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Second budget workshop tackles major infrastructure needs, utility rates proposed

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By BARBARA GREEN
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It was a rather subdued City of Bowie budget workshop Monday night as the council went through the major utility budgets and were confronted with long-needed infrastructure repairs, especially in the water distribution and collection system.
As the needs and requests unfolded it was clear Bowie is far behind in upkeep and maintenance of its systems. With major line replacement topping the priority list the idea of borrowing money to finance the expensive repairs was broached.
City Manager Bert Cunningham also proposed rate changes to bring the sewer and water departments closer to paying their own way, along with a tax rate/electric rate increase/reduction offset.
Along with the budget workshop the council went into a half hour executive session to discuss the sale of the property located at Farm-to-Market 1125 and U.S. 287.
Back in open session the council gave Mayor Gaylynn Burris authority to negotiate with the realtor on a potential offer for the land.
The city purchased the 9.59 acres in the summer of 2014 for $178,840. There had been discussion of using the land for a future city office complex, but that plan fell by the wayside due to budget constraints and public outcry.
Rate proposals
Cunningham, working on his first budget as city manager, offered the council some preliminary proposals for rate changes. He said it “horrible” to operate a utility at a deficit because it provides no money for upkeep and it should operate shooting for a 10 percent profit to allow for maintenance.
Looking back a little more than two years ago when new water and sewer rates were proposed, Cunningham said those increases were 25 percent in water and 45 in sewer. In comparison he said his proposal of three percent in water and 15 percent in sewer are minor.

Read the full story in the mid-week News.

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Dollar General Market now open in Sunset

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The new Dollar General Market in Sunset is now open at 325 State Highway 101.
The new DG Market store format features an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, as well as the same categories, brands and products customers trust Dollar General to carry.
“We are excited to provide Sunset residents with our new DG Market format and look forward to welcoming customers to our new location,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “At Dollar General, we are committed to serving our customers with a pleasant shopping experience and strive to be a good corporate citizen. The new DG Market format will provide the Sunset community with closer access to fresh and healthier foods and a convenient location to purchase the items they want and need at everyday low prices. We hope our customers will enjoy the new store.”

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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Nocona Chamber of Commerce presents annual awards

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By BARBARA GREEN
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The Nocona Chamber of Commerce was in “Full Bloom” Monday night as its celebrated the past year and welcomed new officers and directors for the new term.
Following the floral them of “In Full Bloom,” the banquet tables were colorfully decorated by members using spring colors and flowers or promoting their own business.
Chamber Board President Emory Roden, entering the second year of a two-year term, brought the welcome, followed by Emily Carminati, executive director, who introduced the new officers that include Roden, Susie Grant as vice president, Bob Taylor as treasurer and Heather Morris, secretary. Board members are Amber Harper, Becky Fenoglio-Hankamer, Corissa Miller, Donna Lemons, Glenda Womble, Jason Castle, Jodi Womble, Kristal Ferguson, Mandy Kirkpatrick, Marie Molsbee and Monica Sterling.
Roden presented the Citizen of the Year award, which he said this year was instead going to a pair of citizens who kept being mentioned during the nomination process. The award went to Nellann McBroom and Dennis McBroom for their efforts to improve and support Nocona.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

Pictured at the top: Dennis and Nellann McBroom received the Citizens of the Year Award presented by Nocona Chamber President Emory Roden. (News photo by Barbara Green)

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Tank truck, pickup crash injures one

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One person went to the Bowie emergency room following this accident on U.S. Highway 81 and Applegate Road at 2:52 p.m. Wednesday. Department of Public Safety officers report a truck tractor tanker was north bound on Hwy 81 driven by Michael Logan, 57, Duncan, OK. A passenger car moved into the left lane to pass the truck and Logan reportedly tapped his brakes, that locked up causing him to jack-knife across the highway. As the tanker crossed into oncoming traffic a southbound Dodge Ram 2500 pickup driven by Bradley Werner, 49, Lavaca, AZ struck the tanker. Werner was transported by Bowie EMS to the ER with undisclosed injuries. Texas Department of Transportation crews arrived on the scene to assist while debris and vehicles were removed from the highway. (Photo by Barbara Green)

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