NEWS
Nocona Lions shoot fireworks July 2, Saint Jo on July 4
There will be two organized fireworks shows in Montague County during the upcoming holiday weekend.
The Nocona Lions Club will present its 55th year of hosting fireworks at Lake Nocona. The show will be on July 2 with set-up at Weldon Robb Park.
Lions accept donations to help offset expenses of the fireworks, contact a local member or check the club’s Facebook page.
The Saint Jo Volunteer Fire Department will have its annual July 4th Celebration in Boggess Park on July 4. Families are invited to enjoy a full day activities at the parking including volleyball, basketball and water games all for fun, plus concessions that include hamburgers, hot dogs and snow cones, along with free watermelon. Bring your chairs to enjoy the fireworks on July 4th.
The fire department also accepts donations to help offset costs.
Earlier in the day on July 4th the Old Jo’s Firecracker 5K will take off in downtown. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. and the chip-time race begins at 8 a.m. Persons can register online at GetMeRegistered.com or Runsignup.com.
This is the 14th year for the race that began as a community fun run and has developed into a race that draws people from across the Texoma area. There is a variety of age groups for runners and walkers to register for.
Proceeds from the race go to the co-hosts, the Saint Jo Chamber of Commerce and Easy Street Animal Shelter. Call Camille at 636-236-9044 or or Cindy at 505-320-6119.
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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