COUNTY LIFE
DPS urges safety precautions during trick or treating
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding parents, drivers and children to incorporate safety into their Halloween plans. Adults and kids can avoid a variety of potential dangers by adhering to basic safety practices and using extra caution in areas where trick-or-treaters will be celebrating.
“Trick-or-treaters of various ages will be out for Halloween, and drivers should exercise additional caution, especially watching for children who may suddenly dart into the roadway,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “To help avoid a needless tragedy, slow down, avoid distractions, and don’t drink and drive. If your celebration involves alcohol, always designate a sober driver or choose alternate transportation.”
DPS offers the following tips to keep in mind while driving during Halloween:
- Don’t drink and drive. (Designate a sober driver or take a cab.)
- Eliminate distractions, including the use of mobile devices.
- Slow down; and further reduce speeds in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
When planning a trick-or-treat route, parents may visit the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry – which includes a mapping function – to check for offenders who may be living in their neighborhood at https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffenderRegistry/Search.
Parents can also check the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry for offenders in their neighborhood by downloading the free DPS mobile app for use on iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets. The app provides interactive and easy-to-use maps for searching registered sex offenders by location, name, route and proximity. To see a demonstration of how to search by route using the DPS app, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnsdpxA9Dbk. Individuals are reminded to report suspicious or criminal activity through the mobile app; at www.iwatchtx.org; or by calling 1-844-643-2251.
Make sure you have the most updated version of the app. The app is currently available for iPhone users on the Apple App Store (http://tinyurl.com/kj43lsr) and for Android users on Google Play (http://tinyurl.com/kda7ww8).
Texans can also stay safe by using these Halloween safety tips:Look both ways before crossing roadways, and always walk; don’t run.
- Cross the roadway at intersections and crosswalks.
- Travel in groups with adult supervision and in neighborhoods you are familiar with.
- Do not enter the cars or homes of strangers, and avoid homes with porch lights turned off.
- Make sure children know their home phone number and how to call 911 or their local emergency number in case they have an emergency or become lost.
- Take all treats home for an adult to inspect before eating anything, and never eat candy obtained without a wrapper.
Individuals should also follow these tips when selecting a costume:
- Avoid toy guns and knives – they could easily be mistaken for a real weapon.
- Wear costumes that are light in color or place reflective material on the costume, so drivers can see you.
- Avoid using masks, if possible, to allow for better visibility and peripheral vision.
- Carry a flashlight.
Nocona and Saint Jo High Schools will be sending students to the state University Interscholastic League academics meet in Austin next week.
NHS had two students qualify after contests last weekend. Abby Hill, sophomore, placed first in feature writing and fourth in news writing. This was her first year to compete in journalism. Her first place win sends her to state in feature writing where she will compete on May 14.
Isaac Fulumana, junior, placed first in current events, and this also is his first year to compete. He had the highest score across the state on the regional test.
Fulumana placed third in literary criticism and this is his second year to compete at the state level in this category. He will compete on May 15. The school placed 12th overall out of 50 schools at regionals.
The Saint Jo spelling team are the regional champions and will compete at the state UIL contest. Its members include Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth, Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. Johnson was second place individual.
Other students competing at the Region 3 academic meet were Layla Polk, fifth place in persuasive speaking and Maxey Johnson, fifth in ready writing. Good luck to all of them.
(Pictured top) Saint Jo’s spelling team of Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. (Right) Nocona’s Abby Hill and Isaac Fulumana.
Young ladies interested in competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days 2024 are invited to attend a mandatory pre-contest meeting at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Bowie Rodeo Arena (highway side).
This annual contest is open to girls ages 14-21 for Miss Jim Bowie and those 13 and under for Little Miss. An application and contestant photo will be due at that time. There is an application fee of $50 and a sponsorship fee of $100 (name of sponsor will be placed on their sash).
The Miss JBD contest will be on June 28 with horsemanship at 8 a.m. at the arena. A brunch will follow and time will be allotted to change clothes.
Contestants also will be required to ride Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the grand entry and rodeo; Saturday morning parade at 10:30 a.m. and attend every festivity during the festival.
Queen prizes will be a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, a $500 college scholarship, clothing allowance and more. Little Miss prizes include a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, clothing allowance and more.
For application forms or those with questions may call Rilla Brock, 817-228-6914 or Shalee Rater at 254-979-5780.
With a wet April already in full swing and more storms expected in the coming months, the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District staff is here to provide tips and tricks on creating your very own rainwater harvesting system.
Nearby counties received between 24-28 inches of rain last year, and just a fraction caught from roofs and barns can sustain landscaping, livestock, or family homes.
Rainwater harvesting helps alleviate stress on local groundwater systems, preserves streets and roadways, and can even slash your monthly utility bill. View our recommendations below and consider a harvesting system today.
The district recently named the five finalists for the 2024 grant program for rainwater harvesting system.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
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