COUNTY LIFE
Grass fire burns nearly 500 acres in Nocona Hills area; residents evacuated for short period

A fast-moving wildfire sparked Sunday afternoon near Nocona Hills threatening hundreds of homes in the Lake Nocona area and forcing evacuations from homes in the path of the fire.
Wildfires across the state of Texas this past weekend caused death and destruction in their paths fueled by drought conditions, low humidity and high winds. Sunday was deemed a red flag day for high fire conditions.
The Texas A&M Forest Service reported in total as of Friday agency firefighters worked on 13 wildfires for more than 71,074 acres.
In Montague County, the fire call came in at 2:18 p.m. for Nocona Rural Volunteer Fire Department and the Nocona Hills VFD for a fire on Nocona Drive in Nocona Hills, northeast of Nocona.
Nocona Rural Chief Rusty Henley said while en route they saw a large column of smoke and immediately requested the next closest department, Saint Jo VFD to respond.
On arrival, firefighters found a fast-moving fire in grass and heavy brush with multiple structures threatened. Henley noted the weather was 79 degrees, 16% relative humidity and falling and winds at 15 to 33 mph.
“Units began making direct fire attack where possible,” said Henley, “in an effort to stop the fire at the next road, Shady Grove Road. Extreme fire behavior, including long-range spotting and crowning were observed. A countywide request was made for other departments to assist.”
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.


COUNTY LIFE
Gregorys win May Yard of the Month

Congratulations to Gary and Lacresia Gregory at 1213 Lamb selected as the May Yard of the Month.
Sponsored by The Bowie News and Beautify Our Bowie, the contest winner gets bragging rights for a month with the brightly colored Yard of the Month sign posted in their yard. A winner will be named for April, May and June.
The Gregorys say they enjoy mowing and like to have a well-kept yard. Their yard is a thick carpet of grass with small, neat flower beds. A vintage-style fence divides the front lawn with the backyard which also is well kept. .
Thank you to all those who submitted a yard for consideration. They included 805 Central, 810 Bennett, 406 Strong, 900 Zahara, 1500 Lance and 707 Lee. We appreciate the interest and we encourage you to take note of special yards and turn them in for June 26.
Deadline for nominations is May 26. Call the Bowie News office at 940-872-2247 or email it to editor@bowienewsonline.com.
Read more on this story in the weekend Bowie News.
COUNTY LIFE
Summer reading begins June 6

The Bowie Public Library kicks off its summer reading program on June 6 with a two-month series of activities with the theme, “All Together Now.”
Library Director Beth Hiatt told the city council last week the focus is how all small things done to help in the community are worthwhile and impact its citizens.
Summer reading programs take place at the Bowie Community Center at 10 a.m. Each Tuesday in June and July, except July 4. These programs are free and open to children through age 12.
June opens with “Patriotic Patty,” on June 6. The field day will follow on June 13 with bounce houses and water balloons. A beekeeper will visit on June 20 and the youngsters will create their own flower pots. On June 27 the kids will be making cards and fleece lap blankets for residents at Advanced Rehab.
July begins with movie day on July 18. On July 18 they will make snacks and create appreciation banners for the local fire and police departments. The series concludes with the popular Creature Teachers on July 25 with a variety of animals.
Children can pick up their reading logs at the library or on the first day.
Between June 5 and July 25 the library will be collecting donated items for the Bowie Animal Shelter. After the Creature Teacher the items will be delivered to the shelter and the children are invited to go with the staff as it is delivered.
COUNTY LIFE
Nocona pool to open June 5

The Nocona Community Pool will open at 12:30 p.m. on June 5.
Daily admission is $3 per person with an individual season pass at $80 and a family pass for up to four people $180 and $30 for each person after four.
Hours will be 12:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The pool is operated by the Nocona Independent School District. Parties must be scheduled with Coach Nolan Lanham or Clancey Lanham. Message the pool Facebook or nolan.lanham@noconaisd.net.
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