COUNTY LIFE
Public hearing in Nocona Feb. 1 to examine Hwy. 82 explains options
Two public meetings are scheduled this week for discussion on possible Texas Department of Transportation plans to extend a divided, four-lane highway from Nocona west to Henrietta along U.S. Highway 82.
While highway expansion may be welcomed, local and county officials are urging TxDOT to avoid any consideration of a possible by-pass around Nocona.
TxDOT is studying U.S. 82 to establish a plan to widen and create possible new alignments. Post cards were sent out to residents that could be impacted.
County elected officials got a preliminary look at the study options two weeks ago. Four options are being debated:
•A bypass around Henrietta, either north or south of the city;
• A similar bypass around Nocona;
• Whether or not the second half of the roadway goes north or south of the existing roadway between Nocona and the Union Pacific Railroad underpass in Ringgold and Henrietta;
• And whether or not the second half of the roadway goes north or south of the existing roadway between the railroad underpass in Ringgold and Henrietta.
The first hearing will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Holman Center, 211 W. Clay in Henrietta. The second is the same time on Feb. 1 at the Nocona Community Center, 912 W. U.S. 82.
TxDOT officials will be present at the meetings, which are an open house come-and-go format.
Comments can be submitted to Shaun Barnes, P.E., at 940-720-7744 or MyProjectsWichitaFalls@txdot.gov. Comments must be submitted by Feb. 13 to be included.
The Montague County Commissioners, Nocona Chamber of Commerce, Nocona Economic Development Corporation, City of Nocona and Nocona School Board are all drafting letters urging TxDOT to drop the option of any bypass around Nocona.
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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