COUNTY LIFE
First day of school dates vary across the county
The countdown has begun as the hours until the first day of school near in just under three weeks.
This year school schedules across the county will be different as every district has adopted some modified form of a four-day school week. Some take off Friday, some take off Monday and some won’t take any days off until a few months into the school year.
With all those varying schedules it was a surprise to see six of the eight school districts The Bowie News covers will start within a day or two of each other Aug. 7, 8 or 9, with Saint Jo the odd one out beginning on Aug. 16.
While the News staff will provide additional details on school start events such as Meet the Teacher nights as they are announced, this story outlines the start dates.
Bowie Independent School District starts on Aug. 7, along with Gold-Burg, Nocona and Prairie Valley. Forestburg starts Aug. 8 and Montague on Aug. 9.
Saint Jo opens on Aug. 16, as does Bellevue in neighboring Clay County.
Bowie will host Meet the Teacher on Aug. 3. There will be a Back to school fair at 9 a.m. on July 29. It is hosted by the district and the Pregnancy Resource Center at the high school campus.
The event provides free school supplies, hair cuts, eye exams, school information, online registration help, resources for community organizations and fun for the kids.
Prairie Valley will have Meet the Teacher on Aug. 3. The traditional pep rally will open the year at 5:30 p.m. in the gym. Families can visit with teachers and tour the school until 7 p.m. The district’s Title 1 meeting and special programs’ information will be presented.
Montague School will have Meet the Teacher from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Aug. 7. Students can meet the staff, drop off supplies, decorate lockers and tour the schools. Schedules for those in grades fourth-eighth will be in their labeled locker.
Nocona Middle School will have Meet the Teacher 4:30 – 6 p.m. on Aug. 4. Families also can drop off supplies and pick up schedules.
A Bellevue Back to School Bash will be at the Bellevue Methodist Church from 2-5 p.m. on July 30. There will be free school supplies, hot dogs and bounce houses.
The Bowie News will publish event information as soon as they are made available.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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