NEWS
Expanding broadband access named emergency item
AUSTIN – During his State of the State speech on February 1st Texas Gov. Greg Abbott named expanding broadband access as one of his emergency items for the 87th Texas legislative session.
Many rural communities in Texas do not have access to reliable broadband Internet, which makes it difficult for them to complete tasks that require high-speed Internet, including virtual learning and telemedicine. During the pandemic, many schools have transferred to online classes. Children who live at homes without readily accessible broadband Internet access miss important content in their online classes, which leads to them falling behind in their schoolwork.
JJ McGrath, Founder of Connect2Educate, Owner/Operator of TekWav, and state director of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) said he was not surprised Gov. Abbott named expanding broadband access in Texas as an emergency item. “The digital divide has become more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic and it needs to be fixed right away. The distribution of devices and wifi hotspots is good, but it’s not going to solve this problem for the long term,” said McGrath.
“Too many children cannot attend online classes or complete their homework because they do not have reliable Internet access at home. Expanding broadband Internet access by utilizing fixed wireless Internet will help ensure that students continue receiving a quality education,” McGrath continued. Mr. McGrath is working on closing the digital divide through his new organization Connect2Educate.
Connect2Educate is a Texas-based partnership led by Internet service providers to expand Internet access throughout the state and ensure every student in Texas has access to the technology they need to access online classes. It works with local governments and ISDs to provide quality Internet services and software support to Texas families regardless of income level.
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) is an organization of entrepreneurs who provide wireless and broadband solutions to consumers and businesses. Members of WISPA provide cost-effective Internet access to underserved areas of the country and support the investment and deployment of broadband Internet access to all Americans.
For more information about JJ McGrath, Connect2Educate and WISPA, please contact Rebecca Hucker at rebecca@steinhauserstrategies.com.
Oct 2
5-8 p.m. – Fall Sip & Stroll With Me, throughout downtown Bowie. Purchase the required armbands and wineglass at 101 E. Pecan or at a participating merchant for $15. Fiddlers will be jamming and horse-drawn carriage rides
Oct. 3
8 a.m. – Pickleball Tournament at The Blade in Pelham Park.
9-10 a.m. – Fiddler registration, Bowie Fire Hall, 203 Walnut
10 a.m. – Championship fiddler’s contest begins.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Piston Heads Auto Club Antique and Classic Car Show, Tarrant Street between Mason and Smythe. Registration 9-11 a.m., awards at 3 p.m. Mason and Smythe for entrance
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Heritage Market with food vendors, crafts, gifts, home decor and more. Set up on the plaza area on Smythe Street. Kid’s Coop inflatables and pedal cars on the bank parking lot. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Montague County Creative Arts exhibit and contest at the Bowie Library, 301 Walnut.
11:30 a.m.- Pumpkin sweep contest, egg toss and egg race games in front of the main stage on Smythe Street.
1 p.m. – Games: Pumpkin sweep contest, egg toss and carry games hosted by Bowie Community Development in front of main stage.
2 p.m. – Art exhibit awards reception at the library.
3 p.m. – Drawing for a bass guitar at fiddler stage in the fire hall,
3 p.m. – Piston Heads Auto Club Show awards, show registration table on Tarrant Street.
Live performances – Main Street stage on Smythe
10 a.m. – Bowie Youth Cheerleaders: Pee-Wee third and fourth graders.
10:30 a.m. – Bowie Intermediate students (third-fifth grade).
11 a.m. – Bowie youth cheerleaders: Juniors fifth and sixth graders.
11:15 a.m. – Ava Layne Bryan, 13-year-old singer from Alvord.
Noon – Bowie youth cheerleaders: Midgets first and second graders.
12:15 p.m. – Rising Stars Performing Arts Center.
Hymns for the Hungry is an event organized by Bowie First Methodist Church to benefit God’s Table, the food ministry operated out of First Freewill Baptist Church of Bowie six nights a week.
This event allows surrounding churches or organizations to share their gift of music to benefit God’s Table. This year’s Hymns for the Hungry will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Bowie Community Center, 413 Pelham.
Admission fee is $1.00. Last year, this event raised more than $15,000 thanks to local sponsors and community’s participation. God’s Table depends on this fundraiser which is operated by volunteers from across the community.
Help by attending this event and supporting God’s Table. “Meal deals” of a hot dog, chips, and drink will be served for $5. Dessert is by donation.
Cakes will be auctioned off intermittently throughout the event, and anyone is welcome to bring one to donate. Drawings for gift cards to local establishments also will take place. All proceeds will go directly to God’s Table, which is now feeding approximately 100 people each night.
If you would like to participate or need more information call or text Jarae Scruggs @ 940-841-1212, or you may call the Bowie First Methodist Church office directly at 940-872-3384.
The long-awaited drainage project at the intersection of Rock and Pillar is now underway as an excavator has begun work on the new channel as the culverts are replaced and the channel straightened. (Photos by Rosie Cole)
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