NEWS
Bowie ISD debates ‘what ifs’ for school opening
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Bowie Independent School District is working to hammer out a plan to open school for this August, but the ever changing unknowns are making the process very difficult.
At its July 23 meeting trustees received a 20-page draft plan to reopen, but administrators said it was still a work in progress. It must be completed one week before the first day of school. Bowie’s ISD’s first day is Aug. 19.
The district sent out a survey to parents asking their preference for in-school or virtual learning. The staff also has surveyed other North Texas schools on their plans.
Superintendent Blake Enlow said of the local survey 1,100 of 1,600 have responded, and of those 85 percent want to return to in-school learning and 15 percent want virtual.
While this plan covers everything from visitor restrictions and temperature pre-screening for students, some of the main discussion was on the use of masks and the question if students who opt for virtual learning will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities such a sport like football.
Enlow said the plan follows state guidelines for masks but does not require them in class. Montague County based on its low active case numbers is exempt from the governor’s mandate for face coverings as long as active cases remain under 20.
Social distancing also will be followed when feasible. Masks also are not required for those students age 10 and under. Enlow said they would make the cutoff fourth grade because there are some 10-year-olds in that grade. Masks may be required for certain group activities. Masks at this moment will not be required but will be allowed for students or staff.
Read the full story for the new school year in the mid-week Bowie News.
NEWS
Take advantage of Emergency Supplies Sales Tax weekend
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today encouraged Texans to take part in this year’s Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend starting Saturday, April 27 through Monday, April 29. “Having emergency supplies on-hand is a critical part of being prepared for potential severe weather,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage Texans across the state to stock up on supplies they might need in an emergency to protect themselves and their loved ones, such as first aid kits, flashlights, or hand-held fire extinguishers.” Signed into law by Governor Abbott in 2015, Senate Bill 905 established Texas’ annual Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend allowing Texans to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free either online or in person. Texans can visit the Texas Comptroller’s website for more information on qualifying purchases. As spring storms and increased wildfire danger impact Texas, along with the approaching hurricane season which begins on June 1, Texans are encouraged to review disaster preparedness tips and information on building an emergency supply kit at TexasReady.gov. |
NEWS
Draft county subdivision rules prepared for hearing
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
A public hearing has been scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on May 28 for the Montague County Commissioner’s Court to present the updated subdivision regulations that have been in the works for several months.
That date was set during Monday’s court session, where a development officer also was named and a state-required notice was approved. The 89-page draft of the subdivision regulations are available on the county website co.montague.tx.us/page/montague.home.
It was August 2019 when the regulations were adopted by the commissioners after much debate among water well drillers, groundwater district staff and directors, realtors and land developers.
During those original discussions water issues lead the way as many counties especially around heavily populated urban areas are experiencing water shortages and possible contamination due to an inadequate number of houses and wells or even the use of a public water system in the rural areas.
Charley Lanier, who has been working as a grant officer for the county, was named to be the subdivision development officer. After a brief 10-minute executive session, the court named Lanier who they said would be the “initial contact” for all developers who will accept all paperwork and plats.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
NEWS
Water line, street repair complete
City of Bowie water and street crews repair a broken water line in the area of Walnut and Smythe last week, along with repairing a large pot hole in the same area. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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