Montague County could soon find itself under a burn ban as the commissioner’s court considers that action at its 9 a.m. meeting on Aug. 12.
Dry conditions and triple-digit heat are driving the concerns that have lead to many grass fires across the area. Summer’s heat also is expected to continue despite some small possibilities for rain.
After a budget workshop the court will consider accepting the 2024-25 proposed budget and schedule the public hearing.
Kathy Phillips, tax assessor-collector, also will present the certification of appraised values for tax year 2024 and the no new revenue and voter approval tax rates for 2024.
Afterward the court will take a record vote on a rate and schedule that public hearing.
As the new fiscal year draws near the commissioners will consider sheriff and constable fees for the year, as well as imposing any optional Texas Department of Motor vehicle fees for 2025.
Other topics on Monday’s agenda will include:
Order adopting a property tax exemption for qualifying child-care facilities.

Proclamation for Sept. 17 to be proclaimed Constitution Day in the county.
Approve list of county 2025 holidays.
Authorize County Judge Kevin Benton to sign the home-delivered meal grant program resolutions for the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Consider lease agreement with Pitney Bowles and hear proposal from Kofile for preservation of index books in the district clerk’s office.
Discuss purchase of 5.972 acres offered by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Consider precinct three line-item budget adjustment for $15,000 from operating to part-time.
Discuss line-item usage and explanation of purchasing of prohibited items throughout the county.
Re-appoint Greg Ross to the board of directors of the Nortex Housing Finance Corporation.

By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
The removal hearing for 97th District Attorney Casey Hall was set to resume at 10 a.m. Friday morning, but those in courtroom felt some sort of mediation was in the works as both attorneys met with Judge Bruce McFarling in chambers, followed by Katie Boggeman, incoming 2025 DA.
When the judge opened the hearing he announced the parties had come to an agreement where Hall agreed to a temporary suspension. Robert Wagstaff, representing Hall and Tim Cole, who filed the removal petition met with the judge. Hall did not attend the hearing.
McFarling said Boggeman would be named district attorney during the suspension and it would be effective after she posted the required $5,000 bond.

Judge McFarling administered the oath of office to Boggeman after the hearing Friday and she will serve during the period of Hall’s suspension.

Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.

Top photo – Judge Bruce McFarling shakes hands with Katie Boggeman after she received the oath of office as she serves as DA during Hall’s suspension. (Photo by Barbara Green)

With a little less than two weeks left, election filing continues to move slowly for the city and school board elections schedule on Nov. 5.
Filing began July 22 and will continue through Aug. 19. All three incorporated cities in the county will have elections, along with all the school districts.
The City of Saint Jo saw Kelly Williamson file to run for mayor, while the Bowie City Council has its first candidate with Laramie Truax in place three.
Here is a list of the positions that will be on the ballot and the present office holders. Those who have filed are noted.
Bowie City Council
Place 1 TJay McEwen
Place 2 Kristi Bates
Place 3 Terry Gunter
Laramie Truax,
place 3 – filed

Nocona Council
Christopher Nunneley
Taylor Ross
Yesika Rodriguez

Saint Jo Council
Mayor
Shawn Armstrong
Melissa McPherson
Colton Thomas
Kelly Williamson,
mayor, filed

Bowie ISD Trustees
Place 1 Jacky Betts –
Filed
Place 2 Nichole Maddox

Gold-Burg ISD
Lynn Allen
Becky Case
Weldon Duff

Forestburg ISD
Rick Bathrop
Chad Hudspeth
Audiemarie Keown –
Filed
Joann Pople

Montague ISD
Terry Jones – Filed
Janet Nabours
Gregg Romine
Jimmy Walker – Filed

Nocona ISD
Kyle LaMar
Randy Murphey
Guy Hill

Prairie Valley ISD
Scott Carpenter
Frank Glass
Jimmy Harris

Saint Jo ISD
Leeton Phillips – Filed
Dee Weger – Filed