Guns not welcome in Donley County courts

Licensed open carry is the law of the land in Texas, but don’t try packing in the Donley County Courthouse.
During their regular meeting Monday, the county commissioners’ court held that guns are prohibited in buildings where courts meet in Donley County, specifically the Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, and Justice of Peace offices in Clarendon and Hedley.
Judge John Howard told the commissioners that state law already prohibits anyone from carrying a gun in court. Monday’s action just clarifies where local courts meet. The law provides an exception for peace officers and individuals specifically authorized by statue to carry weapons in a court.
The judge said the county is not required to post signs about the prohibition since people licensed to carry have the burden of knowing where they can take their weapons. But nonetheless, the county will post signs at the entrances of the aforementioned buildings.
In other business, commissioners approved placing cameras at the east and west entrances of the Courthouse and Courthouse Annex for added security in those buildings.
Commissioners also approved a reinvestment zone for the Salt Fork II wind farm development proposed for the northwestern corner of the county. Negotiations for a tax abatement on that project are ongoing.