COUNTY LIFE
Overhaul of the Texas grand jury begins in 97th District
By BARBARA GREEN
The overhaul of the Texas grand jury system has arrived in the 97th Judicial District as the “key-man” system is replaced by the random process used to impanel a traditional jury.
California now remains the only state is using the key-man system following passage earlier this year of Senate Bill 135 and House Bill 282 by the Texas Legislature.
Supporters of the bill say the state’s grand jury selection process inserts judges too deeply in the process making it prone to misuse.
It is hoped the new process can present a truly fair, impartial panel representative of the area demographics.
A grand jury is composed of 12 people who meet to weigh the merits of various criminal cases during a six-month period. It hands down indictments if it finds enough evidence exists to warrant a trial.
For more than a century Texas has used what is often called the “pick-a-pal” system, where a district judge appoint commissioners, who selects the members for the grand jury. Those commissioners would find 20 prospective grand jurors and then select the first 12 who qualify.
SB 135 and HB 282 were authored by Sen. John Whitmire and State Rep. Harold Dutton Jr., both Democrats from Houston, where there has been harsh criticism of the grand jury system. In Harris County, a police officer sat on six grand juries and served as a foreman on one that was investigating another police officer.
Read the full story, along with information on the qualifications for a grand jury in your weekend News.
Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.
This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.
Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.
The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.
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