NEWS
Wichita Falls’ Police arrest of two teachers focuses attention on reporting possible child abuse
By BARBARA GREEN
The separate arrests of two school principals in the Wichita Falls School District during the past two weeks on complaints of failure to report sexual assault of a minor has led to questions and discussion on the legal obligations school personnel and others have in reporting incidents involving minors.
The Kory Dorman, Wichita Falls Crockett Elementary principal, was arrested on Jan. 31 for failure to report- a Class A misdemeanor. The charge stems from a Dec. 15 alleged incident involving a seven-year-old boy whose grandparents said he had been assaulted by a fellow six-year-old student while in the bathroom. Principal. Dorman reportedly told police she delegated the responsibility of investigating these allegations to the school counselor.
The second arrest came on Feb. 5 when Cindy Underwood, principal at Kate Haynes Northwest Academy, was jailed on a similar charge of failing to report.
In Texas, anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected has a legal obligation to report it.
Professional reporters are required to report allegations within 48 hours of first suspecting abuse or neglect. By law, professional may not delegate the duty to report to another person or entity or rely on another person or entity to make the report.
A professional reporter is anyone who is licensed or certified by the state or works for an agency or facility license or certified by the state and has contact with children as a result of their normal duties. This includes teachers, nurses, doctors, day-care workers, clinic or health care facility employees where reproductive services are provided, juvenile probation officers and juvenile detention or correction officers.
Denise Roberts, executive director of Patsy’s House Child Advocacy Center, said they are hoping to turn these arrests into educational opportunities.
“We hate that it happened like this, but if we can keep children at the front, make it about them, everyone can lear nsomething we are all better off in the end. Take this opportunity and move forward,” said Roberts.
Bowie Independent School District Superintendent Steven Monkres said the district conducts regular training programs on this topic.
The district is part of the Safe Schools program where each employee is required to train on modules available online before each school year starts. Principals and counselors also meet with the staff to further emphasize the laws and policies.
Monkres said the Wichita Falls incidents make everyone refocus their attention on those topics.
Read the full story in the weekend News.
Click below to follow the link to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services – Reporting Abuse/Neglect: A Guide for Professionals
https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Reporting_Guide_School_Professionals.pdf
Click below to follow a link to the Bowie Independent School District policies regard reporting possible child abuse.
The new Dollar General Market in Sunset is now open at 325 State Highway 101.
The new DG Market store format features an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, as well as the same categories, brands and products customers trust Dollar General to carry.
“We are excited to provide Sunset residents with our new DG Market format and look forward to welcoming customers to our new location,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “At Dollar General, we are committed to serving our customers with a pleasant shopping experience and strive to be a good corporate citizen. The new DG Market format will provide the Sunset community with closer access to fresh and healthier foods and a convenient location to purchase the items they want and need at everyday low prices. We hope our customers will enjoy the new store.”
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
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The Nocona Chamber of Commerce was in “Full Bloom” Monday night as its celebrated the past year and welcomed new officers and directors for the new term.
Following the floral them of “In Full Bloom,” the banquet tables were colorfully decorated by members using spring colors and flowers or promoting their own business.
Chamber Board President Emory Roden, entering the second year of a two-year term, brought the welcome, followed by Emily Carminati, executive director, who introduced the new officers that include Roden, Susie Grant as vice president, Bob Taylor as treasurer and Heather Morris, secretary. Board members are Amber Harper, Becky Fenoglio-Hankamer, Corissa Miller, Donna Lemons, Glenda Womble, Jason Castle, Jodi Womble, Kristal Ferguson, Mandy Kirkpatrick, Marie Molsbee and Monica Sterling.
Roden presented the Citizen of the Year award, which he said this year was instead going to a pair of citizens who kept being mentioned during the nomination process. The award went to Nellann McBroom and Dennis McBroom for their efforts to improve and support Nocona.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Pictured at the top: Dennis and Nellann McBroom received the Citizens of the Year Award presented by Nocona Chamber President Emory Roden. (News photo by Barbara Green)
One person went to the Bowie emergency room following this accident on U.S. Highway 81 and Applegate Road at 2:52 p.m. Wednesday. Department of Public Safety officers report a truck tractor tanker was north bound on Hwy 81 driven by Michael Logan, 57, Duncan, OK. A passenger car moved into the left lane to pass the truck and Logan reportedly tapped his brakes, that locked up causing him to jack-knife across the highway. As the tanker crossed into oncoming traffic a southbound Dodge Ram 2500 pickup driven by Bradley Werner, 49, Lavaca, AZ struck the tanker. Werner was transported by Bowie EMS to the ER with undisclosed injuries. Texas Department of Transportation crews arrived on the scene to assist while debris and vehicles were removed from the highway. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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