COUNTY LIFE
Nokona begins 84th year in new, modern facility
By BARBARA GREEN
Since a 2006 fire destroyed the factory of Nokona, the manufacturer of American-made ballglove has been something of a company without a home.
While they continued to produce gloves in a make-shift building in downtown Nocona owners continued searching to find a more suitable location. It was not until this past summer Robby Storey, vice president of Nokona, made a deal with Craig Carter who was renovating the historic former Nocona Boot Company located on U.S. H
ighway 82.
A long-term lease was negotiated and as 2018 opened, the production staff was cutting and sewing gloves in a modern, industrial facility complete with a nod to the past. It will be the company’s 84th year.
For Nokona, it could be called a homecoming to the old boot factory. After the 2006 fire they moved into the facility for a brief two-year period.
Read about the 84 year history of this company and learn about its new modern manufacturing plant in the mid-week News.

A worker puts the final touches on a Nokona glove. (Photo by Barbara Green)
COUNTY LIFE
‘Officer Bob’ retires after 34 years
Bob Blackburn has fondly been called “Officer Bob,” for many years and it is a moniker he is happy to carry, spending more than 30 years working with the schools through local law enforcement.
Officer Bob has a heart for service he has shared through a total of 34 years in law enforcement, a lengthy career that comes to an end Oct. 30 as he retires after 25 years with the Bowie Police Department. He will continue as a reserve with the BPD and also wants to substitute teach.
“It’s time. I want to enjoy my kids and grandchildren, picking them up at school and going to games. I have loved working here and there has been an honest effort to get me not to retire, but I am in a good spot,” explains Blackburn one week from retirement.
Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.
(Top photo – Bob Blackburn hugs Mayor Gaylynn Burris as he receives a Bowie Knife plaque at his retirement party Oct. 30.)
COUNTY LIFE
Councilors approve park path project
The Bowie City Council approved a $950,000 project to improve the walking path at Pelham Park on Oct. 27.
Bowie Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Janis Crawley said the upcoming project will repave 26,277 square feet of pathway in concrete, spanning about 0.6 miles in length.
The work covers the trail section northeast of the Blade, curving past the soccer fields and toward the swimming pool.
Another section goes around the pool and sport courts, then back down toward the Blade. The project will also widen the trail section to eight feet and add a new 36-foot bridge.
Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.
COUNTY LIFE
Veterans Day events set
Bowie High School will honor veterans at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 11 in the high school gym. Staff and students invite area veterans to join them for a veteran’s breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a ceremony where each veteran will be recognized for their service to the country.
Veterans are asked to register at: https://bit.ly/VeteransDay2026RSVP.
The staff of the Montague County Veteran’s Service office is partnering with the American Legion Post 220 for its Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the post home at 801 W. U.S. 82. Veterans and their families are invited to join a complimentary lunch.
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