NEWS
Child, 9, enticed to truck, runs back home
The staff of the Montague County Sheriff’s office is investigating a report of someone attempting to entice a child into a vehicle using candy Thursday afternoon.
Chief Deputy Jack Lawson said the report was made at 2:45 p.m. on June 22 on Smyrna Road. A nine-year-old girl told her stepmother that someone in a blue pickup tried to get her into the vehicle asking and enticing her with candy.
The youngster ran into the house and told her stepmother, who reported it to law enforcement.
“There is not a lot of information to go on, but we would encourage parents and other family members to remind their children to avoid any strangers who might try to lure them into a vehicle or to go with them anywhere,” explained Lawson.
As of Thursday, the only description was a four-door blue Dodge pickup. It is unclear at this time if it was a male or a female talking to the girl.
Anyone who has information about this case or a possible tip can call the sheriff’s office at 894-2871 or Crime Stoppers at 866-499-8477.
Calls to Crimestoppers remain anonymous and if any tip leads to an arrest, a reward may be provided.
NEWS
Commissioners return unspent state grant funds
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.
NEWS
Saint Jo Council calls November election
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.
NEWS
Sports, cookoff, barrels kick off Jim Bowie Days
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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