COUNTY LIFE
New district judge staying true to her small-town roots
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
At a young age, Trish Coleman Byars’ mother told her “head-strong” daughter she should be a lawyer so she could learn how to “professionally argue.”
While her original career goal was to join the FBI, once she got to law school she knew she had found her passion in the challenging world of the law.
Trish Coleman Byars was appointed in late July by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve out the remaining term of retired 97th District Judge Jack McGaughey. The ensuing weeks have been chaotic as she gets to know the offices and people with whom she now works.
Country girl
The 44-year-old grew up in Clay County attending and graduating from the Midway schools. All of her family is from Archer County. Her mother’s family were dairy farmers in Windthorst and her father’s family were ranchers in Archer City. Her father worked as a foreman at the Seinsenbarger Ranch in Clay County. Byars is definitely a country girl.
At the smaller school, students took part in all sports, basketball was her favorite, and she showed pigs at the county show. While growing up she thought she was “disadvantaged” because her school didn’t have band, football or volleyball. Like most country kids, she just knew her future would be living in a big city.
When she had to work cattle she recalls putting her hand on her hip and complaining she would not have to do that again once she got out of there. Unfortunately, the gripe often sent her to the dairy farm where it was hard to milk three times a day. Today she feels blessed to come from a family of hard workers.
“I graduated from Midway with seven people, five of us went to school together kindergarten-graduation. We were like brothers and sisters and we still stay in touch. It’s hard to have a prom when your date is like a brother, but it was the best blessing ever,” laughed the judge.
At her swearing-in ceremony, there were many old friends present, as well as her first-grade teacher, which was very special.
“I always say they are who I am, they are the reason I am where I am. I want to keep my boys in a small school so they can experience that. They go to Windthorst because they have football and we are big sports people. God knew what he was doing when he gave me boys. I am rooted in that community,” she explained.
Read the full feature on the new district judge in your weekend Bowie News.
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The new Montague County Animal Rescue, which will be helping with operation of the new county animal shelter, invite you to “Wine Like A Dog” on Dec. 3 at Kimber Creek Wine Bar and Gift Shop in downtown Bowie.
The evening will include wine and charcuterie from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while raising funds for the rescue organization. Tickets are $50.
Melanie Gillespie of Montague County Animal Rescue said the new 501c3 has completed its agreement to work with Montague County operating the animal shelter.
“Your support enables us to launch the opening of the first county-run animal shelter. We invite you to join our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for animals in need,” said Gillespie.
Limited tickets will be offered at the door based on availability. Those with questions may call Gillespie at 469-951-0215 or email [email protected].
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