COUNTY LIFE
Howard case investigators given Award of Excellence from U.S. Attorney
Two veteran law enforcement investigators from Montague County were honored along with two FBI agents with the U.S. Attorney’s Award of Excellence presented in an Oct. 7 ceremony.
Kevin Benton and Chris Hamilton were recognized for their investigative efforts that led to the Ricky Howard sexual exploitation trial last July. Despite the court declaring a mistrial due to juror injury, the 60-year-old Nocona man pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham hosted the award of excellence which recognizes federal, state and local law enforcement and agency partners for their distinguished service. Each recipient is nominated by someone in the U.S. Attorney’s office, then rigorously vetted by a committee of district senior leaders. Meacham stated it is very competitive and meant to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of their partners.
Benton, who now serves as Montague County judge and is a former DA investigator, had worked closely with 97th District Attorney Investigator Chris Hamilton on the Howard case. FBI Special Agent David Burns and FBI TFO/Grand Prairie Police Detective Brandon Poor also were recognized.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
The 22nd annual July Jam returns on July 27 to the Bowie Community Center West Hall, 413 Pelham Street in Bowie.
There will be a “chickin’ pickin’ fiddling fun time” as guests will be entertained by amazing fiddling tunes and enjoying a chicken meal with delicious homemade jams because it wouldn’t be July Jam without it.
Tickets are just $15 with the event starting at 6 p.m. The funds raised help provide awards for the Championship Fiddler Competition during Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival on Oct. 5.
This attracts talented musicians from all over to visit downtown Bowie to test their fiddling skills on stage in the Bowie Fire Hall on Oct. 5.
Along with the live fiddling entertainment, come hungry and be ready to outbid your neighbors at the silent auction or just stop by for a great meal, fellowship and soak in the air conditioning.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
The Nocona City Council met this past week making plans for budget and tax rate hearings.
Councilors received a brief update on the 2024-25 budget preparations. City Secretary Revell Hardison said the final proposal is almost complete and they now await the arrival of the no-new revenue tax rate that will be reviewed by the council after it is calculated by the tax collector.
The proposal includes a tax rate increase of about 3% similar to last year and there will be a small increase in water and sewer rates, but Hardison said the final crunch on those will come after the tax rate projections arrive.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
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