COUNTY LIFE
Unique hobby turns helpful during emergencies
By DANI BLACKBURN
Montague County amateur radio operators travel all around the world without leaving home through a unique hobby that combines technology and communication.
Radios allow operators to communicate with each other across the county or strangers across the world along with providing emergency communications and weather spotting when needed.
The Montague County Amateur Radio Club was formed in January 2014. The club was born out of disaster when an F1 tornado ripped through the Amon G. Carter Lake area in May 2013 with no warning to the residents.
“Nobody said anything, no one was watching, including the weather service. It just happened,” said MCARC President Alan Walraven. “A friend said hey, you have an amateur radio how come we didn’t hear anything about this? I said well it’s not going to happen again.”
Eight charter members organized the club with a strong belief there was a necessity for it in this area.
“We felt a real need for it, certainly in the county. It seems like towns and cities can take care of themselves, but there’s no one out here watching the rural part,” said Walraven.
Read the full feature in your weekend News.
Alan Walraven sits at his “ham” radio system He is president of the Montague County Amateur Radio Club. (Courtesy photo)
Members of the American Legion Post in Nocona are planning a free Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 27 at the post home at 801 W. U.S. Highway 82.
Bring the entire family out to enjoy a bounce house, dunk tank, dart throw, temporary tattoos, balloon toss, plus hot dogs and hamburgers. Kiddos will need an adult with them.
Donations are always welcome, sponsored by American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
Fire officials remind residents that fireworks cannot be set off within the city limits of the county’s three incorporated cities of Bowie, Nocona and Saint Jo and violations could lead to a citiation for a Class C misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500.
The sale of fireworks runs through midnight on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged out in the country, but be cautious of their use to avoid any wildfire or injury.
In the Bowie area, fireworks may only be legally discharged at Selma Park on Lake Amon G. Carter on July 3 and July 4. Discharge at other times or locations may result in a ticket from city police who patrol the park.
While there is no burn ban on at this time, those using fireworks are urged to exercise caution due to possible wildfires fueled by the dry, windy conditions. Keep water available nearby when using fireworks.
High heat and wind also can create dangerous conditions for fireworks so please exert caution. Those who cause a wildfire can be held liable for any damage or injury.
Are you ready to walk among the giants of the prehistoric world?
Bring the whole family to the Bowie Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 7 for a spectacular, free traveling museum experience.
In this prehistoric museum event get up close with massive dinosaur skulls, incredible fossil replicas, and ancient prehistoric fish and mammals from all over the globe. Hosted by the Friends of the Bowie Public Library, this hands-on exhibit is perfect for future paleontologists of all ages.
The center is located at 413 Pelham Street in Bowie and is completely free and open to the public.This program is made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and The Friends of the Bowie Public Library.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonders of earth’s history. For more details on the exhibit, visit Dinosaur George Traveling Museum.
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