COUNTY LIFE
Summer reading programs begin in local libraries
Summer reading programs for area youngsters got underway this week at the Bowie Public Library and the Nocona Public Library.
The opening day for Bowie was Tuesday at 10 a.m. Theme for the season is “Build a Better World,” and it featured the high school cheerleaders, music and storytime.
Summer reading is open to youngsters through age 12. Each program last about an hour. On opening day children picked up their reading logs.
At the end of the program participants who complete 10 hours of reading will receive a certificate, can select a book for their age group and other prizes. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
On July 11 there will be Three Little Pigs skit, a puppet show on July 18 and a drum program on July 25.
Other dates will be July 11, July 18 and July 25, all at 10 a.m. There will not be a program on July 4.
For those older children, Teen and Tween Summer Reading is 2 p.m. each Wednesday in July for those ages 12-18. Other activities during July will be Makers Space each Tuesday at 2 p.m. and Minecraft and computer coding each Thursday at 4 p.m. for ages 12 and up.
Questions can be directed to the library by calling 872-2681.
Nocona Public Library’s Summer Reading also will be at 10 a.m. each Monday in July.
Children ages 3-16 are invited to attend. Call 825-6373 or stop by 10 Cooke Street.
COUNTY LIFE
Youth fair changes go smooth, sale tops $253,450
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The 2026 Montague County Youth Fair had one of its biggest premium sales in recent history Saturday night with $253,450 sold with 170 slots in the sale.
This year marked some big scheduling changes as the swine and ag mechanics shows were moved to a new day, along with leadership and home economics. There also were expanded classes in some livestock events which added a few more slots to the sale.
Kenton Holloway, fair committee secretary, said on Monday after scratches the final county was 302 exhibitors and 972 entries. The 2026 sale jumped to $253,450 up from $213,500 in 2025 where there were 161 slots.
Top photo – Kellen Rater is congratulated by the judge as he won overall reserve heifer.

COUNTY LIFE
Bowie Chamber seeking nominations for annual awards
The Bowie Texas Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its 2025 community awards which includes Business of the Year, Community Support Award and Frances Brite Citizen of the Year.
Nominations can be submitted through Jan. 16. Forms are available on the chamber’s webpage at bowietxchamber.org. All nominations are strictly confidential and should include why you feel this business, entity or person should be considered for this award. You may nominate anyone who qualifies, including your own business.
The submissions will be reviewed by the committee and results announced during the chamber banquet on Jan. 26.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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