COUNTY LIFE

Published

7 years ago

06/15/2019

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
It’s a beautiful summer day in Texas. Kids are fishing, canoeing, making crafts and singing silly songs. It’s all part of a typical day at summer camp, but for the special needs campers at Charis Hills it’s a unique opportunity to just be a regular kid.
Charis Hills is nestled across 100 acres of beautiful wooded and rolling hills outside Sunset. Opened in 2009 by Rand and Colleen Southard, the couple had been in the camp business since 1983, and while they had been dealing with special needs children for years, they had a desire to provide a place for what they call the under served population of youngsters with autism.
They explain Charis is Greek for grace and acceptance, so the name Charis Hills seemed perfect for a place where everyone is accepted for who God made them.
Looking back
Rand Southard can look back to exactly when he knew helping children was going to be the passion of his life. At five years old he became an amputee after his left leg was removed just below the knee due to a birth defect. As a disabled child he knew first hand the pain of not being picked for the baseball team and not being included.
As a youngster Southard went to Texas Lions Camp, the world’s largest camp for children with disabilities that welcomes those with lost limbs, the deaf and blind. He recalls it being the first place where he saw children who looked like him.
Southard didn’t want to go at first, but little did he know it would become a life-changing experience. He attended the Kerrville camp for two summers and after graduation from high school he returned as a counselor for two summers. It was a time that decided his future.

COUNTY LIFE

Third Music in the Park scheduled June 13

Published

3 days ago

06/04/2026

bowienews

As summer opens, the third annual Music in the Park is planned for June 13 in Pelham Park.
This free musical evening will feature a unique array of musical talent to entertain as guests pull up their lawnchairs under the large oak trees. Hosted by the Bowie Community Center and R&K Sound Company, music begins at 4:30 p.m.

The Lowdown Drifters will be headliner with the opening acts of Jesse Wadsworth, Thad Murphy and the Monty Dawson Band of Bowie.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

Top photo – ZZ Top Texas performed at the 2025 Music in the Park event. (News file photo)

COUNTY LIFE

Summer health fair planned June 11

Published

3 days ago

06/04/2026

bowienews

There will be a Summer Kick-Off Health Fair for senior citizens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 11 at the Bowie Senior Citizens Center.
Join the group for a free chicken spaghetti lunch, door prizes and games. The Lions Club will host free eye exams and there will free blood pressure checks.
Questions can be directed to Cynthia Hawkins at 940-366-4960 or Ashlie McCarty at 940-500-8954.

COUNTY LIFE

Nocona Chamber of Commerce presents awards

Published

3 days ago

06/04/2026

bowienews

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The Nocona Chamber of Commerce celebrated its members during the annual banquet on May 29 where awards were presented and businesses encouraged to “create a shared belief in the future.”
President Marie Molsbee welcomed the guests and introduced officers and members of the chamber board: Chris Fenoglio, vice president; Donna Lemons, secretary; Shelby Weaver, treasurer; and members, Corissa Miller, Emory Rodden, Heather Morris, Jason Castle, Jason Miller, Logan Manning and Maddie Ferguson.
Teresa Dirker was the guest speaker.

See all the awards from the chamber and Nocona Economic Development Corporation in your Thursday Bowie News.

Top photo – Robert Fenoglio received the Nocona Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award, presented by President Marie Molsbee at last Friday’s banquet. (News photo by Barbara Green)