NEWS
State fire inspection of courthouse cites lack of second fire exits
By BARBARA GREEN
Montague County could face a major remodel of its 104-year-old courthouse if it is unable to obtain a variance related to the lack of a second approved fire exit off the top two floors.
In mid-July, County Judge Rick Lewis received a Fire Safety Inspection Report from James Scott McAnallen, deputy state fire marshal, citing 14 violations of the Life Safety Code. The county was given 30 days to respond to the state office detailing its intentions to correct violations, and a timeline for their completion.
The fire marshal’s office conducted an investigation into a complaint filed on the doors of the courthouse being chained and locked during business hours. Lewis said he asked about the specific complaint, but the inspector would not provide any details.
The only recent event during which the courthouse was limited to one entry point occurred during the June 29 criminal trial of Ricky Howard. All doors are closed with signs noting the only entry is through the basement where each person goes through a metal detector. There was no confirmation if this was the event where the complaint occurred.
Read the full story in the mid-week News.
Pictured: The fire escape slides that extend from the third floor of the courthouse to the ground. There are two slides on the building. (Photo by Barbara Green)
This hay hauler had some trouble as the made the curve on Mason Street near Orchard Friday afternoon as multiple round bales fell off. Someone was back on the scene quickly to get the hay out of the street and away from its edge. (Photo by Barbara Green)
After a handful of days with rain chances, this upcoming work week will be dry and hot. Afternoon temperatures will rise back into the 90s and 100s, with heat indices between 100-110 by midweek. (U.S. National Weather Service)
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Judges have been named for the two cases involving 97th District Attorney Casey Hall, including the indictment for theft and a petition for removal as DA.
On July 11, Judge David L. Evans, presiding judge for the Eighth Administration Region of Texas, assigned E. Lee Gabriel to handle the indictment case against Hall. The judge then named Bruce McFarling for the removal petition case.
The two-term DA Hall was indicted by the Montague County Grand Jury July 15 on a charge of theft of property $2,500 to $30,000, a state jail felony. The allegations stem from reported misappropriation of state grant funds.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
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