NEWS
97th District courtroom at Montague to get kevlar panels
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County will make some security upgrades in the 97th District Courtroom and will apply for grants to replace radio equipment in the sheriff’s office following court action Monday.
Commissioner Bob Langford told the court he was approached by Security Baliff James Bacon about installing bulletproof material in the podium and wall panels in front of the judge, court reporter and jury panel. The Kevlar balistic panels are about 1.25 inches thick.
Langford explained this was a recommendation from the security officer, not something pushed by District Judge Trish Byars. The panels would be installed on the inside of the present wall panels providing a shield on the lower level.
County Judge Kevin Benton added active shooter training directs people to get down as low as possible. Langford said this would allow people to crawl along the floor with some protection trying to get to safety.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
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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