COUNTY LIFE
Nocona, Saint Jo ready July 4th fireworks shows
While the pandemic has cancelled many events there are still plans for the annual fireworks shows in Montague County on July 4.
The Nocona Lions Club celebrates its 53rd year presenting a fireworks at Lake Nocona. Set up at Weldon Robb Park, the club invites everyone to enjoy the sparkle which begins at dark.
Lions’ member Phil Staley said while they have cut back a bit the show will still continue the tradition of celebrating July 4th. A GoFundMe account has been set up by the club to accept donations to help fund the event. Nocona Lions Club July 4th fundraiser is the tagline.
There are tentative plans for a boat show on the lake, possibly moving to the morning instead of the evening for the decorated boat parade. A time will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Citizens are asked not to set off their personal fireworks in the Weldon Robb Park area since the Lions show will be set up in this spot. Families can go to Benton or Boone Park to avoid any safety issues with the large show.
In nearby Saint Jo the fire department is getting ready for its fireworks spectacular at Boggess Park. Families are invited to bring their lawnchairs to the park for an evening of old fashioned fun, food, games, music and fireworks. Everyone is encouraged to social distance and take other precautions related to COVID-19 safety.
The popular Firecracker 5K was cancelled for this year, but the fire department has added the “Covid Relief Run” on July 4. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with the run at 8 a.m. The fee is $20. This is not a sanctioned race.
Those with questions may call 940-235-0653 or 940-995-2337 (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
The kid’s patriotic parade will be at 10 a.m. on the town square. Anything non-motorized can participate as the children are invited to create the most patriotic entry. Places first, second and third will be awarded.
Beginning at 5 p.m. there will be live entertainment in Boggess Park. At 6 p.m. the homemade ice cream contest begins. A cash prize going to a local charity will be awarded for first-third place.
A recipe must be displayed along with the ice cream’s name.
The Nocona City Council gave its budget proposal a final once-over before setting a public hearing for it and the proposed tax rate for Sept. 9 at 8 a.m.
Council members also heard from Blake McNew who is against the recently approved fee and registration process for golf carts and related vehicles.
Last month the council approved an ordinance that set forth registration requirements for these vehicles with a $50 registration fee. After several close calls and complaints from downtown business people and citizens on near misses with ATVs and golf carts driving unsafely downtown the council took the step to add the ordinance.
City Secretary Revell Hardison said after some discussion the council asked for it to be back on next month’s agenda with possible consideration for repealing the fee. After some research she added a person can go through the state to obtain a license plate for these vehicles and the local sticker would not be needed.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The staff of Texas Education Agency on Aug. 14 announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state.
Almost all of the school districts in the county saw their district ratings increase or remain consistent, along with some of their campuses.
There were 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses rated in 2026. Some 24% of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025.
Read the full story and see all the county ratings in your Thursday Bowie News.
2026 state accountability ratings
Bowie Independent School District – B, 80 of 100 points
Elementary/intermediate – C, 74
Junior high – B, 84
High school – B, 86
Bellevue ISD – A, 92
Forestburg ISD – B, 82
Gold-Burg ISD – C, 76
Montague ISD – A, 93
Nocona ISD – B, 86
Elementary – B, 80
Middle school – C, 79
High school – A, 94
Prairie Valley ISD – B, 88
Saint Jo ISD – B, 82
Elementary – D, 66
High school – A, 92
Friends of the Bowie Animal Shelter will host the annual Clear the Shelter event from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22.
The shelter is located at 1508 E. Wise. While this is a nationwide effort to recognize the work of animal shelters, their staff and volunteers, this also is a chance to support their efforts by attending the bake sale, silent auction and food vendors.
Adoptable dogs from the Bowie shelter as well as Easy Street Shelter of Saint Jo, Lucky Paws in Nocona and McCares of Montague will be present.
If your family is considering adopting a pet this would be a great time to visit with the animals and meet the volunteers who can tell you a bit about the animals. Prospective volunteers also are welcome, so ask your questions.
Staff from Cross Timbers Vet will be giving reduced price vaccinations.
There will be a prize drawing at noon for a bounce house and a Turtle Box speaker. Tickets are $5 each for a chance to win either prize. Drawing at noon.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS4 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death