NEWS
Montague County passes handgun carry policy for all its buildings
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.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
An arrest warrant for murder was served on Richie Romine on Jan. 3 at the Montague County Jail, where he has been since his arrest for aggravated robbery on Oct. 8 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center bingo game.
Romine was jailed on five complaints of aggravated robbery of several guests at the bingo game, while the murder charge relates to the death of Carla Kay Hodges Carter.
The 64-year-old Carter collapsed that night at bingo after Romine reportedly came in demanding people’s cash. Police believed at the time she was experiencing a cardiac event.
District Attorney Katie Boggeman said Monday she had no comment on the case at this time.
The arrest affidavit was submitted to Justice of the Peace One Stefanie Horton by DA Investigator Wes Wallace. Bond was listed at $975,000 on the murder charge. Bonds of $50,000 each were on the five aggravated robbery charges filed by the Nocona Police Department. He remained in jail as of Jan. 6.
Almost a month after the robbery, DA Investigator Wes Wallace confirmed to The Bowie News they were working closely with the Nocona Police Department reviewing what he called “an abundance of information,” from the incident including statements from 23 people along with forensic evidence.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
The Saint Jo City Council has lost one of its long-time members, as Carla Hennessey resigned her council post on Dec. 11.
When the city council meets at 6 p.m. on Jan. 8, it is expected to accept the resignation and consider a person to fill out the term, possibly swearing in a new councilor. Hennessey has served on the council the past seven years.
A closed executive session is scheduled to discuss personnel matters – Deliberate the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer re: Police officer. Any action would be taken back in open session.
Other topics on Wednesday’s agenda include a request from the Saint Jo Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a fire engine, approve minutes, pay bills and receive reports from Mayor Kelly Williamson.
The following school districts have announced they will be closed on Jan. 9 due to concerns about the forecast for a winter storm. This list will be updated as information is released or provided to The Bowie News.
Bowie ISD
Gold-Burg ISD
Montague ISD
Nocona ISD
Prairie Valley ISD
Saint Jo ISD
NCTC campuses Thursday and Friday
Forestburg is already out for the county show Thursday and Friday
Bellevue School will close Thursday
Other closures
Clay County Courthouse and Annex are closed Thurdsday
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