COUNTY LIFE
Fun facts on Groundhog Day

To get in the spirit of Groundhog Day — whether you want six more weeks of winter or not — here are 10 fun facts about the holiday:
1. Punxsutawney Phil is the official groundhog forecaster on February 2, but many states have their own (like New York’s Pothole Pete).
2. Phil’s full name, granted by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, is Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary.
3. Groundhogs typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds; Phil is 22 pounds.
4. Groundhogs only live six to eight years, but folklore suggests that Phil sips a magical drink that gives him seven more years of life.
5. The Germans originally chose a hedgehog as their animal forecaster. They turned to groundhogs instead when they discovered a large amount of them in Pennsylvania.
6. Hibernation is similar to being in a coma. When groundhogs hibernate, their heart rates drop to five beats per minute and they can lose up to 30 percent of their body fat.
7. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hosts a three-day celebration leading up to Groundhog Day.
8. The popular movie of the same name (starring Rockland County resident Bill Murray) gave meaning to the phrase “groundhog day”: to repeat something over and over again.
9. Phil’s fans have been able to get text message alerts of his predictions since 2010. (Text “Groundhog” to 247365, in case you’re interested.)
10. According to ABCNews, the National Climatic Data Center found that there is no correlation between Phil’s prediction and the actual weather forecast.
So, what’s your prediction? More wintry weather, or blue skies and sunshine? Sound off by writing a comment below.
This article originally appeared on hvmag.com in 2015. It has been updated to reflect 2019’s forecast and Punxsutawney Phil statistics.
COUNTY LIFE
JBD Bass Tournament postponed

Due to high lake levels at Lake Amon G. Carter, the Jim Bowie Days Association organizers announced Friday the tournament has been postponed and a new date will be named soon.
COUNTY LIFE
AgriLife Extension hosting preserving the harvest workshop

Texas AgriLife Extension will host a July workshop on July 26, Preserving the Harvest, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church of Montague County, 300 W. Nelson.
This four-part series will teach and review the food preservation processes including water bathing, pickling, dehydrating and pressure canning. This program will have both education and hands-on activities with take-home practice.
Seating is limited so call the extension office to register at 894-4831.
COUNTY LIFE
Cantwell to lead Pioneer Court

The 2025 Pioneer Court will be led by Joan Cantwell as the pioneer queen, with Duchesses Bill Ann Jones and Sue Swint.
A coronation of the court will be at 2:30 p.m. on June 27 at the Bowie Community Center. The public is invited to attend the crowning followed by a reception hosted by the Amity Club of Bowie.
Meet the ladies of the Pioneer Court in the Thursday Bowie News. Coming next week the young ladies competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days and Little Miss.
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