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
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioner’s Court reluctantly returned money to the state connected to Senate Bill 22 in fiscal 2024.
During Monday’s regular session, County Auditor Charley Lanier explained the three transactions. SB 22 provided funding for prosecutor offices to assist with paying staff, and in the sheriff’s office for staff and equipment.
If all the money was not spent it had to be returned. Lanier explained the fund was approved in 2024, but it arrived after the fiscal year began and commissioners did not want to spend any of until the funds actually arrived in county coffers.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
The Saint Jo City Council had a brief meeting on June 17.
The 2026-27 budgets for appraisal and tax collections from the Montague County Tax Appraisal District were approved. The tax collection budget faces a 3.71% increase and 2.2% in the appraisal budget.
The city’s payment for tax collections will go from $1,305 for the year down slightly from $1,445 last year. The appraisal portion for Saint Jo will be $9,526, up from $9,361 in 2026.
A municipal election for Nov. 3 was called. Places open on the ballot will be mayor, and the places filled by Melissa McPherson and Jack Dunn, who was appointed to fill out a term.
The council approved a resolution to apply for grants for water infra structure improvements through the Texas Water Development Board. The city is working with engineers from Corlett, Probst and Boyd of Wichita Falls on a proposed project.
The 60th anniversary Jim Bowie Days Celebration opened on June 20th with a full day of activities focusing on sports and a barbecue cookoff.
Festivities continue throughout the week highlight by rodeo, youth rodeo, kid’s activities and Pioneer Court. The second annual Smokedown BBQ Cookout began on Friday night with the steak and beans contests. Three other categories for chicken ribs and brisket followed on Saturday. There were 27 teams, four more than last year.
Conducted by Outlaw BBQ, the grand champion was Vinny McNamara, with 36 points. Steve Cumbie was reserve grand champion with 26 points.
Read about all the weekend’s winners complete with many photos in your Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – The first annual pickleball tourney drew 17 teams. Teams greet each other before they start play (Photo by Barbara Green0
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