COUNTY LIFE

Nocona, Saint Jo High sending students to state academic meet

Published

3 years ago

05/04/2024

Nocona and Saint Jo High Schools will be sending students to the state University Interscholastic League academics meet in Austin next week.
NHS had two students qualify after contests last weekend. Abby Hill, sophomore, placed first in feature writing and fourth in news writing. This was her first year to compete in journalism. Her first place win sends her to state in feature writing where she will compete on May 14.
Isaac Fulumana, junior, placed first in current events, and this also is his first year to compete. He had the highest score across the state on the regional test.
Fulumana placed third in literary criticism and this is his second year to compete at the state level in this category. He will compete on May 15. The school placed 12th overall out of 50 schools at regionals.
The Saint Jo spelling team are the regional champions and will compete at the state UIL contest. Its members include Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth, Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. Johnson was second place individual.
Other students competing at the Region 3 academic meet were Layla Polk, fifth place in persuasive speaking and Maxey Johnson, fifth in ready writing. Good luck to all of them.

(Pictured top) Saint Jo’s spelling team of Maxey Johnson, Francesca Voth Paola Sanchez and Bailie Nobile. (Right) Nocona’s Abby Hill and Isaac Fulumana.

COUNTY LIFE

‘Officer Bob’ retires after 34 years

Published

1 hour ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

Bob Blackburn has fondly been called “Officer Bob,” for many years and it is a moniker he is happy to carry, spending more than 30 years working with the schools through local law enforcement.
Officer Bob has a heart for service he has shared through a total of 34 years in law enforcement, a lengthy career that comes to an end Oct. 30 as he retires after 25 years with the Bowie Police Department. He will continue as a reserve with the BPD and also wants to substitute teach.
“It’s time. I want to enjoy my kids and grandchildren, picking them up at school and going to games. I have loved working here and there has been an honest effort to get me not to retire, but I am in a good spot,” explains Blackburn one week from retirement.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

(Top photo – Bob Blackburn hugs Mayor Gaylynn Burris as he receives a Bowie Knife plaque at his retirement party Oct. 30.)

COUNTY LIFE

Councilors approve park path project

Published

2 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

The Bowie City Council approved a $950,000 project to improve the walking path at Pelham Park on Oct. 27.
Bowie Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Janis Crawley said the upcoming project will repave 26,277 square feet of pathway in concrete, spanning about 0.6 miles in length.
The work covers the trail section northeast of the Blade, curving past the soccer fields and toward the swimming pool.
Another section goes around the pool and sport courts, then back down toward the Blade. The project will also widen the trail section to eight feet and add a new 36-foot bridge.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

COUNTY LIFE

Veterans Day events set

Published

3 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

Bowie High School will honor veterans at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 11 in the high school gym. Staff and students invite area veterans to join them for a veteran’s breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a ceremony where each veteran will be recognized for their service to the country.
Veterans are asked to register at: https://bit.ly/VeteransDay2026RSVP.
The staff of the Montague County Veteran’s Service office is partnering with the American Legion Post 220 for its Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the post home at 801 W. U.S. 82. Veterans and their families are invited to join a complimentary lunch.