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Code battle brewing between Rack owner, city

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By BARBARA GREEN
There’s an ongoing code enforcement battle brewing between the City of Bowie and Tawni Jones, owner of several businesses in downtown Bowie.
Jones said she has been directed by the city to bring the second floor of The Rack, which is used as her residence and office, up to code which includes installation of a fire suppression system.
The business owner has played out the conflict across social media recently telling the public it looks like she may have to close her businesses The Rack, The Brick (The Knife at 223 located in The Brick) and Swanky J if she is unable to get the code issues resolved sending some 26 employees to the unemployment line.
She has already closed the former Swanky J, 203 N. Mason, opened since the fall of 2016. Jones said the store will be turned into a gym.
The Rack, 210 N. Mason was purchased by Jones in the summer of 2015 from Andrew Wendt, who renovated the old Russell’s building into the sports bar.
Wendt also created a residential space upstairs. According to fire and code inspections he installed fire suppression and fire alarms downstairs and the fire suppression system was stubbed to the upstairs where it could be extended.

Jones was informed in December she will need to install a fire suppression system upstairs of The Rack in order to remain compliant with city codes with a 60-day time frame.

Read the full story in the mid-week News.

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Montague County juggles spending Senate Bill 22 funds

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By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
April was proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montague County by the commissioner’s court on Monday.
A large group of representatives from the Montague County Child Welfare Board, 2Engage Family Service, Child Protective Services and Court Appointed Special advocates filled the courtroom to present the annual proclamation, which was read by Lorra Lierly.
This month of awareness informs the public about the fight against child abuse in all its forms and at all ages of children, plus its impact on families. Those who wish to report possible concerns can call a hotline at 800-252-5400.
It was a relatively brief agenda of business for the court Monday.
They made some changes to how the Senate Bill 22 grant funds will be spent in the county attorney’s office.
SB22 created a grant program that provides financial assistance based on population to sheriff, district and county attorney offices to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people’s interests throughout the state. The court approved how it will be spent through the county attorney’s office hiring an investigator to serve that office plus others.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

Lorra Lierly presented the proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. She was joined by local county child welfare board members, Child Protective Service staff, CASA and 2Engage Families. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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Saint Jo ISD purchases 25 acres for long-term planning

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By BARBARA GREEN
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In an effort to bolster long-term planning, the Saint Jo Independent School District Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase of 25 acres on the west side of the city.
School officials made the announcement in a press release just as the district went on spring break, calling it “a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to providing high-quality education and meeting the needs of its growing student population.”
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of this valuable land, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Saint Jo ISD,” stated Leeton Phillips, president of the Saint Jo ISD School Board.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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City of Saint Jo to try four-day work week for public works, sewer departments

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The Saint Jo City Council approved a 60-day trial of a four-day work week for the public works and sewer departments, but the city office staff will keep their present hours.
According to the March 13 minutes Public Works Director Marty Hilton made the request to change the work week. The council went into executive session to discuss personnel, and back in open session voted 5-0 to try a 60-day trial for the four-day work week for public works.
Two employees will work Monday-Thursday and the other two will

work Tuesday-Friday. It is up to the employees to determine the work schedule that will go from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting March 29.

Read the rest of the story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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