Asst. County Attorney Hired by Ho. Co. Commissioners Court

Newtz Recognized for his Work as Veterans Services Officer

By Will Johnson                                                                                                                                                                         Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY – The Houston County Commissioners Court took an important step in helping to avoid a log jam in the County Court when they formally hired an assistant county attorney.

Former Assistant County Attorney Amber Bewley had resigned her position in November to pursue a similar position in a larger city. Bewley’s resignation created a vacancy in the county attorney’s office until Thursday, Dec. 21, when the commissioners gave their approval to the hiring of Paul Hill.

“We have a new county employee,” County Judge Jim Lovell said. “I should have recognized and introduced him at the beginning. For those of you who don’t know, Paul Hill is the new assistant county attorney.”

Precinct Two Commissioner Willie Kitchen asked Hill if a rumor swirling through the courthouse which involved Hill turning down a job offer with a much higher salary was true.

“I met with (County Attorney) Daphne (Session) and the interview went great. I had a chance, before the interview, to see the town and the county. It’s just something – when you get the feeling and it just seems right. This is a great opportunity and I’m happy to be here,” Hill said.

A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to hire Hill for the assistant county attorney’s position.

Prior to the hiring of Hill, the county judge gave public recognition to Fred Newtz, Houston County’s Veteran Services Officer.

“He is a great asset to veterans in Houston County and recently received this Certificate of Excellence from the Texas Veterans Commission. I asked Fred to be here, but for those that know him, he didn’t want any (recognition) … I almost had to steal this award to even give the recognition. He didn’t want to be here but if you see Fred, you might want to congratulate him on this award,” Lovell said.

In other matters brought before the court:

• The commissioners approved the minutes from previous meetings.
• The payment of bills and expenses incurred by the county were approved.
• The Houston County Treasurer’s and Compensatory Reports were received as information by the commissioners.
• The court approved the salary for Marvin Ackley as a part-time jailer.
• The court accepted a donation of road materials for Precinct One’s CR 1535
• The court accepted a donation of surplus materials from the Texas Department of Transportation for Fiscal Year 2018 in the amount of $21,532.
• Houston County Judge Jim Lovell was appointed as the designated signatory for a Texas Health and Human Services contract.

 

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].