COUNTY LIFE

Gavel comes down for one last time: 97th District Judge retires May 31

Published

2 years ago

05/17/2023

By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Six months into his law practice rookie attorney Jack McGaughey went into court for one of his first court-appointed cases, for a mental commitment. He went into the courtroom, asked the deputy where his client was, and was told: “Out in my car trying to kick out the windows.” McGaughey went out to talk to him through the windows but it had no effect whatsoever.
Not the most auspicious case to help launch your career, but on May 31 the Nocona native retires from a nearly 40-plus year career as an attorney, prosecutor and 97th District Judge. McGaughey is enjoying something of a farewell tour with retirement parties in each of the three counties in the 97th, Archer, Clay and Montague. The local party will be 2-4 p.m. on May 19 in the district courtroom in Montague.
The governor will appoint a person to fill out the term until the next election. Four applicants have been confirmed.

Read the full feature in the mid-week Bowie News.

Pictured: Judge Jack McGaughey takes a last look around the 97th District Courtroom where he has presided for the past 10 years as judge, plus more than 35 as county attorney, assistant district attorney and district attorney. (Photo by Barbara Green)

COUNTY LIFE

Offices closing for final holiday of year

Published

8 hours ago

12/28/2024

bowienews

The last big holiday of 2024 arrives on Dec. 31 with News Year’s Eve.
Most government offices and the post office will be closed on Jan. 1. The Bowie News office will close on Dec. 31 and on Jan. 1.
The Bowie News will have an early print deadline on Monday and go out to readers one day earlier on Tuesday. The print edition will be delivered to the post office and racks, while the e-sub will also go out on Tuesday morning.

COUNTY LIFE

Bowie Community Development presents window decoration awards

Published

10 hours ago

12/28/2024

bowienews

Bowie Community Development presented awards to the window decoration contest during the Candy Cane Sip & Stroll. Gaylynn Burris of the BCDB presented Rustic Wings/Belle Rose Boutique with the first place award. Second place went to Rustic Rose Furniture and Treasures. Studio 81 Tattoos and Hwy 59 Boutique were third and fourth place winners. The contest is sponsored by Bowie Community Development.

See photos of all the winners in the weekend Bowie News.

COUNTY LIFE

Newly elected officials prepare to take the oath

Published

10 hours ago

12/28/2024

bowienews

Jan. 1, 2025 is the first day of a new elected term for many Montague County officials. There will be a swearing-in ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 in the courthouse annex.
The public is invited to attend with refreshments to follow.
Officials being sworn in are: Sheriff Marshall Thomas, County Attorney, Commissioner One Roy Darden, Commissioner Three Mark Murphey, Constables Jerry DeMoss and Harvey Johnson and Tax Assessor Kathy Phillips.