After seven months of training, the 59th Texas game warden cadet class graduated on July 28.
This marked the first time game wardens and state park police officers trained and graduated as part of the same class.
“The entire staff at the Game Warden Training Center is very proud of this next generation of Texas game wardens and state park police,” said Game Warden Tracy Davis, major at the Game Warden Training Center. “We are confident that each officer will carry out their duties professionally and with the deepest level of commitment and service to the people of Texas, and their natural resources.”
Following their presentation at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton County, the 23 newly commissioned peace officers were recognized during a special ceremony at the Texas State Capitol.
“Since 1895, game wardens have played an integral part in public safety and conservation law enforcement in Texas,” said Colonel Craig Hunter, law enforcement director for TPWD. “We are excited that this graduation marks the first academy where Texas game wardens trained with state park police officers, and congratulate these officers as they embark in the most rewarding careers in law enforcement.”
The graduates will begin their new careers stationed in counties and parks throughout the state. Read more mid-week Bowie News.

Fossil Pointe to have handgun operation class 

Fossil Pointe of Decatur will be offering a concealed handgun class at 8 a.m. on Aug. 23.
The class costs $110.
State fees, ammunition, and fingerprint fees are not included in the cost.
The class offers instruction time, literature, target fees and range time for qualifications.
Fossil Pointe is located at 7282 North Farm-to-Market 51 in Decatur.
To register, call 1-940-393-6402.

Catfish stockings

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has announced the catfish stocking schedule for South Weeks Pond in Wichita Falls.
The stocking of channel cats are set for Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16 and Oct. 30.
A valid fishing license is required.
The daily bag limit is five catfish.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (Logo provided by the TPWD, no copyright infringement inferred)