COUNTY LIFE
Law officers take required school safety training in Bowie
More than 20 Montague County law enforcement officers took part in two days of new active shooter training conducted in Bowie at its school campuses.
Lt. Bob Blackburn served as liaison with the Department of Public Safety that coordinated the training which is required for all school-based law enforcement. He said ALERRT is a new advanced rapid response training, and while school-based officers are mandated to take it, he anticipated it may be required soon as part of the two-year training cycle for the state law enforcement licensing.
Bowie Police have been participating in active shooting training at its campuses for the past several years, which Blackburn said helped put them slightly “ahead of the curve” in some aspects.
“While it is required for SROs, some agencies are making it mandatory for all. The BPD special response team trains twice a month. This was one of the best training I have been in. It reinforces what we have trained in the past polishing it up,” he said.
There were nine officers from Bowie including all SROs, the chief, CID and patrol, two from Nocona Police, six from the sheriff’s office and several Department of Public Safety troopers.
Blackburn said it was a new mindset for old and new officers as years ago they use to “stage and wait for SWAT,” but now the immediate focus is to “stop the killing,” which is different than 20 years ago.

COUNTY LIFE
Hot, dry weather continues
National Weather Service Fort Worth report: We’re closing down the work week with another round of HOT and DRY weather. Much of the area will see an elevated fire weather threat again today! A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 pm this evening. More heat headlines likely this weekend and early next week
COUNTY LIFE
County cemetery board readies fish fry
It’s time once again for the Montague County Cemetery Board Fish Fry.
The fish fry will begin serving at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Forestburg Community Center. The price is $10 per person for all you can eat, and child’s plate for 12 and under is $5. Take-out is also available.
The meal will consist of locally caught crappie and catfish, French fries, beans, hushpuppies, coleslaw and all the trimmings and homemade desserts.
The main purpose of the Montague County Cemetery Board is to look after the county’s abandoned cemeteries. The county has between 50 and 60 abandoned cemeteries. Cleaning a cemetery typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Any help is greatly appreciated. Help can be monetary, but it can also be as simple as reporting a suspected lost cemetery, allowing access to the cemetery, or spending a day alongside others cleaning. Volunteers are always welcome.
Another goal of the Cemetery Board is to obtain Historical Status from the Texas Historical Commission for the abandoned cemeteries. This status records the cemetery with both the county and state. It helps to protect them for years to come.
COUNTY LIFE
New Leadership class opens in county
Leadership Montague County is now accepting applications for its upcoming class. Deadline to submit an application is Sept. 1.
Individuals who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of Montague County and building lasting professional and community relationships are encouraged to apply.
The program is a nine-month leadership development program consisting of nine, one-day, monthly meetings. Participants will explore topics including local government, agriculture, education, healthcare, business and industry, public safety, economic development and community leadership through interactive sessions and site visits. The group will be traveling to Austin in the spring to visit with the legislators and senators and to see how they work for the county residents.
Leadership Montague County is designed for emerging and established leaders who have a desire to become more involved in improving the quality of life throughout Montague County.
Class size is limited, and early application is encouraged. For additional information or to request an application, contact: Leadership Montague County, j-hansard@tamu.edu or call 940-894-2831
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