NEWS
DPS increases patrols for Spring Break
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will increase its presence on the roads to ensure highways are safe as part of a spring break enforcement campaign. From March 12 through March 20, the Texas Highway Patrol will be out looking for people who are violating traffic laws as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). The Operation will include St. Patrick’s Day.
“Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation, but we need to make sure people are enjoying their vacations responsibly and following the law,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS will step up enforcement efforts on the roads, and we hope drivers will obey the posted speed limits, along with all the other laws, to make it possible for everyone to have a safe spring break.”
During the 2021 spring break enforcement effort, DPS Troopers issued more than 73,700 citations and warnings for violations. This included 7,236 speeding citations, 919 citations for seat belt or child safety seat violations and 500 Move Over, Slow Down citations and warnings. Troopers also made 512 felony arrests, 417 DWI arrests and 235 fugitive arrests.
To have a safe spring break holiday, DPS offers the following tips:
- Don’t drink and drive. If you plan to have alcohol outside of your home, have a designated driver or take alternate transportation.
- Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped. Through March 3 of this year, there have been 1,333 Move Over, Slow Down violations.
- If you can Steer It, Clear It. If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the lanes of traffic. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
- Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
- Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
- When using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
- Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of roadside assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
- Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you’re traveling. For road conditions and closures, visit Drive Texas.
NEWS
Commissioners to reconsider wastewater plant process
Montague County Commissioners will discuss how to move forward with plans to build a new wastewater treatment plant after no bids were received at the last court session.
The court will meet at 9 a.m. on Sept. 9.
When no bids arrived, Commissioner Mike Mayfield, who has been coordinating this project, said he would be talking to the engineers about how to move forward. The agenda states the county will consider going out for bids on various phases of the plant.
The court will discuss the distribution of unclaimed property capital credits funds from the state.
The 2024-25 county clerk records management and archive yearly plan will be offered.
Other topics on Monday’s agenda include the notice of election for Nov. 5; credit application and agreement with Norton Metals; consider commissioners having the option to use their own vehicle and be paid a stipend; precinct one request to clear a fence row and adjust drainage on North Johnson Loop and precinct two request to enter property on Alamo Road to clear a fence line. Both requested properties are owned by John Love.
NEWS
Bowie City Council to adopt tax rate
Members of the Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 facing several items of new business and project updates.
The ordinance setting the 2024 ad valorem tax rate will be considered at .5430 cents per $100 in property value. This is the third year for this same tax rate.
A joint election and equipment lease rental agreement will be presented related to the Nov. 5 council election.
A collection services contract and contingent fee contract with Perdue Brandon Law Firm will be examined for the collection of court fines and fees owed to the city. An ordinance providing a fee to defray the costs of that collection also will be considered.
There is only one item of old business, the second reading of the ordinance adopting the 2024-25 budget. The general fund is set at $10,714,390 and utility fund at $12,595,995 for a total operational budget of $23,310,385.
In the city manager’s monthly report Bert Cunningham will discuss the Downtown Revitalization project for Smythe Street, the Nelson Street drainage project and the addition of a raw water pump at the water treatment plant.
NEWS
Register to vote in time for the Nov. 5 election
Oct. 7 is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 general election.
Voters also can double check to make sure all the information is up-to-date. Go to votetexas.gov on the Texas Secretary of State’s website to see your registration and make any changes.
Registering to vote in Texas is easy, simply complete a voter registration application and return it to your county election office 30 days before the upcoming election date.
Complete an application using the SOS online voter registration. Fill in the required information, print, sign and mail the completed application to your county election office. Forms also can be delivered in person.
The Montague County Elections office is in the courthouse annex in Montague, 11339 State Highway 59N. All voter applications should be mailed to: Ginger Wall, elections’ administrator, P.O. Box 158, Montague, TX 76251.
Visit the county webiste at co.montague.tx.us, and click on the elections tab or direct any questions to the office at 894-2540.
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