NEWS
State fire inspection of courthouse cites lack of second fire exits
By BARBARA GREEN
Montague County could face a major remodel of its 104-year-old courthouse if it is unable to obtain a variance related to the lack of a second approved fire exit off the top two floors.
In mid-July, County Judge Rick Lewis received a Fire Safety Inspection Report from James Scott McAnallen, deputy state fire marshal, citing 14 violations of the Life Safety Code. The county was given 30 days to respond to the state office detailing its intentions to correct violations, and a timeline for their completion.
The fire marshal’s office conducted an investigation into a complaint filed on the doors of the courthouse being chained and locked during business hours. Lewis said he asked about the specific complaint, but the inspector would not provide any details.
The only recent event during which the courthouse was limited to one entry point occurred during the June 29 criminal trial of Ricky Howard. All doors are closed with signs noting the only entry is through the basement where each person goes through a metal detector. There was no confirmation if this was the event where the complaint occurred.
Read the full story in the mid-week News.
Pictured: The fire escape slides that extend from the third floor of the courthouse to the ground. There are two slides on the building. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The jury was seated on Monday and the opening day of testimony Tuesday only lasted four hours, before the panel went into deliberations about 2 p.m.
Two hours later the jury returned a guilty verdict on both charges. Wednesday morning the jury was set to begin discussion on Hall’s punishment at 8:30 a.m. with both sides offering evidence and testimony. Hall faces up to 10 years in prison.
The trial was moved to Denton County on a change of venue requested by Hall in March. After 16th District Judge Sherry Shipman read the verdict, it was reported Hall hung her head in disappointment and was later seen crying and emotional as she left the courtroom.
Members of the Bowie City Council will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. on May 13 in council chambers.
The meeting opens with a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week.
City Manager Bert Cunningham will report on recent rainfall problems, Smythe Street sidewalk project and the substation work.
There is only one item of new business an ordinance related to speed limits on specific streets. Public comments and approval of minutes wrap up the agenda.
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