SPORTS
OUTDOORS: TPWD examines bat disease
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $32,719 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to monitor and manage a deadly disease affecting bats.
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated bat populations in many states.
Bat Conservation International, a nonprofit based in Austin, will do much of the work using grant funds.
WNS, a fungal condition, was first discovered in New York state in winter of 2006, and has spread to 29 states and five Canadian provinces.
It has yet to be detected in Texas, which is home to 32 species of bats – including 18 species that roost or hibernate in caves.
The state has a high diversity of bats, with an overlap of eastern and western varieties that could only accelerate the spread of WNS into the west.
The Mexican free-tailed bat, a well-known species in parts of the state, is not considered at high risk because it migrates and doesn’t hibernate in Texas.
Biologists are concerned about the big brown bat, southeastern myotis and tri-colored bat.
While population estimates for cave-roosting bats are not available for most of Texas, 2012 cave surveys documented 8,500 myotis in six caves.
The Texas grant will fund winter surveys at priority roost sites in the Panhandle.
TPWD drawings
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will have three drawings for a Lifetime Super Combo license.
The cost of one entry is $5.
Entries for the drawing may be added to yearly license purchases at retailers, by phone at 1-800-895-4248 and online at: www.tpwd.texas.gov/licensedraw.
There is no limit on the number of entries.
Pokemon Go used to get Texans outside
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is using Pokemon Go as a new way to introduce nature to players venturing into the outdoors.
People are spending more time outdoors going on virtual hunts for elusive Japanese characters known as Pokemon.
The game uses augmented reality to guide players on a quest to catch characters from the cartoon in real world locations.
Many TPWD parks are the home to interactive components such as a PokeStop or Pokemon gymnasium.
The TPWD has created a new digital guide in its free mobile application with tips and tricks for gamers planning their next Pokemon hunting adventure in a Texas State Park. Read more from this notebook in the Aug. 27 Bowie News.
The Mexican free-tailed bat, shown here, is not as high risk for White-nose Syndrome as other species of bats. Still, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be using grant money to examine the disease in Texas bats. (Courtesy photo from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)
In its first match since last year’s state semifinal appearance, Saint Jo hosted Bryson Aug. 11 and took a 25-13, 25-12, 25-21 win over the Cowgirls.
The Lady Panthers lost some talent to graduation but have five seniors ready to have a successful season. Savannah Hil, one of the five, got Saint Jo rolling offensively with a four-point serving string, including a pair of aces. Abby Carter’s kill and Kamron Skidmore’s block helped put the Lady Panthers up 5-2 in game one.
Hadleigh Moore added a four-point string of her own to extend the lead to 10-3. Tatum Morman’s pair, helped by a Hill kill, gave Saint Jo a 14-5 lead. Bryson got within five before a Hill 3-pointer, with help by a Carter kill, put the lead back at 18-10.
After an Olivia Johnson kill broke serve, Jordyn O’Neal served up the final five points, with Johnson providing a kill to move things along.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
Despite being the smallest school in the Brock varsity classic volleyball tournament, the Lady Indians finished 4th out of the eight teams there.
After losing to the host team in its first pool play match Aug. 14 18-25, 14-25 and also to Class 3A Wall 12-25, 8-25, Nocona rebounded to close out pool play with a 20-25, 25-23, 25-20 win over Christoval. Sy Parker had 16 kills and 7 blocks in the three matches. Raylea Bowles had 12 kills, 17 digs and served up three aces. Maddyn Bowles had seven kills and 14 digs while Paige Davis had seven kills and 15 digs. Baylee Thomas added 11 digs.
From the setter spot, Kasi Castro had 20 assists, served up five aces and contributed 14 digs. Leah Meekins added 18 assists and six digs during the three matches.
To open Saturday’s bracket play, the Lady Indians posted a 25-18, 18-25, 26-24, 25-19 win over Fort Worth Christian. Castro staked Nocona to a 2-0 lead in game one. Kills by Parker set up pairs of points from Raylea Bowles and Leah Meekins helped Nocona negate an early deficit and take a 10-9 lead.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
County football teams had their first scrimmage of the season Aug. 14 with mixed results.
Forestburg hosted Azle Christian and Victory Christian. Under a new system with new head coach Cori Hayes, the Longhorns looked pretty good in the coach’s eye.
“The first team looked good,” Hayes explained. “Overall we need to work on our pace and blocking assignments and blocking assignments. Overall we looked good for the new regime.”
Forestburg hits the road to scrimmage Newcastle Aug. 21.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
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