NEWS
Increased fire danger anticipated today
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service readies firefighting resources today in anticipation of an increase in wildfire activity caused by pre-frontal conditions approaching the state.
The fire environment will include elevated to critical fire weather, with above normal temperatures and wind speeds near 20 mph, aligned with freeze-cured grasses across the landscape. This combination will support increased wildfire activity.
Forecast fire danger will be high to very high for portions of the Rolling Plains and Cross Timbers regions, specifically for areas around Plainview, Wichita Falls, Weatherford, Lampasas and San Angelo.
State and local firefighters, including Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), responded to 97 wildfires since Friday morning for an estimated 7,460 acres burned.
Strong north winds and dry vegetation contributed to increased activity over the weekend, which included the 1,696-acre Mill Creek Fire in Shackelford County, the 787-acre Martin Fire in Young County and the 177-acre Carbon Camp Fire in Hutchinson County.
In anticipation of increased fire danger on Tuesday, Texas A&M Forest Service has prepositioned additional agency personnel and equipment, including 11 dozers and four engines, across areas of concern.
“Any time the forecast indicates that there is potential for wildfire activity, we mobilize resources to strategic locations to provide assistance to local fire departments and cooperators,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief.
Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management worked together to mobilize two strike teams via TIFMAS to provide wildfire incident support prior to this weekend’s increased activity.
“We greatly appreciate our state, federal and local partners that continue to diligently work together to protect Texas’ citizens and natural resources from wildfire,” said Moorehead.
Two large airtankers, three single engine air tankers, two air attack platforms and one aerial supervision module remain in state to assist with wildfire response efforts.
Texas A&M Forest Service encourages the public to avoid outdoor activities that may cause a spark while dry and windy conditions are present.
For current conditions and wildfire outlook, visit the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Trustees of the Bowie Independent School District welcomed one new member this week following the Nov. 5 election and accepted the 2023-24 outside audit with no exceptions.
Incumbent Trustee Jacky Betts returned to place one and Angie Christmas took the place two seat. After the board officers were dissolved with the new ones taking the oath, officers were elected. Betts will continue as president, Guy Green as vice president and Kent Dosch as secretary.
Paul Fleming of Edgin, Parkman, Fleming & Fleming, PC, presented the audit telling there were no issues and the process went smoothly. He noted the biggest change was the Legislature compressing the district tax rate and additional changes in the tax law. State aid formula grants increased due to the state’s funding formula compensating for lost property tax revenue due to the law change previously mentioned.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Information was the watchword for the second hospital/emergency room community meeting Tuesday night, as the steering committee was announced along with additional financial considerations.
About 50 people attended the meeting. Melody Gillespie, who was named chairperson for the committee, said the goal is to gather information to get it out into the community. This group was formed after the Bowie emergency room was closed by Faith Rural Health System in early October just shy of one year of operating in Bowie.
Kylie Ward, one of the public relations volunteers, said, “This committee is not here to force things on you and there are assumptions already we are proposing a tax. We are not, we don’t have that ability, we are just a research team here to explore all the options.”
Other members of the committee include Tiffany Chandler and Damon Benton handling finance and grant research; Jennifer Tellef, secretary; Valerie Tomerson, grant research; Ann Smith, PR and Margin Latham and Gillespie, legislative research. It was pointed out there are other members of the sub-committees who are helping with research, but they also invite anyone interested to help with the process.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo – Jack County Judge Keith Umphress spoke at this week’s steering committee meeting. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The following indictments were filed with the 97th District Clerk following the November session of the Montague County Grand Jury.
There were a total of 13 indictments with one sealed awaiting the arrest of a suspect.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Read the full list of indictments in your mid-week Bowie News.
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