NEWS
County judge issues new executive order; clarifies it’s not a shelter in place order
Montague County Judge Rick Lewis issued an executive order Thursday afternoon declaring the county’s emergency management plan was activated and ordering those who may be sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 stay home.
Some read the order as a directive for all to stay home, but in a clarification letter on Friday Lewis said it was not the case.
As with similar orders from the federal and state level, the intent is to protect the physical health and well-being of county citizens, as well as protect their financial health. The focus is to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible, while “safeguarding the Constitutional liberties of Montague County citizens by utilizing the least restrictive means possible and encouraging the highest level of personal responsibility.”
The order stated during this period of emergency all resources within the limits of Montague County and its municipalities, both publicly and privately owned, will be used when deemed necessary by local government officials and upon orders of the county judge under the authority of Texas Government Code 418.017.
Some confusion may have been based on the last sentence in the section related to people who may have symptoms or already sick. Some took the last sentence to mean everyone should remain at home. The judge said
no that was not the intent, and while he was not ordering “at risk” groups to stay home it was highly encouraged.
As for business the order outlines recommendations for them to remain open, but take all precautions. Lewis’ Friday letter states he encourages all businesses to work to keep their doors open and the work space safe for employees. He also asked residents to support local stores and restaurants while maintaining a safe distance.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News. See the full March 26 order and the March 27 letter below.
Montague County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Dec. 23.
The court will consider obligating $276,961.84 of American Rescue Plan funds to completing the new wastewater treatment plant that will serve the courthouse complex. Commissioners have been working on this project much of the year.
Montague County will apply to the Nortex Regional Planning Commission for a solid waste disposal grant to purchase a tire cutter for use by all four precincts.
Developers for Kingdom Estates Phase 2 subdivision will offer a plant for lots 6-10, 16.06 acres located in precinct two.
A cooperative agreement between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the county will be presented, along with a non-exclusive license and service agreement between Local Government Solutions and Justices of the Peace one and two.
Annual bonds for seven elected officials will be offered, along with the county attorney’s 2024 Chapter 59 Asset Forfeiture report.
Montague County has received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist individuals with the purchase and installation of a residential storm shelter.
The shelter must be FEMA-approved and individuals must install and pay for the shelter. After installation and passing an inspection, the individual could be eligible for 50% reimbursement of the cost of the storm shelter up to a maximum $3,000 reimbursement.
The initial program allows for financial assistance for the installation of up to 100 storm shelters. Visit the Montague County website at co.montague.tx.us and click on “Safe Room Program,” and under quick links to see the qualifications and requirements for participation in the program.
There is no deadline to apply, but only 100 applicants will be accepted
It’s here, the first day of winter marked by the winter solstice at 4:21 a.m. on Dec. 21.
The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the “shortest day” of the year. Thankfully, after the winter solstice the days begin to grow longer and longer again and until the summer solstice, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year
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