COUNTY LIFE
Virus hits retail, service industries hard; business future unknown
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
The spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the United States has lead to the shutdown of businesses, schools and entire communities who have been ordered to “shelter in place.”
While many offices had altered their hours and operations more than two weeks ago, Thursday’s closure of restaurants for dining in, gyms and other similar businesses has put a massive financial burden on the owners, employees and the communities.
Within Bowie the business development entities are doing all they can to assist and encourage small and large businesses to keep calm and carry on. In local media the Bowie Economic Development Corporation, Bowie Chamber of Commerce and Bowie Community Development Board put together a list of food businesses that would continue or institute drive-through, call-ahead or delivery services. That list of firms has since been shared across social media outlets.
Janis Crawley, executive director for the Bowie Economic Development Corporation, said all three offices are pulling together to help local firms “think outside the box,” to keep their business viable during this pandemic.
“We have sent out resources about small business loans and programs, along with other resources that could assist them. We have not had a board meeting yet, so we have no formal plan in place right now, we just want to keep people informed on what the state and federal government is doing,” said Crawley.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News. See how large manufacturers are developing strategies to cope with the crisis.
There is no reason for anyone to spend Thanksgiving alone or go without a holiday meal as organizations in Bowie and Nocona hosts free community meals.
First Methodist Church of Bowie members will host the Bowie community Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located at 1515 Jefferson.
Church members invite you to come as you are to share a meal in fellowship hall or call for delivery or carry-out.
Delivery orders will be taken until noon on Nov. 27. Call the church office at 940-872-3384. Calling to report pick-up meals is helpful, although not necessary. There is no charge for dinner.
There will be a free hot meal on Thanksgiving Day at First Baptist Church of Nocona from 10-11:30 a.m. The church is at 511 Cooke and the meal of traditional favorites will be served in fellowship hall.
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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