NEWS
Potential for wildfires grows today, later this week

There is potential for large wildfires to occur this week that may outpace firefighter suppression efforts in areas near Childress, Lubbock, Abilene, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Midland, San Angelo, Fredericksburg, Del Rio, Laredo and Brownsville, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Wildfire potential increases throughout the week as weather conditions move to extreme. (Texas A&M Forest Service photo by Stuart Morris)
Extremely dry vegetation across the landscape will support wildfire activity when exposed to critical fire weather, which includes well-above-normal temperatures and increased wind speeds.
By March 29, the potential for large wildfires will escalate as critical fire weather is expected to develop over a large area of the state west of the Interstate 35 corridor. When these critical-to-extreme weather conditions combine with the extremely dry vegetation across the landscape, there is a possibility that large, significant wildfires will occur and may impact communities.
A Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak is also possible on March 29 in the High Plains. This weather phenomenon is characterized by extreme fire weather and can be compared to the high-impact Santa Ana wildfire events that occur in southern California.
The fire environment is likely to continue to support increased potential for large wildfires on March 30 for the Hill Country and South Texas.
Many recent wildfires have exhibited extreme fire behavior including group torching, which is the transition of fire from the ground to the canopy of trees, and spotting of embers and flammable material ahead of the active wildfire. An abundance of critically dry vegetation will continue to support wildfire activity as drought conditions intensify across the state.
“As conditions across a large portion of the state worsen, wildfires that ignite are burning more intensely and are frequently resistant to control,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “Unfortunately, little to no precipitation is forecast for the immediate future, and we expect the current level of wildfire activity to continue for some time.”
Current wildfire updates
This month, state and local resources have responded to 726 wildfires that burned 164,257 acres across the state. Over the past seven days, fire resources responded to 121 wildfires that burned 35,728 acres. These included Crittenburg Complex in Coryell County that burned an estimated 33,175 acres and is 0% contained; the Eastland Complex in Eastland County that burned 54,513 acres and is 90% contained; the Das Goat Fire in Medina County that burned 1,092 acres and is 50% contained; and the Ramsey Fire in Brown County that burned 3,100 acres and is 65% contained.
Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring the current situation closely and has positioned personnel and equipment in the areas of concern.
“State, local and federal firefighters have been extremely busy responding to increased wildfire activity,” said Rich Gray, Texas A&M Forest Service chief regional fire coordinator. “Fire resources are mobilized to areas of concern for a quick and effective response to any requests for assistance.”
Fully staffed task forces and additional suppression equipment are staged in Alice, Amarillo, Beeville, Brownwood, Burkburnett, Childress, Edinburg, Fort Stockton, Fredericksburg, Lubbock, McGregor, Merkel, Mineral Wells, Pleasanton, San Angelo, Smithville and Victoria.
Fireline supervisors, command staff and incident commanders with advanced qualifications are strategically placed across the state to respond. Additionally, resources from 34 states have been mobilized to Texas this month to support wildfire response efforts.
Aircraft were heavily utilized over the past week to support suppression efforts on the ground, responding to multiple wildfires and dropping a total of 263,000 gallons of water and retardant to slow forward progression of fires.
Thirty-five aviation resources are currently staged in state, including three large air tankers, 15 single engine air tankers, five air attack platforms, two aerial supervision modules, three Type 1 helicopters, two Type 3 helicopters, four Blackhawks and one multi-mission aircraft.
Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management also worked together to mobilize 12 strike teams via Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System to provide wildfire incident support.
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are caused by humans. Texas A&M Forest Service encourages the public to avoid outdoor activities that cause a spark while warm, dry and windy conditions are present.
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For current conditions and wildfire outlook, read the Texas Fire Potential Outlook https://bit.ly/3kemhbG.
NEWS
Bowie City Council agenda for April 8

Members of the Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on April 8 in the council for its only meeting for the month.
The city manager’s report opens the meeting as he discusses the bid openings for the sewer line replacement project phase two and the North Smythe Street sidewalk reconstruction.
There is only one old item of business, the second reading of the ordinance amending water rates. The average residential customer using 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of water per month will see an increase of $5 to $7.50 based on usage. This is the first water rate increase since 2018.
There are multiple items of new business. The 2023-24 outside audit will be presented by the staff of Mathis, West and Huffines. Four replat requests will be offered through the planning and zoning recommendations.
Base bid amounts for the sewer line replacement project phase two and the Smythe Street sidewalk project also will be reviewed. For the sewer project the base bid is $1,558,103.30. For the sidewalk it is $327,860.66. The sewer work is funded through a loan to the city from the Texas Development Board and the sidewalk through a Downtown Community Development grant program with the city having a matching portion.
The final item before public comments are two ordinance amending the mobile food vendors rules and permits.
NEWS
AI Workshop planned for Bowie Business Boost

After a successful multi-part workshop series last year, the Bowie Business Boost returns with a two-part workshop to take your business to the next level of effectiveness and profitability.
Attend this “AI Made Simple Workshop: Conquer the Tech Chaos and Win Fast” planned for April 24 and May 8. These will be breakfast programs from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The program will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with questions and answers to follow. Breakfast will be served 7:30 to 8 a.m.
The programs will be at the Bowie Community Center-west hall. Registration is $20 which includes both sessions. Registration is transferable. Register at accelerationbydesign.com/event-details/bowiebusinessboost25.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
NEWS
Saint Jo town hall talks needs, issues

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewonline.com
About 20 people attended the first of what Mayor Kelly Williamson expects to be regular town hall sessions where citizens can be informed or ask questions on issues in the City of Saint Jo.
Williamson and Police Chief Harvey Johnson conducted the meeting. The mayor was elected last year and is retired from the United States Army. He and his wife, Cathy, moved to Saint Jo about three years ago looking to set down some roots after the military. Their son is serving in the 101st Airborne Division.
The mayor said the top pressing issues he sees for the city are streets, then water and sewer systems. However, he exclaimed it all takes money to do that work, and even if state or federal grants those are often funded 80-20, which still leaves a big hunk for the city to fund.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – Saint Jo Police Chief Harvey Johnson, Fire Chief Scott Thomas and Mayor Kelly Williamson discussed needs in the city at Saturday’s town hall. (News photo by Barbara Green)
-
NEWS2 years ago
2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS1 year ago
Suspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS2 years ago
SO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS2 years ago
Wreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS2 years ago
Murder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS2 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS2 years ago
Bowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS2 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint