court regarding COVID-19, Flu, and RSV in our community. Currently, we are at a medium level for COVID, and it is still a good time to get your vaccinations. Click here to find a location near you. RSV reports are showing a decline in Texas; however, the Flu is exceptionally high, and vaccinations are strongly recommended.

The 625 Grapevine Highway Hurst location has temporarily moved to 837 Brown Trail in Bedford while renovations are being completed on their building. Phone: For more information call 817.427.3110 or click here.