NEWS
Record turnout for ‘off’ year; Bowie selects new mayor
Montague County voters cast their first ballots on the new voting machines Tuesday approving nine of the 10 proposed Texas Constitutional amendments and selecting new leaders for the Bowie City Council and Bowie School Board.
Across the county the total voter turnout was 21.65 percent with 2,880 ballots cast from the 13,305 registered voters.
Ginger Wall, elections administrator, said the new machines were well-received by voters, with several noting they liked being able to review their ballot selections before hitting approve.
“We had a record turnout for an ‘off’ year,’ and it wasn’t just here, it was across the state. Everything ran very smooth,” explained Wall.
These election figures are all unofficial until votes are canvassed by their respective governing body.
With no major national or state races voter turnout tends to be lower. That is expected to change in 2020 with the party primaries and presidential election.
Voters selected a new Bowie mayor Tuesday as Bill Miller defeated Incumbent Mayor Gaylynn Burris, 396-315. This was the first time in more than 11 years there was a contested mayor’s race.
Within the city’s boundaries there are 6,588 registered voters with 1,508 ballots cast on Tuesday, resulting in a 21.80 percent turnout.
Diana Higgins and Jason Love won their respective council races, as did Wayne Bell who was unopposed. Jeff Jackson won the contest school board seat.
Read the full story in your weekend Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
A public hearing has been scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on May 28 for the Montague County Commissioner’s Court to present the updated subdivision regulations that have been in the works for several months.
That date was set during Monday’s court session, where a development officer also was named and a state-required notice was approved. The 89-page draft of the subdivision regulations are available on the county website co.montague.tx.us/page/montague.home.
It was August 2019 when the regulations were adopted by the commissioners after much debate among water well drillers, groundwater district staff and directors, realtors and land developers.
During those original discussions water issues lead the way as many counties especially around heavily populated urban areas are experiencing water shortages and possible contamination due to an inadequate number of houses and wells or even the use of a public water system in the rural areas.
Charley Lanier, who has been working as a grant officer for the county, was named to be the subdivision development officer. After a brief 10-minute executive session, the court named Lanier who they said would be the “initial contact” for all developers who will accept all paperwork and plats.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
City of Bowie water and street crews repair a broken water line in the area of Walnut and Smythe last week, along with repairing a large pot hole in the same area. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Bowie Intermediate School students, staff and families enjoyed a “STAAR” Party on April 18 celebrating the hard work of all preparing for STAAR testing as well as other year’s successes. There were about 200 students and parents attending to enjoy the activities that included telescopes provided through the 3Rivers Foundation. It was a clear night perfect for star gazing, there also was an outdoor movie and other activities. (BIS courtesy photos)
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