COUNTY LIFE
Overhaul of the Texas grand jury begins in 97th District
By BARBARA GREEN
The overhaul of the Texas grand jury system has arrived in the 97th Judicial District as the “key-man” system is replaced by the random process used to impanel a traditional jury.
California now remains the only state is using the key-man system following passage earlier this year of Senate Bill 135 and House Bill 282 by the Texas Legislature.
Supporters of the bill say the state’s grand jury selection process inserts judges too deeply in the process making it prone to misuse.
It is hoped the new process can present a truly fair, impartial panel representative of the area demographics.
A grand jury is composed of 12 people who meet to weigh the merits of various criminal cases during a six-month period. It hands down indictments if it finds enough evidence exists to warrant a trial.
For more than a century Texas has used what is often called the “pick-a-pal” system, where a district judge appoint commissioners, who selects the members for the grand jury. Those commissioners would find 20 prospective grand jurors and then select the first 12 who qualify.
SB 135 and HB 282 were authored by Sen. John Whitmire and State Rep. Harold Dutton Jr., both Democrats from Houston, where there has been harsh criticism of the grand jury system. In Harris County, a police officer sat on six grand juries and served as a foreman on one that was investigating another police officer.
Read the full story, along with information on the qualifications for a grand jury in your weekend News.
National Weather Service Fort Worth report: We’re closing down the work week with another round of HOT and DRY weather. Much of the area will see an elevated fire weather threat again today! A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 pm this evening. More heat headlines likely this weekend and early next week
It’s time once again for the Montague County Cemetery Board Fish Fry.
The fish fry will begin serving at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Forestburg Community Center. The price is $10 per person for all you can eat, and child’s plate for 12 and under is $5. Take-out is also available.
The meal will consist of locally caught crappie and catfish, French fries, beans, hushpuppies, coleslaw and all the trimmings and homemade desserts.
The main purpose of the Montague County Cemetery Board is to look after the county’s abandoned cemeteries. The county has between 50 and 60 abandoned cemeteries. Cleaning a cemetery typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Any help is greatly appreciated. Help can be monetary, but it can also be as simple as reporting a suspected lost cemetery, allowing access to the cemetery, or spending a day alongside others cleaning. Volunteers are always welcome.
Another goal of the Cemetery Board is to obtain Historical Status from the Texas Historical Commission for the abandoned cemeteries. This status records the cemetery with both the county and state. It helps to protect them for years to come.
Leadership Montague County is now accepting applications for its upcoming class. Deadline to submit an application is Sept. 1.
Individuals who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of Montague County and building lasting professional and community relationships are encouraged to apply.
The program is a nine-month leadership development program consisting of nine, one-day, monthly meetings. Participants will explore topics including local government, agriculture, education, healthcare, business and industry, public safety, economic development and community leadership through interactive sessions and site visits. The group will be traveling to Austin in the spring to visit with the legislators and senators and to see how they work for the county residents.
Leadership Montague County is designed for emerging and established leaders who have a desire to become more involved in improving the quality of life throughout Montague County.
Class size is limited, and early application is encouraged. For additional information or to request an application, contact: Leadership Montague County, j-hansard@tamu.edu or call 940-894-2831
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