County recognizes ‘Elder Abuse Awareness Month’

WOODVILLE – During the regular meeting of the Tyler County Commissioners Court on Monday morning, the county recognized June as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month.”

Tracy Bellin with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, along with Tyler County Adult Protective Services (APS) advisory board members Rachel Hadnot and Elaine Jefferson were present on Monday.

Jefferson spoke of what the countywide board for APS does, and how it is seeking volunteers to help serve in raising funds, which go to help people in need, along with caseworkers with APS, who are looking after elderly residents who are victims of abuse and/or neglect.

Jefferson spoke also about what APS does. “They investigate reports of abuse or neglect and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities, and conduct investigations and provide services to those adults,” Jefferson said.

The month of June is designated worldwide as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization began this month of awareness on June 15, 2006, at the United Nations in an effort to raise awareness.

According to the most recent statistics, each year an estimated 5 million (or 1 in 10) older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, which takes form in various guises, from financial fraud at the hands of a caretaker to manipulation on the phone or online from scammers.

Judge Milton Powers read the proclamation to codify June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Tyler County and spoke about the seriousness of the problem.

Reimbursement approved

Mary Nell Rainey, representing the Tyler County Courthouse Restoration Preservation Project, Inc., spoke to the officials on Monday, about the importance of historical preservation. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” she said.

The incorporation was formed in 2014, and raised funds through various efforts, including through the sale of various books and collectible Case knives, which are available at Heritage Village.

Rainey said she has also been actively involved in the county’s historical commission, which has the job of “looking around Tyler County and seeing what needs to be preserved.”
Kay Timme, on behalf of the Tyler County Historical Commission, spoke about the replacement of front doors on the first and second levels of the courthouse, which the Restoration Preservation Project was offering funds to reimburse, up to $65,000.

Sarah Clymer also spoke on behalf of the group, and said it is important that the group gives the gift back to the county for the finishing touches on the courthouse.

Other Business

During Monday’s meeting, the Tyler County Commissioners Court also approved the following items on its agenda:

• The approval of a truck driving academy reimbursement agreement was made for county workers. Tyler County will pay for training for employees, provided they agree to stay working for the county for four years.
• The county voted to approve an information technology (IT) and cyber security board. Donald Calhoon IV spoke about this item, and said that although no names were vetted yet, it should have three or four people who have IT knowledge and financial knowledge. Pct. 1 Commissioner Joe Blacksher said the board would be necessary for the county, going forward, due to compliance with cyber security laws now in effect.
• The county approved the rental of an aviation gas (AVGAS) truck for the Oct. 25 Fall Fly-in and Food Truck Festival event at the Tyler County Airport, which is being hosted by the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce. Blacksher said the $1,200 rental fee will be paid out of an economic development fund, and the county will contract with Jimmy Andrews Trucking for the transport.
• A monthly donation from Riley Funeral Home for the senior activities at the Tyler County Nutrition Center was approved. Blacksher said the donation was greatly appreciated, and added that in spite of looming federal cuts to programs such as Meals on Wheels, the county will continue to take care of its senior citizens through the nutrition center program.
• A compensation for the county’s summer youth work program for $45,000 was approved, and transferred to the county’s Child Safety Fund. Terry Allen, who has led the program for 16 years, said there are 20 participants this year, and those students in the program attended Commissioners’ Court on Monday to see how county government functions.