COUNTY TO BEGIN ENFORCING MASS GATHERING LAWS
Washington County is looking into large gatherings of people at events that take place in rural parts of the county. Wednesday, representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management, County Attorney, and District Attorney, as well as Commissioner Luther Hueske and County Judge John Brieden, met to discuss the complaints arising out of numerous events taking place in the unincorporated areas of the county, such as bicycle races, festivals, and trail rides. Due to complaints from property owners living near these events and evidence of criminal violations during some of these events, local officials are discussing implementation of local permitting for such events. In 2014, Washington County adopted the legislated Mass Gathering Act, which regulates large gatherings of over 2500 people or smaller groups if at least 51%of them are minors and alcohol is available through a permitting process. Applicants for the permit have to provide details of how they will accommodate and insure the security of those attending.
Last month, the first of these permits was granted by the county for an obstacle course race near Chappell Hill. That event had over 7000 people attending and according to Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke had very few problems.
At the meeting Wednesday officials discussed the need for more groups to be aware that the Mass Gathering Permit is required in Washington County and will be more strictly enforced in the future.
The Act allows for fines and administrative fees, and even jail time, for violations. The Mass Gathering Permit is administered locally by Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke, who will begin contacting representatives from known organizers of mass gatherings about the need to apply.
There are a number of requirements before the county can enforce the Permit against other smaller events such as trail rides and bicycle races with fewer people involved. Officials say the process is being pursued and addressed as quickly as possible.
To Enforce Laws; Third world? Seriously? Very recently we were told of a well known politician who referred to once third world countries in a more than derogatory manner. The countries all had one thing in common, people of color. As a parent, I did everything I knew to ensure my children learned about our entire world and most importantly, that we are all His children. To have done otherwise would have kept them in ignorance. We are all here to help each other regardless of where we live, the color of our skin, etc. We may be different in some ways, but we are the same. I have faith that our local authorities can find a fair and equitable manner in solving these problems without infringing on the rights of others and protecting the welfare of the public.
Where can one find more information about these “rides” so as to avoid those paths of travel? Where/how are they organized, on the internet? If so, where? I need to know where and when these dangerous, third world areas are in order to keep my family, and dollars, away from there.
In my younger years we had trail rides but we always had them on some old back road where we would be out of the way and by ourselves now people want to make a scene and then post it on social media
Give the trail ridding groups a chance to fix the problem, to enforce the rules. Sorry that this has happen to people in their own property but we would like to continue trail ridding if possible.
hopefully the groups will get the message and tone it down so we can still enjoy our freedom of riding in the county before the dictators take it away.
The problem going to our property has been bike riders. One incident involved complete takeover of a county road (used as a parking lot). That was a long time ago but the attitude shown by the group was unforgettable and very rude. Riders on Farm to Market roads often spread out over the width of the lane, sometimes both lanes. You top a hill and there they are.
The term “trailride” in this article needs to be clarified as it relates to the need for regulating. These trailrides are illegal parades that occur in the rural areas of the county. These events do include riders on horseback, but also include 50-100 vehicles, trucks pulling flatbed trailers with sound systems playing XXX rated music, and multiple off-road vehicles and 4-wheelers. During the event, the roads are not passable and residents cannot get to or leave their personal property; emergency vehicle passage is out of the question. These events may occur in the afternoon but also begin after dark and on occasions have been on the county roads at midnight. These parades often cross major highways putting many people in danger. Livestock has run through fences in an attempt to flee from the noise, flashing lights, and unusual road traffic. After the ride, the roads are full of litter, human excrement, rutted ditches, and often property damage as a result of parade participants turning around in private property entrances and hitting fences, entry ways, culverts, etc. Many participants in these events come from other counties to host these activities because they are regulated in their county. Fees are charged for entry so money is exchanging hands and this should be considered a For Profit business activity. Parades in the city are authorized and permitted; the same needs to apply to the outer areas of the county. These events, indeed, do need to be regulated.
I would enjoy seeing a true trailride with a lead vehicle, horses and riders, and a follow-up support vehicle. I do not call a few riders with 50-100 vehicles and XXX rated music a trailride.
Thank you.
rm, everything you have said is accurate and my neighbors and I have also personally witnessed all of it. Let us all hope that regulation and control of these “trail rides” will happen quickly and decisively. These “trail riders” have been disrespectful and threatening when asked to move on down the road, lower the volume on their XXX-rated music, pick up their trash, etc. The only thing that might change their ways is adequate law enforcement involvement. It is also very disturbing to see that they are teaching all the young children with them to disrespect others, to abuse and neglect care of their animals (many emaciated, lame horses with open sores, being ridden by up to three people on one horse, with pain-inflicting equipment such as long-shank wire bits and bullwhips), to trash others’ property, and to feed on the XXX-rated lyrics of the music they play.
I have seen numerous trail rides on 105 in the evening when it is very hard to see them. I don’t think this should be allowed for safety reasons or they should have an escort so they are more visible!
Missed procedures on a Saturday, which are early in the morning? IF it is on a Saturday. A ride doesn’t even start that early. Just be honest. I live in the area too.
This is a good law. I live in Independence area and a trail ride group in that area will at times just meet and ride on FM 50 for 3 miles north to edge of county and it ties up traffic for over 2 hours, even people trying to leave the county to go to hospitals in bryan and college station for doctor appointments on these days missed procedures on these dates. Please help.
They also have children during this trail ride flying up and down 50 on 4 wheelers between traffic. It is incredibly dangerously for them and people trying to drive down the road.
I stay on 50 and why does it matter to you that we enjoy our days by doing something we like which is riding horses??♂️
Deon, one or two riders in the road ditch is acceptable. But when it threatens others safety or their liberty of their property it’s illegal. And inconsiderate to your fellow man.
No one is saying you can’t ride horses just do it on your own property or don’t block the roadways,.
Animals should be kept in pastures not road ways .
All things done decent and in order will sustain, all foolishness and activities leading to destruction and confusion will wither away and die!!! Prime example!! #Cleanitup
Deon, What you describe is not what is being referred to. These parades happen at all hours of the night and include extremely loud music which wakes up every household along their route. The music can be heard when the parade is a mile away and it rattles windows as they approach. These parades also include drunkenness, property damage, litter, and obscene language shouted at residents that dare to step outside to see what on earth is going on. Unbelievable amounts of trash are thrown from the trailers that has to be cleaned up by residents the following day. Horses and 4 wheelers make turnarounds into private yards uprooting grass, plantings, and causing damage to property.