By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Just like last year new subdivision development is driving the rising property values across Montague County as two entities saw a reduction which in that case was a result of lower energy values.
The preliminary property value statements began arriving in county mailboxes this past week as the Montague County Appraisal District sent out some 42,000 statements including personal property, plus oil and gas notices. Overall property values for Montague County rose by $188,921,762.
Kim Haralson, chief appraiser for MCTAD, said just like last year they are running into a lot of new structures placed in the last year in these new developments whether it be ones with 100 lots or ones with 10. Last year it was down to the wire said the appraiser as they tried to get all those new properties put into the system, and this year it was similar. New taxable construction totaled $91,632,132.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

As the nation takes to the lakes this Memorial Day weekend to kick off summer, boaters are reminded to brush up on their safety skills and make sure their water crafts are ready for the season.
National Safe Boating Week takes place the week prior to Memorial Day emphasizing safe boating practices such as wearing life jackets.
As the temperatures in Texas climbed to over 90 degrees this past weekend, there is expected to be a lot of lake activity across the state. In Montague County the two major recreational lakes will certainly be busy as both have been replenished with rainfall. Lake Amon G. Carter outside Bowie is topping 100% and Lake Nocona is 85% full.
Preston Kleinman, Montague County state game warden, said things look good at both lakes as the summer season begins. He encourages boaters to make sure they have all their required safety gear on the boat. That includes the following:

• Proper fitting life jacket for everyone on board;
• Type 4 throwable;
• Sound producing device such as a whistle;
• Fire extinguisher;
• Registration card;
• Kill switch lanyard if in your type of boat.
• Read the full story with updates on local lakes in the mid-week Bowie News.

By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
The Bowie City Council accepted a $1.38 million bid for phase two of the sewer line replacement program and received an engineer’s update on Nelson Street drainage.
Council members met Monday night and opened the evening with the presentation of proclamations for Emergency Medical Services Week and National Travel and Tourism Week. Members of the Bowie EMS service accepted the first proclamation and Cindy Roller of Bowie Community Development accepted the second.
City Manager Bert Cunningham reported the city received one bid for phase two of the sewer line project that will replace the Glenn Hills lift station and sludge pumps at the wastewater plant. While the bid came in above the original estimate, Mike Tibbetts of Hayter Engineering, said there are several things that can be removed to lower the costs.

Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.

Pictured – replacing a manhole in phase one. (Courtesy photo)