NEWS
Governor directs DPS to bolster security surrounding religious spaces
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to bolster security efforts surrounding places of worship in the wake of the escalation of violent attacks against people and places of faith across the nation. In partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, this operation will increase safety and security at churches, synagogues, and faith-based organizations in Texas.
“Places of worship are sacred,” said Governor Abbott. “We will marshal all resources necessary to safeguard our places of faith. To accomplish that objective, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security efforts to protect places of worship.”
Working alongside local and federal law enforcement partners, DPS’ security mission will be made up of Texas Highway Patrol troopers, Criminal Investigations Division special agents, and Texas Rangers supported by DPS’ Homeland Security Division to identify threats and prevent life-threatening attacks before they happen.
Texans are also reminded to use the iWatchTexas Community Reporting System – a critical resource for the public to report any suspicious activities or behaviors in and around their schools, places of worship, and communities that may indicate criminal, terroristic, or school safety-related threats.
Anyone can report those behaviors via the mobile app, online at www.iwatchtx.org, or by calling 1-844-643-2251. A report usually takes less than five minutes, and once submitted, each report is reviewed by law enforcement analysts. All reports are confidential (providing contact information, which is optional, will allow for follow-up questions).
The iWatchTexas app is free and available for iPhone and Android. Texans are urged to download the app immediately.
Note: The iWatchTexas program is not designed to report emergencies. If a situation requires an emergency response, call 9-1-1.
NEWS
Sales tax holiday can help back-to-school shoppers
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines is reminding shoppers they can save money on clothes and school supplies during the state’s sales tax holiday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7-9.
State law exempts sales tax on qualified items — such as clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks — priced below $100, saving shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. The dates of the sales tax holiday and list of tax-exempt items are set by the Texas Legislature.
“I am encouraging Texas families to take advantage of this sales tax holiday,” Huffines said. “As a father of five, I know how fast these expenses add up, and this weekend is the perfect time for Texans to save cash on the items they need.”
Huffines estimates that shoppers will save $142.5 million in state and local sales tax during this year’s sales tax holiday.
The exemption applies whether shoppers buy items in stores, online, by telephone or by mail.
Shoppers using layaway also can benefit. Items placed on layaway or final payments made on existing layaway purchases during the holiday are tax free, provided the individual item price remains below $100.
If a retailer mistakenly charges sales tax on a qualifying item, customers may request a refund directly from the seller. For more information about sales tax refunds, go to the Comptroller’s website.
A full list of tax-free items is available at TexasTaxHoliday.org.
NEWS
Sunset camera finds auto being sought by police
While the use of license plate reader cameras, aka Flock cameras, are being hotly debated in Bowie, an incident occurred this past week that resulted in a pursuit from Bowie into Wise County that resulted in one arrest.
Bowie Police Chief Guy Green reported dispatched received a phone call at 1:16 p.m. from a woman who said she saw a woman hanging out of the window of a dark colored Jeep screaming for help and to call 911. It was first seen in the area of the Allsup’s on Wise Street and a short time later a Sunset Flock camera picked up the vehicle near Sunset. After a brief chase and foot pursuit one man was arrested, Hector Borrego, as a suspect in the case.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
NEWS
Montague ISD breaks ground on building project
Montague ISD has began construction on campus for an expansion designed to better serve students for generations.
The project will add four new classrooms, three offices and modern restroom facilities, while creating one of the district’s most anticipated improvements; connecting the main school building directly to the gymnasium. When completed, students will be housed under one roof, creating a more unified campus and enhancing safety for students, staff, and visitors.
Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.
Photo – Staff and school board members from Montague Independent School District broke ground on a new expansion project. (Courtesy photo)
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