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Montague County passes handgun carry policy for all its buildings

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Just eight hours shy of the new year, Montague County Commissioners approved an open-carry policy for its buildings outlining by order all the offices where persons are allowed to exercise their open carry rights.

The commissioners met on New Year’s Eve to vote on the proposed policy developed by a committee earlier in the week.

County Judge Rick Lewis said the committee used a policy from another county and tweak to suit local resources.

While the new open carry law that began Jan. 1 outlines where a licensed person may carry a holstered weapon, it does have restrictions for schools, courts, airports, racetracks or polling places on voting days.

County and city governments are examining what constitutes a “government court.” The open carry statute states one of the places firearms can be prohibited is “on the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court.”

Commissioners are considering five courts including themselves, two justice of the peace courts, county court and 97th district court. Recent attorney general opinions have indicated the restrictions can only be in courtrooms and offices specifically related to court operations.

The policy describes in length the “affected buildings.” Lewis said they felt it was important to make the facilities “as safe as we can and meet the law.”

Each of the presiding judges outlined their use areas and prohibitions for open carry. Virtually every county offices is included. Read the full story and list of offices in the mid-week News.

 

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Montague County juggles spending Senate Bill 22 funds

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By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
April was proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montague County by the commissioner’s court on Monday.
A large group of representatives from the Montague County Child Welfare Board, 2Engage Family Service, Child Protective Services and Court Appointed Special advocates filled the courtroom to present the annual proclamation, which was read by Lorra Lierly.
This month of awareness informs the public about the fight against child abuse in all its forms and at all ages of children, plus its impact on families. Those who wish to report possible concerns can call a hotline at 800-252-5400.
It was a relatively brief agenda of business for the court Monday.
They made some changes to how the Senate Bill 22 grant funds will be spent in the county attorney’s office.
SB22 created a grant program that provides financial assistance based on population to sheriff, district and county attorney offices to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people’s interests throughout the state. The court approved how it will be spent through the county attorney’s office hiring an investigator to serve that office plus others.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

Lorra Lierly presented the proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. She was joined by local county child welfare board members, Child Protective Service staff, CASA and 2Engage Families. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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Saint Jo ISD purchases 25 acres for long-term planning

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By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
In an effort to bolster long-term planning, the Saint Jo Independent School District Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase of 25 acres on the west side of the city.
School officials made the announcement in a press release just as the district went on spring break, calling it “a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to providing high-quality education and meeting the needs of its growing student population.”
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of this valuable land, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Saint Jo ISD,” stated Leeton Phillips, president of the Saint Jo ISD School Board.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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City of Saint Jo to try four-day work week for public works, sewer departments

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The Saint Jo City Council approved a 60-day trial of a four-day work week for the public works and sewer departments, but the city office staff will keep their present hours.
According to the March 13 minutes Public Works Director Marty Hilton made the request to change the work week. The council went into executive session to discuss personnel, and back in open session voted 5-0 to try a 60-day trial for the four-day work week for public works.
Two employees will work Monday-Thursday and the other two will

work Tuesday-Friday. It is up to the employees to determine the work schedule that will go from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting March 29.

Read the rest of the story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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