COUNTY LIFE
Local educator turns passion into a side business
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
“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.
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.
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