NEWS
Guns, school safety top Beto O’Rourke Q&A at Tuesday Bowie town hall
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke brought his 49-day “Drive for Texas” tour to Bowie Tuesday afternoon and was greeted by a large audience filled with enthusiastic supporters, and an equally ecstatic group of Republican Governor Greg Abbott supporters chanting and marching with signs in front of the Chapman Building.
Very seldom does Bowie see major state candidates visit, but O’Rourke is taking his campaign to every county in the state. North Texas was early on the tour that began on July 20.
When the town hall meeting was announced last week there was a lot of social media rhetoric about mounting a protest outside showing support for Abbott. Some of the Facebook posts even included comments about coming armed with “our AKs, it’s legal for us to carry them,” it stated.
While the candidate travels with his own security which was stationed around the building, Bowie police also were present. Through it all the participants on all sides remained calm. O’Rourke invited those outside to come in and ask questions.
“This is a campaign by and for all of us. Even those who are outside chanting, jumping, even the one who showed up with an AK, but I’m not sure that is what it was. Everyone is welcome to ask questions,” he began.
It was uncertain how many people O’Rourke would draw in Montague County which is a long-time Republican stronghold. Tuesday he told the audience of about 200 he is well aware probability is not on his side.
“Chances are, I’m taking a big leap here, we won’t win Montague County in November; maybe we crack 20%. I’m a dreamer. What matters is we show up for each other. When we win, I will be a governor for all to serve everyone equally. I am trying to earn your vote, your time and effort. Abbott is taking rural communities for granted he thinks your votes are in the bank,” explained O’Rourke.
The 49-year-old candidate touched on many of the campaign’s top issues but audience questions focused on public school education, gun control, marijuana legalization, immigration and health care. He spoke about 50 minutes before taking audience questions.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
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
[email protected]
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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