NEWS
Dry conditions fueling grass fires across north Texas
During the weekend north Texas firefighters battled several wildfires that damaged thousands of acres, structures and shut down major highways due to heavy smoke and fire.
Concerns about potential fire conditions this week led the governor’s office to preposition two large air tankers regionally to be available to respond quickly to fire danger.
This past two Friday two major wildfires threatened towns and property in this region. Firefighters from across a 120-mile area responded to the fires including numerous firefighters from Montague County departments.
The Electra complex fire began about 3 p.m. on Dec. 10 and is believed to have started on Hwy. 25 near the hospital. Wichita County Sheriff David Duke reported it was likely power lines crossed in the high winds which may have sparked the fire.
Some 2,300 acres were impacted by the fire and Electra School District, residents along U.S. Highway 287 and locations along Business 287 were called to evacuate. U.S. 287 also was closed down for a time period due to heavy smoke
and fire. Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom approved a disaster declaration for this fire area Monday. The fire was not fully contained until Sunday.
That same afternoon a grass fire started in Clay County south of Jolly. Called the Arrowhead fire, it eventually covered more than 6,300 acres in Clay County.
The fire jumped U.S. 287 and split into two fires as the high winds pushed the fire north. It also was not fully contained until Sunday. Evacuations also were being considered for several small towns and communities in the fire line.
A Dec. 11 fire in Young County burned across more than 500 acres.
Conditions around much of Texas are dry and forecasts are calling for winter weather to be warmer and drier than average.
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows most of the High Plains, West Texas and East Texas are in extreme drought to abnormally dry. West central, central and coastal parts of the state are not experiencing drought.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioner’s Court reluctantly returned money to the state connected to Senate Bill 22 in fiscal 2024.
During Monday’s regular session, County Auditor Charley Lanier explained the three transactions. SB 22 provided funding for prosecutor offices to assist with paying staff, and in the sheriff’s office for staff and equipment.
If all the money was not spent it had to be returned. Lanier explained the fund was approved in 2024, but it arrived after the fiscal year began and commissioners did not want to spend any of until the funds actually arrived in county coffers.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
The Saint Jo City Council had a brief meeting on June 17.
The 2026-27 budgets for appraisal and tax collections from the Montague County Tax Appraisal District were approved. The tax collection budget faces a 3.71% increase and 2.2% in the appraisal budget.
The city’s payment for tax collections will go from $1,305 for the year down slightly from $1,445 last year. The appraisal portion for Saint Jo will be $9,526, up from $9,361 in 2026.
A municipal election for Nov. 3 was called. Places open on the ballot will be mayor, and the places filled by Melissa McPherson and Jack Dunn, who was appointed to fill out a term.
The council approved a resolution to apply for grants for water infra structure improvements through the Texas Water Development Board. The city is working with engineers from Corlett, Probst and Boyd of Wichita Falls on a proposed project.
The 60th anniversary Jim Bowie Days Celebration opened on June 20th with a full day of activities focusing on sports and a barbecue cookoff.
Festivities continue throughout the week highlight by rodeo, youth rodeo, kid’s activities and Pioneer Court. The second annual Smokedown BBQ Cookout began on Friday night with the steak and beans contests. Three other categories for chicken ribs and brisket followed on Saturday. There were 27 teams, four more than last year.
Conducted by Outlaw BBQ, the grand champion was Vinny McNamara, with 36 points. Steve Cumbie was reserve grand champion with 26 points.
Read about all the weekend’s winners complete with many photos in your Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – The first annual pickleball tourney drew 17 teams. Teams greet each other before they start play (Photo by Barbara Green0
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