ESD faces federal overtime lawsuit
ROBERTSON COUNTY — A Robertson County paramedic has filed a federal lawsuit against the Robertson County Emergency Services District, claiming employees were not properly paid for overtime work. Nathan Remmers filed the lawsuit August 14 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The case was filed under the Fair Labor Standards Act and could eventually include other employees who say they were affected by the same pay practices. At the center of the lawsuit is the way Robertson County ESD calculates overtime for its full-time EMS employees. The district uses what is known as a fluctuating-workweek pay system, which allows employees to receive a fixed weekly salary even when their hours change from week to week. Employees who work more than 40 hours are then paid additional overtime. The system itself is allowed under federal law, but Remmers claims the district did not calculate the overtime correctly. The lawsuit also alleges some bonuses and stipends were not included when determining the employees’ regular rate of pay. Robertson County ESD openly lists its EMS employees as being paid under a fluctuating-workweek system. For the 2026 fiscal year, the district lists weekly pay of $900 to $1,150 for EMT-Basics, $1,000 to $1,250 for Advanced EMTs and $1,200 to $1,450 for paramedics. Those amounts do not include some specialty or differential pay. The lawsuit comes several months after the ESD approved a stipend policy for EMS employees. During a February 10 meeting, commissioners approved procedures for the stipend payments, which had already been included in the district’s budget. Remmers is seeking unpaid overtime and other damages allowed under federal law. He has also requested a jury trial. The case is still in its early stages, and no court has ruled that Robertson County ESD violated federal labor laws. The claims made by Remmers remain allegations.
Rockets set to return to Hearne skies
HEARNE — The skies over Hearne will be a little busier next month as rockets once again take flight from Hearne Municipal Airport. Tripoli Houston Rocket Club will hold its next launch Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the airport on Crennan Lane. The group regularly travels to Hearne for its high-power rocket launches, usually holding an event on the second Saturday of the month when weather conditions allow. Although the club carries the Houston name, Hearne has become one of its regular launching spots and gives rocket enthusiasts plenty of room to send their creations into the sky. The rockets can range from smaller models similar to those many people built growing up to much larger, more powerful rockets capable of climbing thousands of feet. The Hearne launch site operates under a Federal Aviation Administration waiver allowing rockets to fly as high as 12,500 feet during regular events. For anyone curious about the hobby, spectators are welcome to come out and watch. Visitors do not have to be members of the club, and there is no need to own or launch a rocket to attend. Those who do plan to launch must follow the club’s safety and membership requirements. Adult flyers must be insured through either the Tripoli Rocketry Association or National Association of Rocketry, while younger participants must have permission from a parent or guardian. Larger high-power rockets require additional certification. Because most of the day is spent outdoors, visitors are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and something for shade. Tripoli Houston has been around since 1985 and was one of the earliest Tripoli Rocketry Association groups in the country. It was also the first Tripoli prefecture established in Texas. The club’s goal is to give people interested in amateur rocketry a safe place to build, launch and learn more about the hobby. Following the September launch, additional Hearne events are scheduled for October 10, November 14 and December 12. As with any outdoor rocket launch, weather can change those plans, so visitors are encouraged to check with the club before heading to the airport. For more information, contact Tripoli Houston at tripolihouston@gmail.com or 281-846-5222.
