COUNTY LIFE
Mighty Marching Maroon marching to a new tune under Hickenbottom
By BARBARA GREEN
Bowie High School’s Mighty Marching Maroon takes to the field this season under the new direction of Kendel L. Hickenbottom, bringing 18 years of experience to the successful band program.
Hickenbottom comes to Bowie Independent School District From Collinsville ISD, where he worked since 2014 as head band director. He replaces Aaron Martin who resigned in June to take a position at Azle High School after three years in BISD.
The 49-year-old grew up in Southeastern Oklahoma, where his father worked as a “fixer,” for a large funeral home company. He would take care of problems at one location and then move to the next one.
“We moved eight times while I was in school and I graduated from Durant High School, where I was drum major,” recalls the director.
Hickenbottom said there was never a time when sound or music did not peak his interest.
“My parents laugh and talk about me listening to the washing machine and then I tried to copy the sound,” laughs the future percussionist.
Read the full feature in the weekend News.
Pictured: The new Bowie director puts his students through their paces during summer evening rehearsal. (Photo by Eric Viccaro)
Once again it’s time for the Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con at the Bowie Public Library on May 2.
What began several years ago as a free comic book day has grown into a full day of fun activities for the entire family centered around comics, video games, cosplayers and other creatives.
It is organized by the Bowie TX Freakz & Geeks and the Bowie Public Library. Activities run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library located at 301 Walnut.
There will be free comic books to kick start or expand your collection, an epic video game high score tournament, costume contest for cosplayers of all levels, raffles swag giveaways and exclusive goodies. Unique vendors also will be on hand with special guests. Bowie TX Freakz & Geeks is a local discord group on a mission to bring nerd culture and a better connection to the area and surrounding communities. Find group on Facebook. Share your passions that may be anime, art, comics, gaming, or movies.
Entries are now open for the 2026 Miss Jim Bowie Days Pageant with a deadline of May 31 to enter.
This contest is a longstanding tradition during Jim Bowie Days giving young women an opportunity to represent the community, promote rodeo and carry on a legacy building character, integrity and western heritage.
The pageant include two age divisions: Miss Jim Bowie, age 14-21 (as of June 1, 2026) and Little Miss Jim Bowie Days, ages 6-13 (as of June 1, 2026). Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on May 31. All applications, fees and required materials must be submitted by this time.
Applications and information is available at jimbowiedays.com, click Miss Jim Bowie Days.
There is an optional orientation meet at 6 p.m. on May 31 at the Bowie Community Center. It is strongly recommended contestants and parents attend this meeting.
Read more on this story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Pictured – Rodeo royals from 2025 competition. Bowie News file photo
Nocona’s Robert Fenoglio (Center) stands with his family after he received the Ed Wright Community Service Award during the North Central Texas College Foundation Starlite Gala. The award honors service and dedication to one’s community and supporting education. (Top photo)
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