COUNTY LIFE
Weather folklore abounds this week from moon halo to Groundhog Day
There is a lot of weather lore being tossed around this week in the midst of the latest winter storm.
Besides Groundhog Day coming on Feb. 2, there also was Thunder snow and Thunder ice on Monday plus a halo around the moon during the weekend.
First, the halo around the moon. Before modern meteorology, watching the skies and relying on past history was the primary source of forecasting. For example, the halo around the moon, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, predicts wet or stormy weather.
Many of these proverbs were based on some bits of truth. The Almanac reports the ring around the moon usually indicates an advancing warm front, which means precipitation. Under those conditions, high, thin clouds get lower and thicker as they pass over the moon. Ice crystals are reflected by the moon’s light, causing a halo to appear. Despite some cloudy skies, several people reported seeing the halo.
There are several proverbs about thunder at various times during the spring.
Thunder in March betokens a fruitful year.
If it thunders on All Fools Day (April 1), it brings good crops of corn and hay.
Thunder in November, a fertile year to come.
Thunder in December presages fine weather.
Then we have Groundhog Day on Feb. 2. Will he or won’t he see his shadow? According to folklore:
If Phil does see his shadow (meaning the sun is shining), winter will not end early, and we’ll have another six weeks left of it.
If Phil doesn’t see his shadow (cloudy) we’ll have an early spring.
The folks at Punxsutawney, PA have been gathering for years in Gobbler’s Knob to see if Phil the groundhog shows his head out of the burrow. They have made something of a national celebration for it considering him the “Official Groundhog.”
The Farmer’s Almanac report that Phil’s “Inner Circle,” claim his predictions are almost always right, but records indicate it’s more like 39% since Phil began prognosticating back in 1887. The record shows he has predicted an early end to winter 18 times. In 2011 he predicted early spring only to see the eastern half of the U.S. get pounded with snow on into mid-March.
The date of Groundhog Day coincides with the medieval feast of Candlemas and its pre-Christian predecessor, Imbolc. An old Scottish prophecy foretells that sunny weather on Candlemas means a long winter.
No matter what the weather spring will officially arrive with Vernal Equinox at 5:24 p.m. on March 20. The Farmer’s Almanac reports warmer, spring-like weather may not come until a little later.
COUNTY LIFE
Commissioner’s court meets on Nov. 25
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
COUNTY LIFE
Bowie Fire Department celebrates its past year
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
COUNTY LIFE
‘Wine like a dog’ event to aid new county shelter
The new Montague County Animal Rescue, which will be helping with operation of the new county animal shelter, invite you to “Wine Like A Dog” on Dec. 3 at Kimber Creek Wine Bar and Gift Shop in downtown Bowie.
The evening will include wine and charcuterie from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while raising funds for the rescue organization. Tickets are $50.
Melanie Gillespie of Montague County Animal Rescue said the new 501c3 has completed its agreement to work with Montague County operating the animal shelter.
“Your support enables us to launch the opening of the first county-run animal shelter. We invite you to join our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for animals in need,” said Gillespie.
Limited tickets will be offered at the door based on availability. Those with questions may call Gillespie at 469-951-0215 or email [email protected].
-
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
-
NEWS1 year 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