COUNTY LIFE
Warming center houses a dozen without power
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
About a dozen people stayed at the Bowie Community Center warming station which was set up Monday morning to provide a place for those without power or heat.
Throughout the week all across Texas families suffered through the cold as electric power went off due to rolling blackouts or storm damage.
The blackouts initiated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas were reportedly suppose to cycle in 15-20 minute blocks, but many parts of the state lost power for days.
In Montague County there were electrical outages throughout the rural countryside, as well as the rural communities around Sunset. The outages came on nights where weather records were broken as the temperature dropped to below zero ranging from two below to nine below.
Several county churches provided assistance where possible, but when the outages continued into Monday two warming centers were established in Bowie and Saint Jo.
On Monday Mayor Gaylynn Burris and City Manager Bert Cunningham, along with city staff and volunteers began to set up the center to provide a warm refuge.
“The Montague County Emergency Communications team was getting word a lot of residences in the southern part of the county had no electricity and no place to get warm. We opened up the center, but also knew we may be on a rolling blackout list; which did not happen and we maintained power. Those who were helped were very appreciative and the volunteers and community were a great help providing three meals a day,” said Burris.
Saint Jo Independent School District opened its cafeteria as a center, but it was moved Tuesday to the Saint Jo Fire Hall. Fire Chief Scott Thomas said they had one family that stayed one night and they went to a motel the next afternoon.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Members of the American Legion Post in Nocona are planning a free Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 27 at the post home at 801 W. U.S. Highway 82.
Bring the entire family out to enjoy a bounce house, dunk tank, dart throw, temporary tattoos, balloon toss, plus hot dogs and hamburgers. Kiddos will need an adult with them.
Donations are always welcome, sponsored by American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
Fire officials remind residents that fireworks cannot be set off within the city limits of the county’s three incorporated cities of Bowie, Nocona and Saint Jo and violations could lead to a citiation for a Class C misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500.
The sale of fireworks runs through midnight on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged out in the country, but be cautious of their use to avoid any wildfire or injury.
In the Bowie area, fireworks may only be legally discharged at Selma Park on Lake Amon G. Carter on July 3 and July 4. Discharge at other times or locations may result in a ticket from city police who patrol the park.
While there is no burn ban on at this time, those using fireworks are urged to exercise caution due to possible wildfires fueled by the dry, windy conditions. Keep water available nearby when using fireworks.
High heat and wind also can create dangerous conditions for fireworks so please exert caution. Those who cause a wildfire can be held liable for any damage or injury.
Are you ready to walk among the giants of the prehistoric world?
Bring the whole family to the Bowie Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 7 for a spectacular, free traveling museum experience.
In this prehistoric museum event get up close with massive dinosaur skulls, incredible fossil replicas, and ancient prehistoric fish and mammals from all over the globe. Hosted by the Friends of the Bowie Public Library, this hands-on exhibit is perfect for future paleontologists of all ages.
The center is located at 413 Pelham Street in Bowie and is completely free and open to the public.This program is made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and The Friends of the Bowie Public Library.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonders of earth’s history. For more details on the exhibit, visit Dinosaur George Traveling Museum.
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