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DPS increases patrols for Spring Break

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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will increase its presence on the roads to ensure highways are safe as part of a spring break enforcement campaign. From March 12 through March 20, the Texas Highway Patrol will be out looking for people who are violating traffic laws as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). The Operation will include St. Patrick’s Day.

“Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation, but we need to make sure people are enjoying their vacations responsibly and following the law,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS will step up enforcement efforts on the roads, and we hope drivers will obey the posted speed limits, along with all the other laws, to make it possible for everyone to have a safe spring break.”

During the 2021 spring break enforcement effort, DPS Troopers issued more than 73,700 citations and warnings for violations. This included 7,236 speeding citations, 919 citations for seat belt or child safety seat violations and 500 Move Over, Slow Down citations and warnings. Troopers also made 512 felony arrests, 417 DWI arrests and 235 fugitive arrests.

To have a safe spring break holiday, DPS offers the following tips:

  • Don’t drink and drive. If you plan to have alcohol outside of your home, have a designated driver or take alternate transportation.
  • Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped. Through March 3 of this year, there have been 1,333 Move Over, Slow Down violations.
  • If you can Steer It, Clear It. If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the lanes of traffic. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
  • Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
  • Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
  • Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
  • When using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
  • Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
  • Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of roadside assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
  • Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you’re traveling. For road conditions and closures, visit Drive Texas.
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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
[email protected]
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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