COUNTY LIFE
Lewis retires as county judge, Benton to fill out term
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Montague County Judge Rick Lewis, who has served for the past six years, announced his retirement Monday with Justice of the Peace Two Kevin Benton, selected by the commissioner’s court to fill the remainder of the term until the end of 2021.
Jack Pigg, retired law enforcement officer and businessman, was named to fill out the JP term which also ends in 2021.
Lewis announced his retirement following a brief 15-minute closed session, both Pigg and Benton attended. The judge was clearly emotional making the announcement with a “sad heart” after a difficult month.
“This has been the honor of my life to have the citizens of Montague County entrust me with this job. It is very humbling. I thank this court, we did a lot of great things in six years I am proud of us as a court. This has been special,” said Lewis.
The letter stated: “It is with a sad heart and deep regret that I announce my retirement today, June 22, 2020, effective June 24. There are personal issues that require my decision, and I feel that not only is it in my best interest, but in the absolute best interest of the county. This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I have been humbled by the citizens of this county for giving me the opportunity and responsibility to represent Montague County as their county judge.”
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Bowie will begin dressing up downtown during the annual Hanging of the Greens starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16.
On Saturday morning volunteers will gather to hang lighted garland and wreaths on the nearly 100 lamp posts throughout downtown Bowie. These sparkling decorations will light up the area for the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Festival the weekend of Dec. 7, as well as throughout the holiday season.
Any citizen, family, student, civic group or club is invited to take part. Those with questions may call the BCDB office at 872-6246. Volunteers will meet at city hall across from the BCDB office at Pecan and Mason to receive their supplies. Please bring along a step ladder.
It’s going to be a “Candy Cane Christmas” in Bowie this year during the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Festival on Dec. 7.
Event host, the Bowie Community Development Board is planning a full weekend of activities to help launch the holiday season in Bowie.
The lighted parade is one of the weekend’s highlights and those wishing to enter should remember the deadline is Nov. 16.
Dec. 6
Festival weekend begins with Sip & Stroll With Me from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 6.
Throughout downtown participating merchants invite strollers to enjoy wine or other drinks, and other holiday munchies as they shop stores and meet retailers. There will be live music, a holiday photo booth, carriage rides and of course lots of shopping.
Wristbands may be purchased at any of the participating merchants for $15. Strollers will receive a wine glass with their wristband, but they also are welcome to use a previous glass. Proceeds go toward downtown beautification projects.
Dec. 7
Saturday offers a full array of family-fun activities to enjoy from pancakes to floats.
The City of Bowie Fire Department welcomes families to enjoy free Pancakes with Santa from 7 to 10 a.m. at the fire hall, 203 Walnut. Toy drive donations will be accepted and there will be photos with the Big Guy.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Montague County celebrated its veterans Monday during a program at the courthouse annex in Montague.
The young men of the Trail Life Troop 1309 of Bowie posted the colors offering the American and Texas flags, followed by the American Heritage Girls Troop 1031 also from Bowie who gave the pledge of allegiance. Thad Murphy gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
Jerry “Doc” Cody, Forestburg, was the guest speaker sharing a bit of his experience as a U.S. Army veteran. Cody is an active volunteer with the county veteran services office, which hosted Monday’s program.
After being drafted, he was inducted into the Army on June 13, 1967. After completing basic combat training, Cody went to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio where he trained as a combat medic.
After a 12-day leave he was sent to Vietnam where he served in the Central Highlands assigned to the 2/17th field artillery.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Top photo – speaker Jerry Cody.
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