County says no to sign changes

County Commissioners decided to keep the same guidelines and procedures of the electronic marquee outside the courthouse during Monday’s meeting.

Jacksboro Chamber of Commerce officials had asked the court last month to consider allowing churches that are Chamber members the opportunity to have their service times on the marquee. After tabling the item two weeks ago due to the absence of Judge Mitchell Davenport, the item was on Monday’s agenda.

Before taking the item off the table for discussion, Davenport spoke on the subject. The judge said when the marquee was first installed, there were two stipulations, one being not having any religious ties or information on it.

“Now this has come up. What has actually changed, however?” Davenport asked. “I want to keep the separation of church and state. I will always vote to keep the county out of trouble.”

Davenport said that the county could find itself in legal hot water if someone decided to question having anything religious on the marquee. The county, along with the Chamber, and the City of Jacksboro are in charge of the sign.

The proposed changes to the sign guidelines would allow churches to display worship times and events.

The Jacksboro City Council voted at its meeting Monday to approve the changes.

Davenport then asked if any of the commissioners wished to untable the item for discussion and no one did.

To read the complete article, see the Oct. 28 edition of the Herald-Gazette.