Responding to complaints about the unsafe operation of golf carts and ATVs in Nocona, the city council approved amendments presented by the police chief at the July 14 meeting.
In recent months, residents and business owners in downtown have made complaints about these drivers speeding, almost running into people and many of them being underage drivers. Police Chief Kent Holcomb offered the council an amendment that can hopefully tackle some of the problems, as well as provide for enforcement.
The City of Nocona allows the operation of golf carts and utility vehicles on city streets, but this amendment now requires these vehicle have an annual registration that carries a $50 annual fee. Fees will be prorated for a partial year at $25 for six months or less. Prorated fees will not be given to anyone who has received a citation for violating the ordinance.
An applicant shall provide proof of ownership or lawful possession , of the vehicle, proof of current financial responsibility required by law, copy of the operator’s valid driver’s license and payment of the registration fee. A decal will be provided for the vehicle.

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By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The 2026 certified property values for Montague County were released to the 16 taxing entities for which it sets values and for Montague County the total numbers were up 3.591%.
With the arrival of these numbers, the taxing entities can begin serious work on creating their budgets and proposed tax rates. Last year the Montague County Tax Appraisal District had to create two sets of values pending the November homestead election so they were happy things were back to just one set.
Certified values are based on property sales made as of Jan. 1, 2026. Chief Appraiser Kim Haralson said the values held up well during the protest hearings, and while minerals went down some there were a lot of new properties added.
New taxable property totaled $87,505,775 for 1,208 properties. Haralson said people appear to be setting up manufactured homes on some of the two-acre tract subdivision and other subdivisions are seeing people start to build houses.

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The staff of Brazos Electric Cooperative will host a public meeting to share information and receive feedback on a proposed 138kV transmission line project in Montague County.
This meeting will be from 4-6 p.m. on July 27 in the H.J. Justin Building, 100 Clay, Nocona.
For those unable to attend, online information will be available until Aug. 10 at brazoselectric-alcorn-cappscorner.com
This come-and-go public meeting will provide information and seek input on the rebuild and upgrade of a 14-mile transmission line. The propoosed 138kV double-circuit transmission line will connect the existing Alcorn Substation on Salmon Road with the existing Capps Corner Substation on Farm-to-Market Road 1956 and FM 677. The proposed right-of-way width for the new transmission line is 70 feet.
Attendees will be able to make comments, ask questions and share concerns with Brazos representatives and technical specialists from Oaklight Environmental Consulting.
Those with questions on the meeting may call 512-817-0733 or email brazoselectric-alcorn-bulcher@oaklight.com.