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.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The City of Nocona has been nominated as a rural Opportunity Zone by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Mayor Christopher Nunneley said they will begin “pitching” this federal tax angle to potential businesses.”
At a Tuesday afternoon press conference Nunneley, Donna Culpepper, executive director for the Nocona Economic Development Corporation and Michelle Page of the Nocona Chamber of Commerce announced the nomination and offered a brief overview of the federal tax incentives that can become available.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Remember Sept. 11 2001, 25 years later
While history will remember Sept. 11, 2001 among the darkest days in America’s history, it also is a day marked not only by tremendous heroism and bravery by first responders, but also every day Americans from all walks of life who showed the world our country would not be intimidated by terrorism.
There were 2,996 people killed during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York city police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers. Tens of thousands more suffered in the aftermath due to exposure to chemicals and industrial debris.
The Bowie News editor asked some local lawmen, firefighters, a pilot and two retired FBI agents their memories of this tragic day and how their jobs were impacted by the events. We thank them for sharing their reflections.
Read the full feature in your Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Looking toward the future, the Bowie City Council Tuesday night voted to add an assistant city manager position promoting Public Works Director Stony Lowrance to the job.
The agenda listed an executive session to discuss evaluation of the city manager. Councilors went to closed session at 6:30 p.m. and 15 minutes later asked City Manager Bert Cunningham and Lowrance to come in. After 15 minutes they left the session and a few minutes later the full council came back to open session.
Councilor Brent Shaw, in making the motion for the assistant city manager, pointed to expanded duties the manager has undertaken. Councilor Boyd Hulstine made the second as the vote received unanimous approval.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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