BREAKING: Sain announces gun swap program

During a special called session of the Bolivar City Council on Monday, November 24, Hardeman County Mayor Jimmy Sain pledged the county's support to the City of Bolivar in their efforts to eliminate additional shootings and decrease crime. Sain publically announced a Gun Swap will be held Saturday, December 13 at the National Guard Armory in Bolivar.

"There will be no law enforcement around. You will just pull up, you don't even have to get out of your car, and turn in your gun to one of the church members there and you'll get a gift card to Wal Mart," said Sain. 

Sain said the program is the idea and project of Pleasant Grove Church in Grand Junction. Sain said the county is partnering with Pleasant Grove and Dixie Hills Baptist Church to host the program.

"It's a way to try and get some of these guns off the street," said Sain. 

During the meeting, residents addressed their concerns regarding the shootings as well as some voiced their displeasure with the Bolivar Police Department. On the other hand, Bolivar resident Brenda Woods said she was angry about the shootings occuring but understood it was not just the responsibility of law enforcement. Woods said she was 'disappointed' that no more than 20 individuals attended the meeting, with two thirds of those attending being law enforcement officials. Woods called for the community, cities, county, churches, and residents to work together in order to make the neighborhoods safe again. 

For complete coverage of the meeting, responses, and a breakdown of the shootings, don't miss this week's Bulletin-Times. Video coverage of the meeting will be posted soon.