NEWS
DPS steps up holiday enforcement
AUSTIN– The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement efforts this July Fourth holiday aiming to keep people safe as they celebrate America’s Independence Day.
“We know people will be out celebrating our nation’s freedom and we encourage everyone to do it in a responsible way,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Please be mindful of our state’s traffic laws, be courteous of other drivers on the roads and make safety your first priority so everyone can have a good holiday.”
Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) will run July 3 and July 4 and focuses on reducing crashes and violations of the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, which requires all drivers to slow down when police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks are stopped on the side of the road with their emergency lights activated.
DPS offers the following safety tips for people driving during the Fourth of July holiday:
- Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
- Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, TxDOT vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
- Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
- 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. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
- On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
- Don’t cut in front of large trucks, and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
- If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
- Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
- Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
- Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
- Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.
The Bowie Independent School District Board of Trustees welcomed new superintendent Dr. Donna L. Hale after approving her selection during a called meeting Thursday night.
The board named Hale the lone finalist 21 days earlier and started the state mandated 21-day clock before making the official job offer. Hale attended the meeting and after the vote signed her new contract and the group enjoyed cake.
Hale currently serves as assistant superintendent at Perryton ISD and previously led Miami ISD as superintendent. She brings more than 27 years of experience in education. She replaces Blake Enlow who resigned in mid-May.
Top photo – Dr. Donna Hale stands with members of the Bowie School Board after they formally offered her the position and voted on her approval. (News photo by Barbara Green)
Election filing began July 21 for the Nov. 4 city and school board elections.
Candidates wishing to run have until Aug. 18 to submit application for the ballot. Early voting begins on Oct 20.
The three incorporated cities in Montague County will each have mayoral elections, along with council races.
In the City of Bowie, the mayor’s position has been filled by Gaylynn Burris since her election in 2021. In council place one, Brent Shaw, place two, Donna Ashley and place three, Stephanie Post will be on the ballot.
In the City of Nocona, the mayor’s race is up for election. Robert Fenoglio has served as mayor since May 2007 and prior to that was a councilor for 10 years. Council positions are filled by Robert Fuller and Don Davis.
The Saint Jo City Council will have the mayor’s race for a one year unexpired term on the ballot after Mayor Kelly Williamson submitted his resignation on July 7. City Secretary Debbie Dennis said the letter cited personal reasons. Williamson was elected mayor last November and had strides in raising the community’s profile and putting information out into the community.
The council will meet on July 27 and officially receive the resignation. Aldermen spots filled by Martha Vite, Terry Stewart and Michael Dennis (unexpired term) will be on the ballot.
Bowie Independent School District will have
places three, Jeff Jackson and four Kent Dosch open for candidates.
Nocona ISD has two places on the ballot: Erica Patton, place three and Greg Fuller, place four.
And in Saint Jo ISD, the places filled by Mike Martin and Rodney Swirczynski will be open on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Forestburg, Gold-Burg and Prairie Valley ISDs do not have elections this year conducting races in alternating years.
Bowie Independent School District Trustees are expected to offer Dr. Donna L. Hale the superintendent’s job during a called session at 5:30 p.m. on July 24.
The required 21-day waiting period for the lone finalist comes to an end on Thursday for Hale. During an executive session the board will take any action back in open session.
Other items on Thursday’s agenda will include addendums on employee and campus employee handbooks, as well as the student and campus handbooks and the district discipline matrix.
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