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 Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Oct. 12 in the County Courtroom at the Courthouse Annex in Montague.
Commissioners are scheduled to consider issuing a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month within Montague County.
The court also will consider accepting $850 in unanticipated revenue for the sheriff’s office generated during National Night Out activities, alongside interlocal cooperation contracts between the Texas Department of Public Safety and Justices of the Peace for Precincts 1 and 2.
An executive session is scheduled to discuss personnel matters pertaining to sewer/septic inspector for the county. Any action would be taken back in open session.
The Oct. 9-11 Art of the Song Music and Art Festival opens Friday night for three days of art and entertainment in downtown Nocona.
The festival opens on Oct. 9 with a Chisholm Trail Art Association Preview Party from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the H.J. Justin Building.
Come see all the entries for the adult show, which formally opens at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10.
Live music will be played by Full Circle Band.
Also on Oct. 9 enjoy a Nocona Nights Street Dance from 7 to 9 p.m. with the Mark Murphey and Highway 82 Band. Cost is $10 per ticket and $200 for a table seating eight. Bring your lawn chairs.
Read the full schedule of events for the festival in your Thursday Bowie News.
These students are nominees for the 2026 homecoming court at Gold-Burg High School. Homecoming royals will be crowned in pre-game ceremonies before the Bears take on Throckmorton at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 9. Pictured are: Freshmen: Kenzley Foster and Jackson Allen, freshmen; Yareli Aguirre and Jojuan Grace, sophomores; Zara Andrade, junior and Brayden Odom, Kaylie Duncan, both seniors. Not pictured: Caleb Epperson, junior and Keelyn Case, senior.
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