Six Montague County volunteer fire department have received grants from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The service recently approved $29.3 million in funding for grants to through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
In the fourth funding round of the year, the program awarded 531 grants addressing volunteer fire department requests for personal protective equipment, slip-on units, fire and rescue equipment, water tenders, small brush trucks and training aids.
Nocona Hills Volunteer Fire Department received a $300,000 grant for a water tender vehicle. Montague and Sunset VFDs each received $45,000 for a slip-on unit, and the Nocona rural, Nocona city and Saint Jo VFDs each received $25,000 for fire and rescue equipment.

Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioners got their first look at higher expenses that can be anticipated for the new budget year as the appraisal district submitted its 2026-27 budget for consideration and the county also learned how much its health insurance will be go up in the new year.
The court met for its first meeting in June Monday. Kim Haralson, chief appraiser, presented the Montague County Tax Appraisal District budget proposal making her first stop with commissioners. She explained the budget is driven by a focus on cost-containment and reduction in operating expenses where possible.
“The abundance of growth we continue to see in the county is not showing any indication of slowing down. We are continuing to maintain five staff members for appraising as they have for 38 years.

Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.

Due to the weather forecast for rainfall on Saturday, the third annual Music in the Park event has been moved inside the community center on June 13.
Bonnie Kinder, event coordinator, said the park area would be a muddy mess if it rains, so they feel better moving it inside to go on as planned. Chairs will be available inside.
This free musical evening will feature a unique array of musical talent to entertain the guests. This festival is hosted by the Bowie Community Center and R&K Sound Company.
Music in the Park is free, but there is a $5 cooler charge. Food trucks will be on site and beer sales will be available through a local restaurant.
Live music begins at 4:30 p.m. with the opening acts of Jesse Wadsworth, Thad Murphy and the Monty Dawson Band of Bowie. The Lowdown Drifters will be headliner bringing their American country rock style to Bowie. In 2025, The Lowdown Drifters were honored as Americana Artist of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards YouTube.
If you want to start Saturday early, pull on your sneakers and take part in the Music Festival 5K run/walk. The run is 8 a.m. on June 13 at Pelham Park Pavilion.
The run-walk is open to all paces and all ages. Early packet pickup is 3-6 p.m. on June 12. Chip-timed by Styles Performance. Charity proceeds will go to Pregnancy Resource Center.
Cost to enter is $35. Participants will receive a finisher medal and T-shirt. Find the QR code to register on the Bowie Community Development Board or Bowie Community Center Events Facebook pages.

Top photo – The Low Down Drifters are the headliner act for the festival. (Courtesy photo)