COUNTY LIFE
Local educator turns passion into a side business
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
“The heat, the hammering, creating something out of nothing, it’s absolutely addicting.”
That is how knifesmith Sergio Menchaca describes forging a hand-crafted knife and his passion for the forge and its creations is obvious as you watch him work.
Most around Bowie know “Mr. Menchaca,” as principal of Bowie High School. Arriving in North Texas in July 2019, Menchaca soon made his presence known around the district. His enthusiasm and concern for students and education is felt by all those around him.
The administrator came to Bowie with 18 years of teaching and administrative experience primarily in the Hill Country, where he grew up in Junction Texas and later in Midland. He spent 11 years in the classroom working with special education grades 9-12, resource English and as a behavior interventionist. Menchaca says while working with these students was challenging at times, it also brought some of the greatest rewards.
Knife collecting began for Menchaca when he was a youngster. He laughs his dad says his boy was always interested in knives since he was old enough to talk, but they’re not sure where the dye was cast for the hobby.
“As a kid I wanted all kinds of knives, of course starting with pocket knives. My scoutmaster carried an Old Timer, so if you can only afford one that is what you get. I have gone through a lot since then and as a collector I have a few,” said the Eagle Scout.
In his adult life, Menchaca got to a place where he felt he was spending too much on knives, especially on custom ones, which can get pretty expensive. It then began to dawn on him, “I could make them cheaper.”
Read the full feature on this knifesmith in the weekend Bowie News.
Nocona and Saint Jo High Schools will be sending students to the state University Interscholastic League academics meet in Austin next week.
NHS had two students qualify after contests last weekend. Abby Hill, sophomore, placed first in feature writing and fourth in news writing. This was her first year to compete in journalism. Her first place win sends her to state in feature writing where she will compete on May 14.
Isaac Fulumana, junior, placed first in current events, and this also is his first year to compete. He had the highest score across the state on the regional test.
Fulumana placed third in literary criticism and this is his second year to compete at the state level in this category. He will compete on May 15. The school placed 12th overall out of 50 schools at regionals.
The Saint Jo spelling team are the regional champions and will compete at the state UIL contest. Its members include Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth, Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. Johnson was second place individual.
Other students competing at the Region 3 academic meet were Layla Polk, fifth place in persuasive speaking and Maxey Johnson, fifth in ready writing. Good luck to all of them.
(Pictured top) Saint Jo’s spelling team of Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. (Right) Nocona’s Abby Hill and Isaac Fulumana.
Young ladies interested in competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days 2024 are invited to attend a mandatory pre-contest meeting at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Bowie Rodeo Arena (highway side).
This annual contest is open to girls ages 14-21 for Miss Jim Bowie and those 13 and under for Little Miss. An application and contestant photo will be due at that time. There is an application fee of $50 and a sponsorship fee of $100 (name of sponsor will be placed on their sash).
The Miss JBD contest will be on June 28 with horsemanship at 8 a.m. at the arena. A brunch will follow and time will be allotted to change clothes.
Contestants also will be required to ride Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the grand entry and rodeo; Saturday morning parade at 10:30 a.m. and attend every festivity during the festival.
Queen prizes will be a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, a $500 college scholarship, clothing allowance and more. Little Miss prizes include a saddle certificate from Teskey’s, clothing allowance and more.
For application forms or those with questions may call Rilla Brock, 817-228-6914 or Shalee Rater at 254-979-5780.
With a wet April already in full swing and more storms expected in the coming months, the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District staff is here to provide tips and tricks on creating your very own rainwater harvesting system.
Nearby counties received between 24-28 inches of rain last year, and just a fraction caught from roofs and barns can sustain landscaping, livestock, or family homes.
Rainwater harvesting helps alleviate stress on local groundwater systems, preserves streets and roadways, and can even slash your monthly utility bill. View our recommendations below and consider a harvesting system today.
The district recently named the five finalists for the 2024 grant program for rainwater harvesting system.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
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