COUNTY LIFE
Updates from the director of Texas State Parks
We hope that you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.
Up until recently, most state parks have stayed open. Park employees across the state rose to the challenge of providing safe outdoor access to about 740,000 visitors in March. But as demand increased, following social distancing and sanitation guidelines became more difficult.
At the governor’s direction, we closed all Texas state parks. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, as we are honored to provide access to the outdoors for millions of Texans. However, the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers is always a chief consideration for us.
The current crisis is not a state park problem or a Texas problem. It is much broader. It is now time for all of us to focus on doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. We would love to continue helping Texans make memories and smiles when they need it most. However, I feel this temporary closure is prudent, given the current situation.
Here are the steps we are taking:
- All state parks are closed to the public. If you had a camping or day pass reservation in April, we will automatically refund the full amount of your booking. You do not need to contact our customer service center.
- We have extended the term of Texas State Parks Passes by two months. This extension will happen automatically for any Texas State Parks Pass holder whose pass was active on April 7, 2020. You don’t need to take any action for this benefit.
- We are not taking new reservations for any state park. This includes both day pass and overnight reservations.
- Existing reservations for May and beyond are still valid but could be cancelled, depending on the situation. We will let you know if things change.
- You may cancel your May reservation without cancellation fees. Contact our customer service center at (512) 389-8900 or by email.
While the parks are closed, we will be hard at work maintaining and improving our facilities and grounds.
On behalf of the Texas State Parks and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, we are looking forward to the day when we can welcome you back to your state parks. We’ll be ready when that time comes. Until then, I encourage you to find nature a little closer to home and enjoy springtime in Texas as best you can. Stay healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Rodney Franklin
Texas State Parks Director
Bowie Independent School District Trustees accepted the recommendations for professional educator contracts with a few on hold as they await certification, as well as some staff who have indicated they may retire or resign.
The board met Monday night and Superintendent Blake Enlow said there are a few staff members who have said they plan to leave, but have not “formally” resigned. The board reviewed the list of contract offers in executive session and back in open session approved the list with stipulations for those finishing up certifications.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
The springtime tradition of Cruisin’ Nocona on May 3-4 with lots of family fun activities. This is the 11th annual event.
Enjoy the popular Poker Cruise on May 3 as drivers travel a 120-mile trek through the countryside of Montague County enjoying several stops along the way before looping back to Nocona for lunch.
Early-bird registration is $50. Forms are available at the Nocona Chamber of Commerce office at 304 Clay St. #3 or go online to Nocona.org/events to get a form. After April 25 the cost goes up to $65.
There will be on-site registration from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. that day at 915 E. U.S. Highway 82, where the cruise starts at 10 a.m. Each driver gets a goodie bag with a Cruisin’ Nocona T-shirt and ticket for the cruise lunch. Additional lunch tickets may be purchased for $20.
First-third place prizes will be awarded to the best poker hands.
On May 4 downtown Nocona will be filled with classic cars and big trucks for Cruisin’ Car Show. This is the second year to include the big trucks set up along Clay and West Walnut Streets.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 10 cars and pickups, top five motorcycles, Big Truck People’s Choice and Big Truck that traveled the farthest to the show. All makes and models welcomed. Forms are available on the chamber’s website.
The car show will have registration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clay and W. Walnut with judging from 1-3 p.m. Awards will be presented at 4 p.m. at the H.J. Justin Building, 100 Clay.
The May 8 deadline is almost here for the 2024 Keepsake Graduation section produced by The Bowie News. It is the only section where you will see senior photos of every high school in Montague County and Bellevue.
If you want to honor your graduate with a special ad or your business wants to congratulate a working senior, call 872-2247 or print a copy of the submission form at bowienewsonline.com. The section will publish on May 22.
-
NEWS1 year ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS5 months agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS1 year agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS1 year agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS9 months agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS12 months ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS1 year agoBowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS1 year ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint