COUNTY LIFE

Grant funds available for vegetative fuel breaks

Published

5 years ago

10/15/2021

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting grant applications from landowners in the high plains region of Texas who construct vegetative fuel breaks on their property.

The Vegetative Fuel Break Grant applications are open now through December 17, 2021, and could result in reimbursement to eligible recipients of up to $2,500 for the cost of trees, weed barriers, planting contractors, drip irrigation systems and other items associated with the creation of vegetative fuel breaks.

“This grant is intended to help protect communities in the high plains by reducing the risks of catastrophic wildfire events on both public and private lands through creating vegetative fuel breaks,” said Jake Gosschalk, Texas A&M Forest Service Program Specialist (Fuels).

Green vegetative fuel breaks are trees and shrubs that are systematically planted adjacent to fields, homesteads or feedlots as a barrier to reduce or redirect the wind. As a result, irrigated and maintained fuel breaks can impact wind-driven fire behavior that could allow time for residents or firefighters to evacuate before the fire impacts nearby homes or structures.

During the 2017 fire season, it was observed that a well-maintained and irrigated vegetative fuel break or homestead windbreak impacted wind-driven fire behavior and provided time for residents to evacuate.

Eligible fuel break projects must have a minimum of three rows of trees and span at least 400 feet in length. Additionally, a bare-ground strip and a short grass strip are required, which will greatly increase the potential benefits of the fuel break.

“When landowners create vegetative fuel breaks on their property, they will be much more prepared for fire season,” said Gosschalk. “Texas A&M Forest Service representatives are happy to answer any questions landowners have regarding the application process or how a vegetative fuel break can mitigate the risk of property damage caused by wildfires.”

All grant applicants will be notified of a decision by January 31, 2022. Texas A&M Forest Service does not complete the actual planting and building of the vegetative fuel break but will conduct an on-site assessment of the landowner’s property prior to the approval of an application. If an application is approved, Texas A&M Forest Service will then further discuss the project details with the recipient.

Interested landowners may visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CommunitiesinAction/ for a copy of the application. Application packages must be mailed to the contact information listed below.

Texas A&M Forest Service

Mitigation & Prevention Department

6330 Hwy. 290 E Suite 115

Austin, TX 78723

COUNTY LIFE

Nocona City Council may reconsider golf cart registration fee

Published

4 hours ago

08/20/2026

bowienews

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.

COUNTY LIFE

School ratings strong across area

Published

4 hours ago

08/20/2026

bowienews

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

COUNTY LIFE

Clear the Shelter this Saturday in Bowie

Published

4 hours ago

08/20/2026

bowienews

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.