County judge issues rules for large gatherings

Following Texas Governor Abbot’s latest order GA-28, Tuesday Wichita County Judge Woody Gossum issued an order that will allow him to make exceptions for gatherings of over 100 people in unincorporated areas (outside the city limits) of the county, on case by case bases.

Judge Gossum said this order will allow those who plan to have a gathering that will exceed 100 or more people to contact him with a plan as to how they will protect those attending and request an exceptions to hold they event.

His said the information will need to include their plans for social distancing, bathroom sanitization, ingress to and egress, etc.

“We want to work with people so they can hold their events, but keep people safe. People need to use common sense. This order is not just for the July 4, weekend. It will remain in effect until I issue another order, unless the commissioners do not ratify it during the next meeting,” said Gossum. “Without an exception law enforcement can issue citations.”

For those interesting in seeking an exception, they can contact Gossum at 940-766-8101 or 940-631-9301.

A portion of Gossum’s order says, “As a result of the history of hundreds of people gathering in the unincorporated areas of Wichita County for Fourth of July celebrations, all public outdoor gatherings in the unincorporated areas in Wichita County are prohibited for the duration of this Order. For purposes of this Order, a gathering shall be defined as any planned or spontaneous public outdoor gathering with a small number participating or a large number of people in attendance in the unincorporated areas in Wichita County for the duration of this Order.

SECTION 3. Enforcement Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 418. l 73(b ), it is an offense for an individual to violate a condition or restriction of any Order issued by the Wichita County Judge during the public health crisis/disaster. Said offense shall be a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Any peace officer, including, but not limited to, officers of the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office, is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this Order in accordance with the authority granted under Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code.

SECTION 4. Application This Order of the County Judge applies to all unincorporated areas of Wichita County.

Gossum encourages those holding events to post a copy of his order and have copies available for anyone who request a copy.

SECTION 5. The County will post this Order. In addition, the owner, manager, or operator of any facility that is likely to be impacted by this Order is strongly encouraged to post a copy of this Order onsite and to provide a copy to any member of the public asking for a copy.”