NEWS
Bellmire fire called ‘suspicious’ by fire investigator
By BARBARA GREEN
Just three hours shy of the new year, local firefighters battled a massive blaze Saturday night that destroyed a former business landmark in Bowie.
The fire call came in at 8:57 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1101 Rock, site of the main building of the former Bellmire Nursing home. Bowie Fire Chief Doug Page said on arrival they found the fire was already through the roof of the 30,000-square foot L-shaped building.
Built in 1963, the Bellmire facility was vacated in 2012 when the home was moved to a new location along U.S. 287 and reopened as Advanced Rehabilitation and Healthcare. Bellmire had operated continuously since 1963 before the move.
There were no utilities and the preliminary investigation leads officials to call it suspicious. It began in an electrical closet off the main hall.
Read the full story in the mid-week News.
Hot and humid conditions will build on Wednesday and peak on Thursday, with widespread triple digit heat indices forecast. Those spending extended time outdoors will be susceptible to heat illness. Take appropriate precautions to avoid heat illness!
Several personnel issues including the superintendent’s summative evaluation and filling the vacant intermediate principal position face the Bowie School Trustees when they meet at 5:30 p.m. on June 16.
The superintendent’s review is usually done in two parts during the year with the summative an effort to evaluate overall progress. Donna Hale’s contract also will be considered. as she marks her first year leading the district.
For the intermediate principal’s job, Jason Childress left the post last month taking the new formed director of student services, which will handle many of the tasks the assistant superintendent handled such as curriculum and test scores. That assistant position was eliminated by the board after Lee Ann Farris left the job. Childress’ resignation has been submitted.
Filling the principal’s job and consideration of a rental agreement for a portion of the bus parking lot property also are set for executive session. Any action all these topics will be considered back in open session.
On the regular agenda, the board will receive the 2025 fiscal audit for Jack County. A small portion of the district runs into that county.
The superintendent will provide operational reports and personnel updates. Childress will present the preliminary STAAR scores and the status of board goals, while Paula Peterson, finance director, gives the monthly financial report.
Numerous annual items will be up for action: Contract for cafeteria software; budget amendments; consider the ESSA application, the Montague and Jack County Tax Appraisal District budgets; library books for the elementary; ESC 9 contracts and a Texas Association of School Boards policy updates.
The board also will consider offering open enrollment for pre-kindergarten students for the next school year.
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