A month into their new positions, the District Clerk’s office at the Hockley County Courthouse has found it to be smooth sailing while handling their new responsibilities.
As of January 3, Oralie Gutierrez was elevated as District Clerk and was sworn into her position to begin 2023.
Working her way up through multiple positions, Gutierrez began working for the county as a deputy in the county clerk’s office in 1992.
Originally brought on to the staff by then District Clerk Wynelle Donnell, she quickly learned about the responsibilities and duties the office is required to fulfill.
By 1996, she was promoted to Chief Deputy and spent her time in that position until the beginning of the year.
During her time as Chief Deputy, Gutierrez was responsible for helping the deputy position with their responsibilities, handling certain reports along with the civil side of reports and filling in for the clerk if they were absent for the day or away.
Being in her position for a long period of time allowed for Gutierrez to see how the clerk’s position is supposed to be handled and what the responsibilities are.
Moving forward as the clerk, Gutierrez added that she has begun to handle the criminal portion of reports which has become the new important task for her.
“Everything has been a little new to me, but everything has worked out and been good,” said Gutierrez.
Former District Clerk Dennis Price, retired at the end of the year after working for the county since 1982 and was made district clerk in 1996.
At the time he decided he would retire, Gutierrez said Price to the opportunity to train her properly and show her how to do the job to the best of her ability.
“Once he knew we was going to retire, he took the time to train me and show me how everything was done,” said Gutierrez. “I am so grateful that and working under him was great.”
Moving forward, Maggie Rodriguez has moved into the chief deputy role. Working with Hockley County for the better part of 23 years in the district clerk’s office, Rodriguez and Gutierrez have worked together and established a working relationship that most offices dream of.
“Having Maggie with me, I know she can handle everything that comes at her and it brings a great sense of relief,” said Gutierrez. “She essentially took over the civil side of things now that I am shifting focus on the criminal side of things.”
In addition to working on reports, the office handles the passport process, divorces, taxes, cases and jury responsibilities.
For Gutierrez and Rodriguez, their favorite part of their jobs is being able to see and interact with the people that come through their office.
With COVID-19 putting a halt on cases and the jury process, the foot traffic has been a little lighter.
In addition to that, their system for files and reports has taken a more electronic approach.
“It’s still nice to see the faces that walk into the office that need help,” said Gutierrez. “Our door is always open and we’re all eager to help anyone. Even if it’s on the phone or if we don’t have the answer, we will point anyone in the right direction.”
Rounding out their team is deputy county clerk Bethaney Castaneda, who joined the team at the beginning of the year.
Castaneda has been under the tutelage of Rodriguez as she has been showing her the many processes that have to be learned to complete all the necessary tasks.
“There is a lot to learn, but I know Maggie will teach me everything I need to know,” said Castaneda. “Being able to work under Oralie and Maggie makes me feel better knowing I’m in good hands.”