Staff report

The office of Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith intends to stay open and says people cited with Class C Misdemeanors will have to proceed with their cases. However, all civil and non-essential court hearings and trials will be postponed until at least May 8.

The action was taken in response to an emergency order by the Texas Supreme Court March 17 in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis sweeping the nation. Smith said evictions are deemed nonessential and “will not...