Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick announced during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court Oct. 26 that the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has issued a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ to the VZC Jail.

VZC Pct. 3 Commissioner Keith Pearson was not in attendance as he was attending an out-of-town meeting.

During the 20-minute meeting of the commissioners’ court, Kirkpatrick shared that the VZC Jail has passed a recent inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards The results of the inspection were shared in a letter from the state to VZC Sheriff Joe Carter by Kirkpatrick, who displayed the ‘Certificate of Compliance’ to those in attendance at the Oct. 26 commissioners’ court meeting.

In the letter addressed to Carter, Texas Commission on Jail Standards Executive Director Brandon S. Wood, the letter stated: “The Texas Commission on Jail Standards wishes to acknowledge the excellent work of the VZC Sheriff’s Office with a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ for the VZC Jail,” said Wood in the letter to Carter. “The most recent inspection of your facility on Sept. 29 by Texas Commission on Jail Standards Inspector Michael Gravitt has demonstrated that your facility is in compliance with Texas Minimum Jail Standards.

“The ‘Certificate of Compliance’demonstrates your outstanding leadership and the diligent work of your staff in complying with minimum jail standards,” continued Wood. “In addition, this achievement is a direct result of your office’s commitment to excellence and is an example of dedication and professionalism in maintain a :

safe, secure, and sanitary facility.

“Providing the essential budgetary support for jail operations is also imperative to achieving compliance, so let me also congratulate the VZC Commissioners Court for their vital support of jail operations.

“The citizens of VZC should be proud of your combined efforts, as is the Texas Commission on Jail Standards,” concluded Wood.

In other business during the Oct. 26 regular meeting, the commissioners’ court heard an update on Early Voting from VZC Clerk Susan Strickland.

“Early Voting is very busy, that’s for sure,” said Strickland to the commissioners’ court. “All of the Early Voting is being done at the Sarah Norman/ VZC Library. Some people love it there, but we have had some complaints, mainly about parking. Cars are parking along FM 859.”

Strickland reported that there were 906 voters on the first day of Early Voting Oct. 24 and 1,020 voters the day after.

“The numbers after two days of Early Voting are stronger than the first two days of Early Voting in 2020, which was a Presidential year,” pointed out Strickland. “In 2020, we had 880 voters the first day and 888 voters the second day. When I left the library this morning (Oct. 26), it was packed.”

According to Strickland, Early Voting ends Friday, Nov. 4, at the library and Election Day voting on Tuesday, Nov. 8 will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at various locations throughout VZC.

Following a recommendation from VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr., the commissioners’ court, in a 3-0 vote, approved a resolution known as ‘Operation Green Light for Veterans.’

“The National Association of Counties, of which we are a member of, has recommended that all counties in the United States support our veterans during the upcoming Veterans Day event which will take place on Friday, Nov. 11,” said Melton to the commissioners’ court. “We are getting involved in this.”

Melton announced that there will be two green lanterns placed in front of the north side (Hwy. 64) of the VZC Courthouse in honor of the veterans.

“We are working on placing green lights alongside the floodlights that are currently shining on the courthouse at night,” said Melton. “They will shine on the courthouse in recognition of not only our veterans in VZC but for all veterans in the United States who have served in our Armed Forces.” The resolution reads as follows: ‘Whereas, the residents of VZC have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and ‘Whereas, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in theArmed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and ‘Whereas, VZC seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and ‘Whereas, Veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and ‘Whereas, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and ‘Whereas, an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and ‘Whereas, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and ‘Whereas, Active Military Service Members transitioning from miliary service are at a high risk for suicide during their first yar after military service; and ‘Whereas, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and ‘Whereas, VZC appreciates the sacrifices of our United States Military Personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted; therefore be it ‘Resolved, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans, VZC hereby declares from October through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service; therefore, be it further ‘Resolved, that in observance of Operation Green Light, VZC encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in the window of their place of business or residence.’

A plat for Lakeridge Estates Addition located on State Highway 198 in VZC Pct. 2 was approved by the commissioners’ court following a recommendation by Melton.

A contract with Ricoh USA to replace seven copiers was approved by the commissioners’ court following a recommendation by VZC IT Director Scott Slaton.

The commissioners’ court approved a series of fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023 budget amendments.

The September 2022 Financial & Investment Report of the VZC Treasurer’s office was approved and entered into the minutes of the commissioners’ court.

Monthly reports submitted by various offices and departments of VZC government were approved and entered into the minutes of the commissioners’ court as a matter of record.

No action was taken regarding the minutes of the Oct. 12 regular meeting of the commissioners’ court. VZC bills, as submitted, were approved by the commissioners’ court.

The next regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the VZC Courthouse.