NEWS
Mayor updates on storm cleanup, available resources
In a Sunday morning press briefing, city officials reported on the clean-up efforts underway across the city.
City crews from all departments have been joined by county teams, Texas Department of Transportation, other cities in the area and many other volunteer organizations eager to help.
Mayor Gaylynn Burris said “saw teams,” from the state have arrived to help cut down large debris. People who have cleared those items at their homes can place them at the curb for pick up or take them to the Bowie Business Park where they can be dropped off. This is for vegetation only, no household trash such as furniture.
Rolloff dumpsters also have been placed around the community for household items. They are located at the junior high parking lot behind the main building, Wilbarger Street and Bowie Industrial Park.
Donations are being accepted at the community center east hall of food, water, diapers and formula only. Also in the west hall there will be a damage assessment team member available to answer questions and help those who incurred damage. Call 211-click option 1 for details.
A storm relief fund will be set up at Legend Bank for monetary, tax deductible donations. Details on that will be available as soon as it is set up. The mayor said it is the hope this can assist those who may be uninsured or under insured.
Burris said CERTZ teams will be going door-to-door to make damage assessment. She said this is vitally important and this information is vital to any future aid programs the city, its businesses and residents may qualify for assistance.
Samaritan’s Purse has come into the city with its volunteers to provide disaster relief. They have chainsaw teams, tarping and they welcome other volunteers to join their efforts. The group is set up at Calvary Baptist Church. Call 940-229-8877 if you would like to help or require assistance.
Residents also are urged to take part in a damage survey listed on the city’s webpage: cityofbowietx.com. This is part of the damage assessment that will be used to determine funding for repair and relief. It also will be on the city’s Facebook page.
The mayor said if there are any citizens who cannot stay in their home due to damage or have needs, go to a local church where they can guide you to some of the resources which are available to help storm victims.
Bowie fire and police emergency personnel responded to this structure fire call around 10:30 a.m. Friday morning. No details were available at this time on a possible cause, possibly from trash inside the station or inside a vehicle. (News photo by Barbara Green)
Gregory Bell, 58, Saint Jo, was found guilty of the murder of Tia Hutson, 50, also of Saint Jo after less than an hour of jury deliberation Thursday afternoon.
She was found beaten and raped in her home in August 2022 and six days later never regaining consciousness. The jury also deliberated Bell’s sentence giving him the maximum life in prison and a $10,000 find. It took them less than half an hour to make the decision. A deadly finding also determined a large flashlight was used as a deadly weapon.
As the jury left the courtroom some members were seen hugging Trevor Riley, Tia Hutson’s son. His sister Kami Taylor, read a powerful victim’s statement to the court.
Staff and volunteers at the Bowie Mission continue to be plagued by people who dump their unwanted furniture and other items at their gates and doors. Despite having signs stating this is illegal and that there are surveillance cameras on scene, dumpers don’t seem to be phased.
This past week several large pieces of furniture were dumped right in front of the gate where the trailer used to go pick up food bank items is stored. Cynthia Brewer, director said most of the volunteers are older and it is difficult to get these large items moved out of the way. She is at her wit’s end trying to get people to stop dumping and while she hesitates to file police charges the situation is getting untenable as people continue to violate the policy.
Anyone who observes illegal dumping at the mission is urged to call the police 872-2251.
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