By BARBARA GREEN

Thanks to a trio of initial cash donations, the Montague County Courthouse will soon receive Christmas decorations.
During their Monday meeting, the commissioner’s court was asked by Amanda Cunningham, district court coordinator, if they could decorate the outside trees with lights initially with hopes to add to the decorations each year. She said it would take about 100 boxes of lights at a cost of $200.
Cunningham asked the court if it would consider paying the amount, but also said she would solicit donations if the court gives its approval for the project.
Commissioner Bob Langford said this was talked about last year, but he does not support putting lights around the building that would require any holes or nails going into the roofing or gutters, which are all relatively new. Langford also said he would be more comfortable if the decorations were done on a donation basis instead of coming from county funds.
Charles Lanier, Forestburg, was in the audience and offered the court $200 to kick off the program. Commissioner Mike Mayfield and Roy Darden also said they would each contribute $100 to get things started with $400.
Montague County received a Gold Star Award from the Texas Association of Counties presented by Isaac Garcia. This award recognizes efforts by the county and its employees to keep losses down with proper safety and training. The county safety committee coordinates these activities.

Read the full story of this meeting in the mid-week News.