Commissioners approve 30-day extension citing pest threat to wildlife and livestock

The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court voted to extend a local disaster declaration for 30 days related to a pest threat described in the transcript as a "new, new world schoolworm." Judge Pedro Petitravigna Jr. said the threat "continues to threaten Jim Wells County's lifestyle" and that the declaration is being extended "in preparation, in case anything happens" so the county can request local, regional, state, or federal assistance if necessary.

"God bless that we haven't had any cases here in Jim Wells County," the judge said. He cited Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code as authority for the declaration. The motion was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally.