NEWS
Newly elected councilors take oath of office for Bowie City Council
Two returning and one new city council member took the oath of office Monday night for the Bowie City Council.
Kristi Bates, precinct two began her second term and Terry Gunter, precinct three, began his second full term. Laura Sproles, precinct one, joins the council as its newest member, but she previously served 2011-2014.
The council elected Jason Love to continue as mayor pro tem. Laura Hefley, serving since May 2020 was presented with a Bowie knife plaque in appreciation for her service to the city.
City Manager Bert Cunningham asked the council for direction on how to select and hire a new city attorney.
Che Rotramble, city attorney, will become Wise County attorney in January. The city staff has received two applications already. Cunningham said last time the council interviewed the applicants. Councilor Love said he felt like that method was very productive and went well with a great choice in Rotramble.
Cunningham said he would set up interviews for December, possibly prior to the regular meeting.
Read the full story in your mid-week Bowie News.
Prior to the start of the meeting, Burris was presented with a Hometown Hero Award given by Brent Shaw of Modern Woodmen of America. She was nominated by the community members.
Shaw, also a member of the council, said Burris was recognized for her service to the community. A donation will be made to a charity of her choice, and Burris named the Pregnancy Resource Center.
Agenda topics
City Manager Bert Cunningham asked the council for direction on how to select and hire a new city attorney.
Che Rotramble, city attorney, will become Wise County attorney in January. The city staff has received two appli
A 44-year-old Bowie man was arrested Monday morning at the lake next to Bowie High School after he was acting suspiciously and ran from police.
At 7:28 a.m. May 4 Lt. Bob Blackburn saw a man trespassing at the school lake. Nearby there was a vehicle parked on the service road belonging to the suspect, Zane Huntley. The license plate on the vehicle had been concealed using tape.
“My immediate first thought was someone was here to hurt my kids. Covering up your plates is something criminals do,” said the officer.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Staff of the Montague County Tax Appraisal District sent out 15,815 preliminary property value statements for the 2026 tax year.
An additional 3,500 mineral notices and 90 business personal property notices were sent out by Pritchard & Abbott.
Overall total preliminary values for the county went up 8.1% when compared to certified values from 2025 reported Chief Appraiser Kim Haralson.
Property values have undergone many changes in the last few years based on actions from the Texas Legislature, subdivision developments and energy.
Last November, Texas voters approved an increase in the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 which affected last year’s values and taxes.
Ongoing development of subdivisions throughout the county and fluctuations in the oil and gas industry also are having an impact.
Values were determined as of Jan. 1, 2026, so any activity after that date such as recent upheavals in energy due to the war in Iran have not impacted the numbers.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
A total of 15 cases were returned by the Montague County Grand Jury in its April session.
Six of those cases are sealed awaiting the arrest of suspects reported the staff of the 97th District Attorney’s office. The sealed cases are for charges of burglary of a building, unauthorized use of a vehicle possession of a controlled substance, prohibited substance in a correctional facility, indecency with a child sexual contact and injury to a child/elderly/disabled person with the intent of bodily injury.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.
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