COUNTY LIFE
Virus hits retail, service industries hard; business future unknown
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the United States has lead to the shutdown of businesses, schools and entire communities who have been ordered to “shelter in place.”
While many offices had altered their hours and operations more than two weeks ago, Thursday’s closure of restaurants for dining in, gyms and other similar businesses has put a massive financial burden on the owners, employees and the communities.
Within Bowie the business development entities are doing all they can to assist and encourage small and large businesses to keep calm and carry on. In local media the Bowie Economic Development Corporation, Bowie Chamber of Commerce and Bowie Community Development Board put together a list of food businesses that would continue or institute drive-through, call-ahead or delivery services. That list of firms has since been shared across social media outlets.
Janis Crawley, executive director for the Bowie Economic Development Corporation, said all three offices are pulling together to help local firms “think outside the box,” to keep their business viable during this pandemic.
“We have sent out resources about small business loans and programs, along with other resources that could assist them. We have not had a board meeting yet, so we have no formal plan in place right now, we just want to keep people informed on what the state and federal government is doing,” said Crawley.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News. See how large manufacturers are developing strategies to cope with the crisis.
The cast and crew of “A Family Reunion to Die For,” has been busy rehearsing for their murder mystery dinner theater production on May 30 and May 31.
The reunion soon turns sour with murder at a western-style bed and breakfast in the tropics.
Purchase tickets online at https://www.bowieallianceforeducationandthearts.com/events-1.
Show times are 6:30 p.m. on May 30 and May 31 with an afternoon show at noon on May 31 all at the Freedom Life Church. There will be live and silent auction.
All proceeds benefit Montague County students for scholarships in the arts. Come support these thespians.
Top photo – Rehearsals have been underway this past week for the new murder mystery dinner theater of the Bowie Alliance for Education and the Arts. (Photos by Barbara Green)
Speed limit changes are being put in place on FM 103 North of Nocona. The 60-mph zone is being pushed North of Grayson Street.
As part of the transition, the 45-mph speed limit will be extended just North of the Texas New Mexico Power Office. Drivers see 50 mph signs up to Grayson Street where it becomes a 60-mph zone.
Portable message boards were placed on FM 103 on May 27 to advise motorists of the upcoming changes. The new signs will be unveiled and be enforceable starting June 3.
Citizens and officials with the City of Nocona requested the changes. They were approved by the Texas Transportation Commission in April.
Drivers should be prepared to watch and observe these new speed limits signs in Nocona. Drive safely in Montague County.
Top photo – Bowie High’s class of 2025 arrives for the ceremonies. (Photos by Jordan Neal)
-
NEWS3 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS2 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS2 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS2 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS2 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS2 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS2 years agoBowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS2 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint