COUNTY LIFE
Families partner to breathe new life into, remodel Nocona motel
By ERIC VICCARO
Nocona residents Bob and Kristal Ferguson and Rusty and Carolyn Fenoglio on July 1 purchased the former Nocona Inn at 219 Clay Street.
The plan is to reopen the small hotel by early February 2015, just in time for Nocona’s Mardi Gras celebration, under a new name – Red River Station Inn.
Coincidentally, a new restaurant will open next door called Red River Pizzeria sometime later this year.
Nocona has long been a resting spot for travelers, with United States Highway 82 and several Texas State Highways and farm-to-market routes running like arteries throughout the community.
“It was a rest point for those headed north up to the Red River and Oklahoma,” said Bob Ferguson.
The building was once the location of a mini-mall.
The Fergusons and Fenoglios have the idea that remodeled rooms will have specific themes based on figures from Nocona’s storied past.
The previous hotel had 18 rooms, but that will be pared down to 14 once remodeling has been completed, Ferguson reported.
Some of the historical people expected to be included are: Herman Joseph “H.J.” Justin, Enid Justin, Quanah Parker, Ruth Roach and Jack Crain.
“Each room will have a shadow box that will explain the story of that room,” Bob’s wife Kristal Ferguson said.
Bob Ferguson explained the hotel will have a New Orleans theme – especially with the exteriors and an interior courtyard – because the first explorers to see the area were of French descent back in the 1700s.
“They came here even before the Spanish,” he said.
Ferguson and others are currently gutting the rooms, which includes the carpeting.
The quartet of owners is terming it a “total renovation.”
Read the full story in the Sept. 3 edition of The Bowie News.
Nocona and Saint Jo High Schools will be sending students to the state University Interscholastic League academics meet in Austin next week.
NHS had two students qualify after contests last weekend. Abby Hill, sophomore, placed first in feature writing and fourth in news writing. This was her first year to compete in journalism. Her first place win sends her to state in feature writing where she will compete on May 14.
Isaac Fulumana, junior, placed first in current events, and this also is his first year to compete. He had the highest score across the state on the regional test.
Fulumana placed third in literary criticism and this is his second year to compete at the state level in this category. He will compete on May 15. The school placed 12th overall out of 50 schools at regionals.
The Saint Jo spelling team are the regional champions and will compete at the state UIL contest. Its members include Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth, Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. Johnson was second place individual.
Other students competing at the Region 3 academic meet were Layla Polk, fifth place in persuasive speaking and Maxey Johnson, fifth in ready writing. Good luck to all of them.
(Pictured top) Saint Jo’s spelling team of Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. (Right) Nocona’s Abby Hill and Isaac Fulumana.
Young ladies interested in competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days 2024 are invited to attend a mandatory pre-contest meeting at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Bowie Rodeo Arena (highway side).
This annual contest is open to girls ages 14-21 for Miss Jim Bowie and those 13 and under for Little Miss. An application and contestant photo will be due at that time. There is an application fee of $50 and a sponsorship fee of $100 (name of sponsor will be placed on their sash).
The Miss JBD contest will be on June 28 with horsemanship at 8 a.m. at the arena. A brunch will follow and time will be allotted to change clothes.
Contestants also will be required to ride Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the grand entry and rodeo; Saturday morning parade at 10:30 a.m. and attend every festivity during the festival.
Queen prizes will be a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, a $500 college scholarship, clothing allowance and more. Little Miss prizes include a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, clothing allowance and more.
For application forms or those with questions may call Rilla Brock, 817-228-6914 or Shalee Rater at 254-979-5780.
With a wet April already in full swing and more storms expected in the coming months, the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District staff is here to provide tips and tricks on creating your very own rainwater harvesting system.
Nearby counties received between 24-28 inches of rain last year, and just a fraction caught from roofs and barns can sustain landscaping, livestock, or family homes.
Rainwater harvesting helps alleviate stress on local groundwater systems, preserves streets and roadways, and can even slash your monthly utility bill. View our recommendations below and consider a harvesting system today.
The district recently named the five finalists for the 2024 grant program for rainwater harvesting system.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
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